Times Union Women@Work: May 2021
Women of Excellence: Drue Sanders crafts career out of business, art
Drue Sanders did not want to be a “starving artist,” but she wanted to dedicate her life’s work to art. Rather than settle for expressing her creativity in the hours outside of a normal day job, she made the decision 46 years ago to build a sustainable, profitable business by creating custom jewelry.
“All this time, I have never felt like I am going to work,” said Sanders, owner of Drue Sanders Custom Jewelry in Albany, which specializes in custom design, consulting and repair of engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewelry. “Jewelry is wearable art, and I get to share my passion every day with the community.”
While there are stereotypically few shared traits between a business person and an artist, Sanders' early beginnings in life positioned her to become both.
She grew up in a business-savvy household. Her father managed paper companies and her mother was a business professor. Sanders’ parents supported her enthusiasm for art, but encouraged her to do it for financial gain, rather than solely as creative expression.
“I wish my mom were alive today to share my recognition with her as a Woman of Excellence in business,” said Sanders, who has been honored for her work dozens of times over the years, and proudly displays many of her accolades on the company’s website. A highlight of her career was receiving the 2005 Governor's Award for Excellence from then-Gov. George Pataki for being a top female artist in the state.
“It’s special to be recognized by my peers as a good business person and as someone who is involved in the betterment of our region,” Sanders said. She recalls other career highs outside of creating jewelry for her clients, like being commissioned to create sculptures and art pieces for local dignitaries, political figures and individuals recognized by New York state.
“My creativity and artwork is accepted and acknowledged in this area,” she said. “It is a gift.”
While the pandemic challenged the jewelry business as many gatherings and celebrations faced postponement or cancellation, Sanders said it strengthened her relationships with loyal customers. She was especially touched by a client who reached out to prepay for purchases at the store, though Sanders gracefully declined the offer.
“So many reached out wanting to make sure the business was going to make it through,” Sanders said. “I still believe it will take some time before we are back to normal, but I am determined to prevail.”
Sanders is the perfect illustration of the life that can be built from simply loving what you do.
“You must believe in yourself,” she said. “But also, do your homework. Convince yourself that your business will not only survive, but will continue to be profitable in the long run.”