How did you get started creating your pieces?
In my teenage years, my dad gave me some jewelry pliers and I started playing around, creating jewelry.
It became a fun thing to do, a hobby, then slowly grew into selling the pieces. Eventually I dove in and was making items for several years before taking some metalsmithing courses to learn more about the craft. Now it's been almost 2 decades of creating wearable art.
What’s the favorite part of your work/what you make?
I love selling jewelry and seeing customers light up when they touch a piece, admire it and/or purchase it. Some items are just meant for their new owners! It's wonderful to be able to make the perfect accessory to compliment someone.
How do you express your creativity through your work?
I love to add stamping, colors, or curate the scene in photography - Accessorizing in general has always been fun for me, so I express creativity in styling and making jewelry for now and as keepsakes.
What brings you joy?
I am happy to be alive, and live in the beautiful Southwest. I love my kids and family. I work on jewelry from my home studio and being a handmade small business is such a joyful privilege, so that I can stay home, but also contribute to my family.
What challenge(s) have you overcome?
As a mom, it is difficult to juggle creating, parenting and general housework. So it's an ongoing challenge to divide time. I feel like I overcome it all weekly, as I press on through the years running my business. I take comfort knowing that the business grows at its own pace.
Anything exciting in the works/coming up for you?
I'm looking forward to Fall and Spring shows, being able to connect in person with customers at pop ups, after "hibernating," in the summer heat.
I do have a special collection I'm planning with butterfly wings that I do want to take my time on, but it is getting closer to starting/launching.
What do you wish for the world?
I feel like I have many things I once wished for - my greatest wish would be good health for my family and for peace in our world - as cheesy as it sounds. Peace is important for people's hearts.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I'm grateful to be an artist at Made Art Boutique. For the last 6+ years, it has been a great opportunity to sell in the downtown area and be a part of the Phoenix artist community.
Shop her collection of items at MADE
You can check her out around the web:
Etsy