This is not a normal jewelry store. The first question is “where did you get the name”? The short answer is it came in a dream. The deeper version is a story of pent-up creativity that found its way out. Paige Rance’s father was a good man but not supportive of his daughter’s creative drive. He was from a generation that coveted a good education from elite schools and a practical career path that was sure to be stable, lucrative and sounded impressive when he would tell his friends. He was a lawyer and hobbyist pilot. He was, in a sense, an impressive man.
Paige got a degree in economics and never used it, like most people of her generation, the degree meant more than the skills learned. She dabbled in many artistic endeavors and side hustles. Face painting for children, fashion design & sewing, repurposed furniture making are just a few of the crafts she sought to release the creative pressure building inside.
Where Did the Name Hotel Ugly Come From?
After her father passed away, he came to her in a dream and gave his blessing to go do whatever she wanted. It was freedom at last. No more judgement or suppression. She awoke and simply said, “I’m going to make jewelry”. The attraction was in the process of taming fire and metal and turning it into something beautiful. Burn, bang, stretch, cut – it’s a cathartic practice. The process feels less like manufacturing and more like discovery. Our true selves come out in the art we make. The goal is not perfection. She was tired of trying to be perfect. For years, Paige felt pressure to get things just perfect. Jewelry taught her something different. The pieces she loved most weren’t flawless. They carried marks of the process. They had character.
Finding Beauty in Imperfection
Beauty is found in the raw, organic, and often unpredictable nature of life and art. The things we love most are rarely flawless. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a person, character is often forged through adversity, shaped by experience, and made more meaningful by its imperfections. The process reveals the true nature of craft and people. You may have an idea of how you want things to go. But let’s be real, they never do, and what typically manifests are far more meaningful than what you planned.
The name combines two ideas. “Hotel” comes from the aviation phonetic alphabet; a nod to her father, a pilot. “Ugly” reflects the belief that imperfections often make things more beautiful and memorable. Together, Hotel Ugly Metal became an place where people can show up exactly as they are. It’s for those that want to express themselves without judgement, in fact, be that person that has enviable confidence in fashion and style. Ultimately, a person that knows who they are.
Jewelry for Style Freedom
The style of Hotel Ugly Metal jewelry is many times bold. Maybe a little bigger or more unpolished than you are accustomed to. It’s not something you wear to prove a point of your financial freedom. It’s to show your style freedom. It is painful to hear people say, “I love it, but I could never pull that off”. If you love it with conviction that is what is most important. It’s a statement that you are your own person, something most people desire but are afraid.
The space is intimate and comfortable. It’s part shop, where all the jewelry is made and part hang out, where you can peruse the jewelry, stylish decorating and uncommon art, and meet and visit with the makers. Visitors are encouraged to linger. Ask questions. Watch jewelry being made. Handle pieces. Share stories. The goal is to create connections.
A Working Jewelry Studio at TUPPS Brewery
Mckinney has a growing makers culture. Keith Lewis, owner of Tupps Brewery, partnered with the Mckinney Community Development Corporation to place reclaimed silos on the sprawling brewery property to allow local entrepreneurs and creatives a space to launch their businesses. Six unique silos make up the small shopping community. They are a great addition to the entertainment space with exciting events happening almost every weekend. It’s worth a stop by to see the energy and ingenuity of the entrepreneurs.
Hotel Ugly Metals website can be found at HotelUglyMetal.com
The shop is located at Tupps Brewery: 402 East Louisiana Street, Mckinney, TX 75069
Hours are Friday and Saturday 11-8 and Sunday noon-5. You can also call for a private appointment at 720-353-6842.
