I started beading when I was 8. At 11, I move to a small island off the East Coast and started apprenticing for a bench jeweler. I learned how to make settings, polish, solder, and the in's and out's of a retail shop for a self employed artist.
In 2011 at 15, I had a brief introduction to enameling in school. Afterwards, I began to explore and teach myself the world of enameling. Then, I started in fuse my enameling and metalworking skills together.
In February, 2012, I finally open my etsy shop. I create every piece from start to finish, photograph, and list it on etsy single-handedly.
Today, I'm 16. My work consists of unique enamelings in sterling silver. I manipulate the enamel while it is in the molten state. So I balance a torch in one hand and tools in another. Afterwards, I create the enameled piece in jewelry. I use sterling silver. I do all the work by hand and mostly from scratch.
I've begun to embark on a trade with a very close school teacher whose father was a lapidarist. I started to do work with his vintage stones and I am looking forward to doing more!
On top of running my etsy shop, I work for a few jewelers, and I am still going to high school. I am graduating a year early and among the top of the senior class. After graduation, I will be going to college for metalsmithing and possibly glass blowing.