On a serious note, my beading journey began in 2001 after the craft festival. I started to make beaded jewelry that matched my colorful outfits perfectly. I started to give my gifts of my jewelry and expanded my beading into weaving and complex designs. I can look at a picture and either mimic or build upon the art form. I enjoy using color to tell the story of emotions. I retired in 2016 from the United States Navy after a career spanning 28 years. It was my absolute privilege and honor to be able to serve. Beading centered me – it was a therapy that I never knew. My husband and I moved to Puerto Rico in 2016. Unfortunately, in 2017 Hurricane Maria hit our beautiful island while we were off island travelling.

We could not return home for a time. We were at a loss of what to do next. I found a jewelry school in Las Vegas, Nevada where we had recently traveled to during our “adventures”. In February 2018 I started the Jewelry Manufacturing and repair with diamonds and other precious stones setting a 35 week/762 hour course at John Fish Jewelry School. I was able to have one on one instruction from Mr. Pedro Torres (no relation 😊) a Master Jeweler and Mr. John Fish a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist.