All Things Rings: A Story of Blossoming Creativity

Written By: Ben Kim

Pulling into the drive-thru of the local Dutch Bros to grab a signature sweet iced coffee or an iconic sour blended rebel energy drink may be a mundane activity for many, but for Tatum Utter, it’s her daily duty to show up for a shift as a Broista. Of course, like most people, she also has responsibilities and passions outside of her day-job. While some people enjoy playing video games, reading, or even engaging in Medieval combat, Utter (pictured below) chooses to run a business. That business, All Things Rings, focuses primarily on selling up-cycled jewelry made from old silver and gold spoons, with products ranging all the way from intricate rings to simple hair clips. Not only is she the creator of All Things Rings, but she also independently runs all aspects of her business. This endeavor entails responsibilities including but not limited to; managing her website, managing social media accounts, crafting the multitude of products she sells, keeping track of finances, and even going out bright and early at 5:00 am to set up a stand at her local market. For the average person, this is a lot to be doing on top of maintaining a customer service job. However, for Tatum, finding the drive and grit to stick to it is easy thanks to her passion for creativity and her unwavering commitment to kindness. 

From the beginning, Utter had an insatiable longing for exercising the creative side of her mind. In an interview, she stated that the inspiration behind All Things Rings was “a 17 year old girl… who just saw a video online and put her thoughts to action, turning old heirloom pieces, usually found in a drawer, into beautiful jewelry and accessories.” Of course, turning this interest into a business required much more than passion. Utter learned of this early on from “one big fortunate error” involving her roommate, Dee, from her first year with All Things Rings; “I shared a picture of a specific spoon I had discovered at a thrift store. (Dee) claimed the object right away… I should not have made (the ring). The spoon was named ‘Valencia’ and was from 1965. The spoon cost more than $100 at retail.” Dee still has the sterling silver ring crafted from “Valencia” (pictured above), which, ironically, has become Utter’s favorite creation from the last four years. It stands as a testament to Utter’s growth and buoyancy through one of the many challenges of running a business; making mistakes. The reason behind her resilience ultimately ties back to her passion for creativity. Another incredible example of her blossoming creativity is her piece, “Chandelier”, which she created in November of 2023. This shining chandelier (pictured on the right), made from brilliant jewels along with a combination of silver spoons, forks, and serving utensils, is a beautiful piece Utter is particularly proud of. It’s clear that Utter is fueled by an undoubted love for the arts, constantly reimagining new ways to breathe life back into the forgotten relics of memories passed. 

Beyond her undying passion, Utter finds a larger purpose in creating more than just shiny pieces of jewelry. While the effort to create truly beautiful art by upcycling disregarded, abandoned utensils is noble in itself, Utter is driven by a virtuous effort to support her community. She stated that the most important piece of the puzzle for her is “to always sell (her) product with intent.” She expanded on this further by saying “I always want individuals to love what they are getting and to feel loved when having the conversation.” Through every interaction, Utter showcases the ability to lead with love. This is even true on a larger scale, with Utter’s most meaningful piece stemming from a tragic story: “a young student from my high school died in a serious vehicle accident,” she shared. “I made the J ring as a way to honor him. This ring had the letter ‘j’ with a halo above it. I will always make rings like this one for other people, and Jayson’s legacy will endure.” The J ring (pictured to the left) was given to over 500 people, each one reminding its bearer to “live today like Jay.” Though she was originally intimidated by the request, Utter could not turn down the privilege; she understood the profound impact this would have within the community that raised her and embraced the opportunity to give back. From the small daily interactions to the projects that serve the community surrounding her, Utter finds purpose in embodying kindness and thoughtfulness every step of the way. 

Without a doubt, Tatum Utter's journey from her role as a Broista at Dutch Bros to the proprietor of All Things Rings illustrates an extraordinary blend of creativity, resilience, and compassion. Her unwavering commitment to creativity is evident in her ingenious upcycling of forgotten utensils into stunning pieces of art and jewelry, while her resilience in the face of challenges reflects her dedication. Through her artistry, Utter not only creates beautiful accessories, but also fosters a sense of community and connection. Her most meaningful creations, such as the "J ring," serve as poignant reminders of love, remembrance, and the enduring power of kindness. With each interaction and project, Utter exemplifies the transformative impact of leading with love and purpose. As she continues to thrive as a local business owner, Utter inspires us all to embrace creativity and compassion in our endeavors.