I began making jewelry 18 years ago while living in Chicago, mainly just as a pastime. I was fairly broke, and relied on inexpensive materials to make simple designs - hemp weaving, fimo beads, etc...yes, I was a hippie chick. I made pieces mostly for myself and for friends. Then I moved to Indiana and continued on for a while, but never became serious about it, and my supplies were boxed up as life became busier, my professional life took off, and I forgot all about it.

Then everything changed. I was offered a "dream job", so my husband and I moved from Indianapolis to a small town in southern Indiana along the Ohio River. Soon after, I became a first-time mom at 39 years old. But the job for which I'd moved my whole life (and my family's life) didn't pan out, and I suddenly became a stay-home mom of a young son. My husband and I are also musicians, which keeps us busy on the weekends, but during the week I was going stir-crazy...after years as a career woman, I suddenly found myself struggling to find purpose in my life.

I wanted something to do besides change diapers and care for my wonderful son, something that would feed my creativity and my Bohemian sensibilities. Then one day while cleaning out the garage, I discovered my box of jewelry supplies. In that instant it became clear to me what I wanted to do, and Boho Bella Jewelry was born. I have found a passion for making jewelry like I have never had before, and I even find myself literally dreaming designs!

My shop is still small - my creative space is our dining room table, and I am constantly chasing cats out of my bead boxes. But I love being a grass-roots business, and I hope to grow Boho Bella even more in the coming years!