Minnesota Woman Triumphs with Thriving Jewelry Business Two Years Post-Heart Transplant

A Heartbeat Away from A New Adventure

**MINNEAPOLIS** — Let’s talk about a tale that’s as much a masterpiece as the clay earrings it features. Picture this: from her cozy Victoria, Minnesota home office, Katie White is managing a thriving business she never saw coming. Brace yourself; this journey began under unimaginable circumstances.

The Heartfelt Muse

Back in 2022, Katie White found herself in a life-or-death situation. She [received a heart transplant and a visit with Mayo’s Art at the Bedside program](https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lesson-in-crafting-gave-heart-transplant-patient-new-lease-on-life/). Little did she know, this encounter would alter her life’s course. As she recovered, she began crafting jewelry, seemingly out of nowhere.

A Beating Gallery

Fast forward a bit, and here’s Katie, the proud owner of Katie White Designs. Specializing in clay earrings, her creations are now gracing boutiques all over Minnesota and Wisconsin. To put it mildly, her business is nothing short of booming. “I would say we are in 20, 25 stores across the Twin Cities and Wisconsin, so it’s pretty huge,” White boasts.

From Bedside Crafting to Boutique Blasting

Sarah LaRose, the co-owner of LaRose & Co., vividly recalls their first encounter. “She came in and I couldn’t believe she just had a heart transplant, and they were beautiful. I think I bought all of it,” she muses. White’s work, indeed, speaks for itself. It’s now being sold at spots like Statement Boutique in the North Loop of Minneapolis, among others.

From Patient to Pathbreaker

Feeling stronger than ever post-transplant, White’s life has become a whirlwind of creativity. She’s expanded her team, hiring five more women to cope with the soaring demand. Quite the leap from her hospital-room beginnings. Her story is a testament to resilience.

> “This process has shown me that I had no business experience. I had no jewelry-making experience, and I just kept going,” White admits. It’s a truth many New Yorkers can resonate with: perseverance is everything.

Ears-on with the Earring Experience

Want to snag a piece of her vibrant artistry? White offers her lightweight earrings, designed for women of all ages, [online](https://katiewhitedesigns.store/). But, if you’re the touch-and-feel kind, there are several chances to catch her in action around the Twin Cities this month.

– **Dec. 9**: Meeting Point Holiday Market, Rosemount
– **Dec. 13-15**: European Christmas Market, St. Paul
– **Dec. 14-15**: Santa Clause Lane, Chanhassen
– **Dec. 19**: Carver Junk Company, Chaska

The Magic of Discovering Untapped Potential

Katie White stands as living proof that when life throws you a curveball, you might just hit it out of the park. Her business endeavor, born from adversity, gives her more joy than she had ever imagined. For her, it’s not merely a job. It’s a venture that brings fulfillment, one clay earring at a time.

If you’re keen on more uplifting stories like Katie’s, tune in to [Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield’s](https://www.cbsnews.com/team/susan-elizabeth-littlefield/) shows. She thrives on positivity and is your go-to source for news that cheers the spirit.