I grew up in NJ and studied art (specifically, painting) at the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. I wasn't able to support myself with my art at first, so, due to my love and skill with a computer, I landed a position with a software development company in New York City. I actually enjoyed my job but was layed-off a few months after 9/11. My former partner (who had also been recently layed-off) and I decided to "scrap it all" and sail around the world. We bought a beautiful 35 foot, 1972 Allied Seabreeze Yawl and with our terrier Happy Dog, prepared for the cruise I'd been dreaming of since childhood. The boat was shipped to Newport Beach, CA and we ended up on Catalina Island. To make a VERY long story a bit shorter, things didn't exactly go as planned but I'm so happy I discovered this amazing place and I'll never forget what it looked like that first day I saw it appear out of the fog from the deck of our sailboat..

I opened my shop 8 years ago. I'd been making my jewelry and art for the limited marketplace here on Catalina Island. I was so excited to discover Etsy and the possibilities that came with it. It's still only a part time "job" but I'd love to make it full-time some day. In the meantime, I continue to manage a very small hotel here in Avalon, which is where I live with my 8 year old daughter.

My studio is the living-room in our small apartment. My daughter is very patient with my "projects" which can, at times, seem to take over our tiny living space.

I'm always dreaming up new projects and ideas and I never know what I'll be doing next! I'm just so happy I'm able to do the things I love!