The Silo Silver Story

 



Silo Silver owner, Erin Petrocci

Hi friends! Today I will introduce you to a dear friend of mine. She's a young entrepreneur from Brookville, Kansas who developed an interest in designing jewelry. She made her dreams a reality with her one of a kind, hand crafted jewelry business, Silo Silver. Here you can get to know the girl behind every piece of unique jewelry. 

Erin (Walker) Petrocci grew up on her parents ranch outside of Salina in Brookville, Kansas.  With an appreciation for the agricultural lifestyle, Erin spent many days working horseback on the ranch alongside her dad, tending to their cattle herd. While Erin enjoyed working on the ranch, her passion was in barrel racing, which is ultimately, how we met. In 2010, I had an outstanding black barrel mare named Shadey that helped me place high at the College National Finals Rodeo my senior year. That summer, Erin contacted me about buying Shadey, which gave birth to a great friendship between the two of us.



Erin and I have both made trips between Kansas and South Dakota/North Dakota to visit each other over the past few years, which usually revolve around branding, shipping calves or weddings!

Erin, Shadey & I on Erin's wedding day.

Erin & I at shipping time.



Michael & Erin Petrocci

Custom baby belt buckle.

In September 2013, Erin married Michael Petrocci and they have recently moved back to the Walker family ranch in Brookville where they built a house and have also added a building where Erin makes her jewelry.

Happy wedding day!

Custom brand pendant and bracelet

Custom rings

Here's our interview with Erin:

 

1) Tell us a little about your life growing up, hobbies and how your upbringing led you down the path you are on today?
EP: I grew up on a ranch in central Kansas. I've always loved the ranch life; riding horses and working cows. I junior, high school, and college rodeoed. I've met some of my best friends through horses and rodeo. If it wasn't for my upbringing and lifestyle, I don't think I would have ever started making custom ranch brand jewelry. I'm sure glad I did!



2) What led you to start your own business and make jewelry?
EP: My mom took a local jewelry class and started making jewelry as a hobby, so I joined her. I really liked it and so I took more classes and eventually started selling it. With the help of social media my business started to take off!
3) What are the pro's and con's of owning your own business and being a young entrepreneur?
EP: The best thing about owning my own business is having the ability to set my own hours and work how and when I want. Sometimes it can be pretty overwhelming though. I am just one person and yet I am the owner, manager, designer, fabricator, secretary, and accountant. You cannot leave work, it is always with you. I find myself emailing, invoicing, and catching up on bookwork wherever I am and always late into the night. But I love what I do.
4) Who has been the most influential person in your life?
EP: I've always been a Daddy's girl. His and my love for the horses, cattle, rodeo, and the ranch life have always connected us. He inspires me to chase my dreams.
5) What's the greatest piece of advice you've been given? 
EP: Someone once told me the quote "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
6) What's on your bucket list?
EP: To qualify for the NFR of course!
7) What's your favorite movie or tv show?
EP: We don't have cable or watch much TV, but I love the TV show "The Voice" and have tried to keep up with each season.
8) The best place you've visited or vacationed?
EP: I've been blessed to travel all over the U.S. and go on some great vacations, but some of my favorites include ranches in LaGrange and Saratoga, Wyoming.
9) Your favorite fashion statement?
EP: My Old Gringo cowboy boots and my Travis Stringer wedding ring

 

So, I am sure you are all wondering how you can contact Erin or order a custom piece from her. You can find her on Facebook under Silo Silver or you can also follow Silo Silver on Instagram. Currently, Erin is booked until after Christmas with custom orders. She will announce on Facebook and Instagram when orders will be opening back up. Each piece is unique so prices vary on every design. Erin can put your brand or initials on pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets, ect.  

Erin & Shadey

Thanks Erin for the interview! (now come visit me damnit!)