Whether she is running, biking, hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, gardening, shoveling or skiing, you will find her getting outside daily to enjoy it.

Besides being a Tahoe enthusiast, Wendy is a homeschool mom, local artist and entrepreneur. She has lived in South Lake Tahoe since Spring 1999, and started Wendy Gems in 2011 — handmade jewelry designs, crafted using natural gemstones, Freshwater Pearls and Sterling Silver.  Some of her favorite local businesses include Thai Orchids, Freshies, Sprouts, Nel’s Hardware, and Beads Etc.  We agree!

In her own words:

My earring charms come in a colorful variety and are interchangeable, hanging from locking Sterling Silver leverbacks.  I also do custom work and jewelry repairs.

In the fall of 2009, I joined Global Celebration on a mission trip to Mozambique, Africa. I was deeply affected by my experience and inspired by those who spend their lives serving the poor. I asked myself, “What difference can I make?” I believe the answer to my question came to my heart one morning while I was reading, “Working with (my) hands what is good, that (I) may have something to give to those in need.” Ephesians 4:28b.

I had already been making jewelry so that I could offer lovely, handmade gifts to my friends and family. But in March 2011, I applied for my business license and “Wendy Gems” was born. Since then, designing jewelry has become an even greater joy to me, especially knowing that a portion of each Wendy Gems purchase is shared with “those in need” through various local and global ministries.

Wendy Stephens of Wendy Gems in South Lake Tahoe can be reached at 530-544-3650 and 530-545-2616.   You can also find Wendy on Facebook and on Etsy.