If anyone understands the meaning of everything happens for a reason, it’s Melissa Hansen, owner of That’s My Impression. What was the result of a dream – literally and figuratively – has become a lucrative online business for Melissa and her young family.

After taking jewelry classes in Cape Town, then receiving additional follow-up education in London and Tennessee, Melissa received her teaching credentials. This allowed her to take her passion for jewelry-making to a whole new level. “I had a dream about the name of my company three years before I started selling jewelry. I started making and selling my jewelry and I was hooked!,” Melissa says.

While working in a dental office, Melissa was making a nice side income from her hobby of creating imprinted jewelry and selling her unique pieces to friends, family and coworkers. Her customers couldn’t get enough of her personalized jewelry. Melissa soon found herself looking to turn her hobby into a full-time business. On a whim, she decided to purchase her own kiln from a private seller and got more than she ever bargained for. When she discovered the kiln’s owner was soon leaving on a mission to Israel and looking to sell her entire jewelry business, Melissa decided to take the plunge and become a full-time jewelry maker. Talk about kismet!

Melissa opened her Etsy shop in 2010, but her local business kept her so busy she didn’t get around to listing Etsy items until 2012. It took just four days to sell her first piece. Almost three years later, That’s My Impression is still going strong and selling custom jewelry to happy customers all over the world. Melissa also sells her items via her own website.

Besides selling her handcrafted jewelry on Etsy, Melissa has online shops on CustomMade, Hatch.co and ArtFire. Each piece is expertly handcrafted by Melissa using the techniques she’s learned while traveling the globe. Melissa uses only the finest precious metals available – all made from recycled materials and absolutely eco-friendly.

“I was first introduced to Jewelry making in Cape Town. It was there that I decided that I wanted to become a jewelry teacher and, ultimately, to sell my own artwork. Since then, I have traveled the domestically & internationally to learn different styles and techniques, both modern and ancient, that I’ve added to my product line,” Melissa explains.

That's My Impression creates from these precious metals, Melissa creates personalized memorial rings, necklaces, pendants, cufflinks and jewelry from pets. Each is handcrafted by using an actual fingerprint, thumbprint, hand print, footprint, pet’s paw print, child’s drawing, image, or actual handwriting – all from INK & PAPER or a photo. Molds are rarely used, and only at the purchaser’s request. Additionally, Melissa wants to be sure buyers know that, even if a loved one has passed on, she can still use a copy of their inked fingerprint or a note that they wrote. What a lovely keepsake!

Melissa Hansen loves interacting with clients and customers. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.