Meet the maker

Christy Korniychuk
Christy Korniychuk, age 18, started hand stamping five years ago and immediately fell in love with the craft. She takes pride in creating dainty, minimalist pieces with inspirational messages and sells them online, in boutiques, and at pop-up markets under her business, Once Upon a Stamp, which is based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Christy seeks to inspire women with her mantras and jewelry to do whatever they set their mind to. “That seemingly small reminder,” says Christy, “when worn, can become something you truly start to believe.” Christy not only works hard to achieve her own goals but also wants to inspire others to do the same.

How long have you been hand stamping and how did you get started?

I have been hand stamping for 5 years now. I started in eighth grade when I saw a friend’s stamped cuff bracelet and decided to try making my own. I ordered the basic supplies and fell in love with the craft immediately.

Why do you hand stamp?

I hand stamp because it is so rewarding to see how much a word or a mantra on my jewelry can positively impact someone’s day.

What do you like most about hand stamping?

I love when I get in a rhythm while stamping each letter individually, I usually turn on some music and just jam out.

What is it about creating something with your own hands that’s so special?

You really take pride in every piece you make and seeing a customer’s reaction is so special. Also something about being able to say “I made that” is just so cool!

Where do you get your inspiration?

What inspires me to create is the maker community I am a part of. Everyone is so supportive and uplifting. Seeing my fellow maker friends go after their goals makes me want to work harder to achieve mine!

What do you do with your finished pieces?

I own the business Once Upon a Stamp and sell my hand stamped pieces on my website, in boutiques, and at pop up markets.

What are your hand stamping aspirations?

My aspiration for my hand stamping business is to help women live out their mantras with every piece of jewelry I stamp. I want women to know that they are worthy, that they can achieve the things they set their mind to, and that they are not alone in their struggles. I believe it is so important to surround yourself with inspirational mantras. That seemingly small reminder, when worn, can become something you truly start to believe.

Do you have any hand stamping tips or business advice for new stampers?

Practice, practice, practice! I will never forget the excitement I had after receiving my first order. It was for four cuff bracelets, and I was quickly humbled when I started to stamp them. I ended up with a pile of 36 scraps, just to stamp four without messing up. So don’t get discouraged, it even took me a while to get the hang of it and I still mess up sometimes to this day.

See more from Once Upon A Stamp

Instagram @onceuponastamp

You can browse and purchase at www.onceuponastamp.com/