Glamography Magazine aims to feature everyday women and their stories. Our mission is to give these women the opportunity to break out of their day-to-day, get glammed up a little, and celebrate their true, authentic selves. This is Dawn's feature from Issue #3 of Glamography:

Dawn Cline: A Life Forged in Fire

Dawn is a woman who embodies resilience, courage, and the audacity to dream. Her journey, marked by both adversity and triumph, has led her to a place of self-discovery and creative expression through her business, 5c Metalworks. Dawn's story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dared to dream or felt the sting of setbacks.

Trials and Triumphs

Dawn's life has been a series of ups and downs. She's experienced the highs of love and the depths of heartbreak, the satisfaction of professional success and the challenges of financial hardship. Through it all, she's emerged stronger, her spirit tempered by the fires of adversity.

Dawn's journey took an unexpected turn when her third marriage ended in a tumultuous divorce. "It was a mess," she recalls, her voice filled with the lingering pain of that difficult time. "He actually threw me and the kids out of the house for just short of three months, and I owned the house before we got married."

The experience left Dawn reeling, both emotionally and financially. She found herself couch surfing, relying on the kindness of friends and family, while her ex-husband attempted to strip her of her assets. "I have never had somebody try so hard to take away everything I ever worked for," she shares, the hurt still evident in her voice.

Yet, even in the face of such adversity, Dawn's fighting spirit shone through. She refused to be defeated, drawing strength from her own inner resilience and the unwavering support of her loved ones. "I'm a fighter by nature," she declares. "I don't give up. Ever."

After a protracted legal battle, Dawn emerged victorious, securing her home, a vehicle, and a portion of her belongings. But the ordeal had taken its toll. She moved next door to her parents to help care for her ailing father, who was losing his battle with cancer.

A New Chapter: The Birth of 5c Metalworks

In the midst of this tumultuous period, a glimmer of hope emerged. Dawn met Cory, a man who would become her rock, her confidant, and her biggest cheerleader. "He was absolutely phenomenal, supportive, and just everything," she says, a smile warming her face.

With Cory's encouragement, Dawn decided to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her house to pursue a lifelong dream: silversmithing and engraving. "I had always been an artist," she explains. "Drawing and painting have always had a place in my life, but since childhood, I have always had a fascination with western art and that lifestyle, particularly engraving and leatherwork."

And so, 5c Metalworks was born, its name a tribute to Dawn's late father and his own entrepreneurial spirit. The business became Dawn's creative outlet, a place where she could channel her passion and create beautiful, handcrafted pieces that reflected her love of western art and her own unique artistic vision.

Finding Joy in the Journey: The 5c Metalworks Philosophy

For Dawn, 5c Metalworks is more than just a business; it's a journey of self-discovery and creative expression. It's a testament to her belief in the importance of pursuing dreams, no matter how big or small.

"It's important to always keep a dream," she says, her eyes sparkling with conviction. "Without dreams, there is nothing to look forward to in life."

Dawn's approach to her craft is rooted in authenticity and a deep respect for the materials she works with. She believes in creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, imbued with the spirit of the maker and the stories they tell.

Creating from a place of joy and exploration, Dawn approaches each piece with passion. “When I make a new piece, I make it with the intention of ‘if it sells, it sells, if it doesn't, I'm gonna wear it.’ They are all labors of love and pieces that I pour my heart and soul into.”

Her commitment to her customers is evident in her personalized approach and her dedication to creating pieces that reflect their unique personalities and stories. "I don't typically mass produce much of anything," she says, emphasizing her focus on creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Dawn is known for her custom work and is always striving to create something new for each customer. Common types of pieces she works on include belt buckles, spur strap buckles, buckles for horse tack jewelry, and she is known for her silver work and turquoise jewelry. Clients will also hire her to engrave new or existing pieces.

"Whenever I’m sharing my work, I always say that if you see something you like, but it's not quite you, please message me. Everything I do is custom. I want to work with you and create something beautiful together," she says, her voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm.

One of Dawn's specialties is turquoise jewelry, where she masterfully combines the vibrant blue gemstone with intricate silverwork. Her creations often feature natural elements, such as leaves, flowers, and animals, reflecting her deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

Dawn's passion for engraving is evident in the intricate details she adds to her pieces. She uses a variety of techniques, including hand engraving and pneumatic engraving, to create unique textures and patterns that bring her creations to life.

Whether she is crafting a delicate silver pendant or a bold belt buckle, Dawn approaches each piece with the same level of care and attention to detail. She is committed to creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also functional and durable, ensuring that they will be treasured for years to come.

The Power of Community: Finding Support and Inspiration in the Silversmithing World

Dawn's journey into the world of silversmithing has not only been a personal one but also a deeply social one. She has found a supportive and inspiring community within the silversmithing world, connecting with fellow artisans and enthusiasts through online forums and workshops. "I found a really cool community within the engravers," she shares, describing her experience with the Society of Hand Engraving Artists (SHEA).

Dawn's involvement in the SHEA community has provided her with a platform to share her experiences, learn from others, and grow as an artist. "I log in a lot of times," she says, referring to the weekly Zoom meetings hosted by the SHEA community. "If I've got questions, I'll go to my shop. I'm like, 'Hey guys, I need to bounce this off of somebody.'"

The support and encouragement Dawn has received from the SHEA community have been invaluable to her growth as an artist and a business owner. "They're super supportive," she says, expressing gratitude for the camaraderie she has found within the silversmithing world.

Embracing the Journey: Finding Joy in the Process and Celebrating Success

Dawn's journey as a silversmith is a testament to her unwavering passion for her craft and her commitment to living a life filled with joy and purpose. She approaches her work with a sense of enthusiasm and dedication, always eager to learn and grow as an artist.

She says that though she would love to be a silversmith full-time, she doesn’t want to ruin her passion for the craft by putting too much pressure on making sales. 

“If my craft ever gets to the point that it becomes too much like work, it's time to stop. That's always been kind of my motto, you know, sell out the tools and just be done if it gets to the point that it's actual work and you're not enjoying it… because if I’m not enjoying it, I feel like that shows in my work.”

Throughout this new venture as a silversmith Dawn has kept her day job as a paramedic, stating the importance of having a job to ‘pay the bills and for her retirement.’

She loves to remind herself of her roots and that she will always be learning and growing as an artist. “The very first set of pieces that I ever made was a bracelet and a ring just playing in my shop. And you know what? It's not perfect, and that's okay, but I'm gonna keep it around, and I'm still gonna wear this. Even though it's rough, it's gonna remind me where I came from, just to remind myself, ‘you ain't all that.’”

Dawn says she will always be learning and growing. "I'm still figuring out various aspects of running the business like social media," she admits, acknowledging the ongoing learning process that comes with running a business. "Don’t get me wrong though, I'm loving every second of it right now," she says, her voice filled with passion.

Dawn's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: "Don't jump too fast. Give yourself some grace. Give yourself time for experience."

She also emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive and inspiring people. "Surround yourself with the kind of people that you want to be, and you will be that kind of person," she advises. 

Pearls of Wisdom: Life Lessons from the Forge

Dawn's journey has taught her valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of self-belief. She's learned to embrace her imperfections, to find joy in the process, and to never give up on her dreams.

"Perfection is an illusion," she says, her voice firm. "You will never be perfect, and that's okay. Perfect is boring. Be you. Unapologetically."

Dawn's advice to other women is simple yet profound: be kind, do the right thing, learn to forgive, and always keep moving forward. "If you live in the past, it will grab you and pull you under," she warns. "Always maintain forward momentum."

She also stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people. "Don't be afraid to lose friendships," she advises. "Sometimes those people aren't really your friends, and you'll make new ones."

A Legacy of Strength and Beauty

Dawn Cline is a woman who has found her voice and her purpose through the art of silversmithing and engraving. Her story is a reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, that setbacks can be overcome, and that true beauty lies in authenticity and the courage to be yourself.

Through 5c Metalworks, Dawn is not only creating beautiful pieces of jewelry and western art but also a legacy of strength, resilience, and creative expression that will inspire others for generations to come. Her journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find joy in the pursuit of passion.

Dawn's story is a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and that with passion, dedication, and a supportive community, anything is possible. As Dawn says, "It's been a wild, beautiful ride to get to this point in my life, and I'm still loving every second of it right now." 

You can find Dawn on Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, and TikTok as 5c Metalworks L.L.C.

Her website is 5cmetalworks.com

Inquire by messaging her on any of her pages on social media or email her at [email protected]

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