Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Beams.
Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Since my last interview with Voyage LA, a lot has happened.
In 2024 I opened Golden State Goods in downtown Atascadero, and I’m now in that infamous third year of business. People always say it takes about three years to really find your groove, and I think I’m still working on that. Business has definitely picked up now that the downtown construction is behind us, and it’s been exciting to see more people discovering the shop and downtown. There have been some comings and goings with Downtown Businesses but Im excited for 2 new food spots: Lebber’s Woodfired pizza who are killing it at all things wood-fired and then Momotaro Ramen & Izakaya opened July 8.
One of the things I’m most proud of is starting Traffic Jam Vintage & Handmade, a monthly pop-up market I co-organize with my friend Jen. We launched it last year in the parking lot directly behind Golden State Goods, and it’s held every third Sunday of the month. We wanted to create an affordable, welcoming market where small vintage sellers and handmade artists could set up without a huge investment (+ I love vintage shopping). Now in its second year, we’ve built a really fun community around it. We have a fantastic DJ who has become part of the market’s personality, some vendors who join us every month, and a rotating mix of new makers that keeps every event feeling unique. One month we hosted Junebug Musical Instruments, who handcrafts his own instruments, and another month we welcomed the Amanceer Coffee Cart for their first pop-up and it was amazing. It’s become one of my favorite things to be a part of.
Earlier this year I also partnered with the team at Fieldwork to help bring their community art space into downtown Atascadero. We opened the new location in March, just one block from my vintage shop. Before that, I was teaching silversmithing workshops inside Golden State Goods, so moving those classes into a dedicated creative space felt like the perfect fit. We’re thoughtfully building Fieldwork into a place for workshops, art exhibits, live music, community gatherings—and yes, even ping pong every other Thursday.
Teaching silversmithing has become another big part of my life and having a larger studio space has allowed me to expand from beginner classes into more advanced workshops. Alongside my four silversmithing classes, Fieldwork also offers stained glass, bookbinding, writing workshops, and figure drawing, with more workshop ideas in the works.
On top of all that, I’m one of many downtown merchants who meet regularly to help create events that bring people into Atascadero. We recently organized a downtown block party featuring local musicians, and it was incredible to see the streets full of people enjoying local businesses, food, and live music.
So yes… I’m definitely keeping busy. But every one of these projects has the same goal: creating spaces where people can gather, make things, discover local businesses, and feel connected to their community. That’s the part I love the most.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Even a smooth road can be scary. Atascadero is still a small, unknown town smack in the middle on LA and the Bay. But seeing people come from all over the state and country to visit is something new and great. The renovations of the Carlton Hotel and people coming in that are staying there is something new.. I am super chatty when I work my shop and I ask all the questions. There’s a little buzz about us. The other thing is our rents are relatively low which allows businesses to bring their vibe, their heart and passion and it shows. When rents are high, businesses have to sell higher dollar items and that isn’t always sustainable..it’s a different demographic that isn’t coming to Atascadero…yet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now I’m a lot of things but creatively, I’m a Silversmith. I’ve been working with Sterling Silver since 2013, but really since the 90’s. Working as a Silversmith is not something I tell people you jump into. The tools, the materials and the space are something you build along the way and it’s expensive. Silver is priced based on the market and it shot up last year. But teaching people has been a lot of fun and a nice way to pivot. Making rings using natural stones is my specialty. I make nicely weighted rings and use stones from local stone cutters which is amazing.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think the quality that’s helped me the most is simply showing up consistently.
I’m not someone who has a five-year master plan. I tend to see an opportunity, ask, “Why not?” and then put in the work to see where it goes. Golden State Goods, Traffic Jam, teaching silversmithing, and now Fieldwork all started because I saw a need or an idea that felt worth trying.
I’ve also learned not to be too attached to the original plan. If something isn’t working, I adjust it. If something unexpectedly takes off, I lean into it. I think a lot of small business owners feel pressure to have everything figured out, but most of us are learning as we go. And Atascadero being small, allows us to try things some towns just can’t.
More than anything, I genuinely enjoy bringing people together. Whether it’s through a workshop, a vintage market, an art show, or a downtown event, I love creating spaces where people connect with each other. That sense of community keeps me motivated, even on the difficult days, and I think that’s been the biggest contributor to whatever success I’ve had.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goldenstategoods.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenstategoods/?hl=en
