Tell us about how you came to the jewelry industry.

My first exposure to making jewelry was at a class at a community art center in rural New Hampshire as a young teen. I was fascinated by jewelry as a product and thought making it could be fun. Spoiler alert: it was. Pursuing it as a career, however, was not even remotely an option. I was a “smart” kid who was headed for college; a career in a creative field (perish the thought) or the trades were not paths that were open to me. Fast forward to my college years and the decision to switch gears to a BFA program in metalsmithing and jewelry. Then I trained as a technical bench jeweler. I’ve been hands-on in various roles ever since.

What attracted you to help launch TJS?

Furthering collective technical knowledge in the jewelry industry is something I feel very, very strongly about. It has the power to change businesses and careers in truly significant, positive ways. The mission of TJS aligns perfectly with my belief in the importance of access to skills and knowledge.