Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Dixon.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up surrounded by creative women. My mother, aunts, cousins, collectively had something special— painters with skinny brushes holding their hair up, quilters with rich, bold fabrics hand-dyed using plants grown in the garden, bakers rolling out dough and delicious smells fresh from the oven; all makers who turned weekends into art-filled adventures. I naturally found a path to a medium of my own. How could I not with the support of such talented role models? By middle school I was outfitting my friends with the latest 90s chokers and necklaces, all through high school to the perfect accessories to complete that just graduated look.
Life took me in other directions for a while. I served in the Army, started a family, and set my tools aside. But creativity has a way of circling back. When my daughters became interested in making jewelry for their friends, I found myself teaching them precision skills and rediscovering the joy of making. Before long, my pliers were never far from reach; glittering piles of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets filled my workspace. What to do with that much jewelry?
My partner, David, finally said what I hadn’t yet grasped: “You have enough to start your own line.” And so Barefoot & Imperfect was born. Local markets and festivals quickly became our happy place — there’s nothing like watching someone light up when they find a piece that makes them feel beautiful. To know that something you created will be loved and cared for.
Then came years that changed everything. Covid, homeschooling, and the weight of mental health challenges pushed creativity from hobby to lifeline. In 2021, my 18‑year‑old son passed away. The early days of grief were indescribable. Therapy and creation became the only places I could breathe. True oxygen. From that darkness emerged a rainbow of gemstones and Czech glass — pieces built with grit, purpose, and a fierce desire to shine light where it’s needed most.
I have found a passion for Czech glass beads, especially mixed precious and semi-precious gemstones. There are plenty of areas in the world that produce glass beads, but the Czech Republic has been in the bead industry for hundreds of years back to when the land was known as Bohemia. With a rich history of production and an endless variety of shapes and sizes, it is a quality selection that I love to incorporate in my design work. I bring that same level of selection to my gemstone beads as well. I look for good craftsmanship as a foundation and add my artistic skills to highlight what nature provided for us to enjoy.
There are several local events we return to each year; Kimmswick Strawberry Festival, WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest among them. I am also fortunate enough to have some permanent space at Lake Fine Art Academy & Galleria in Lake Ozark, MO to display some special pieces. Our favorite is the occasional travel weekend, it’s a gift to be able to blend purpose, passion and a road trip! I don’t think David understood how many weekends he would be donating to this little adventure, but his smile tells me he is unbothered by it.
Why Barefoot & Imperfect? Because I’m frequently barefoot and always imperfect. The name is a reminder. To be yourself, embrace your quirks, and live boldly. Celebrate the one life you get. Be brave. Lick the frosting. Buy the jewelry. And above all — lead with laughter, kindness, and beautiful imperfections.
Pricing:
- Moderate pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://barefoot-imperfect.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barefootandimperfect/
