My Aunt in Florida inspired me. While visiting her a few years back, she showed me a few bracelets she had designed... they were beautiful! She immediately sat me down, put beads in front of me and told me to design my own…I was hooked! I was going home to Ellicott City, Maryland to be a stay-at-home mom/jeweler designer!

While researching different types of beads available to use for designing jewelry, without hesitation I decided to use one type of bead exclusively… Swarovski Crystal. Why Swarovski Crystal? Because of its absolute beauty - the brilliant colors, shine and precision - it's the next best thing to the real thing. Teaming the crystal with sterling silver, Bali silver from Indonesia and gold filled makes simply beautiful, classy designs!

Then, with a 2 year old son and a 6-month son, I began to design jewelry, usually when they were sleeping. I was on fire…it was my new passion! I started with Mother's Bracelets and simple beaded bracelets. I taught myself to wire wrap for earrings and other jewelry designs. And I ran with it.

I started to show my designs at craft shows here in Maryland. One afternoon I received a phone call from a woman that claimed she could not get to my table because it was too busy and asked if she could host a jewelry party in her home. It was the first request for such a show and it turned out to be a blast! I loved meeting the woman. I found that after they picked a jewelry design, allowing them to choose colors that appealed to their style made them feel as if they designed the jewelry themselves! From that point, the word was out. Today, in-home jewelry parties, private showings at my home and the repeat business from my wonderful and loyal clients are truly the reason for my success.

Thank you Aunt Marion, Gerri Behan - my fabulous crystal supplier and my wonderful husband. All your help and encouragement for the last four years is heartfelt. I must mention the true little loves of my life, my sons Justin and Jake…. Who says you need girls to love jewelry? My boys love wearing their "Power" necklaces - they have started a trend! Love you….