Zookeeper / Metalsmith. Contributing to Conservation around the World.
I come from a family of artists and picked up jewelry and metalsmithing at my wonderful, weird high school. Literally, the motto is "Keep Vashon weird." This art form became one of my great loves in life, with the other being animals.
I set myself a very specific path: to go to college where I could major in both Zoology and Metalsmithing. Went and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central Washington University with a degree in both, and fortunately got hired as a zookeeper fresh out of college with my "hometown" zoo, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium!
I was still doing my jewelry and donating to conservation just by myself, when a friend suggested that I should open an Etsy shop so other keepers and animal lovers could help fund my conservation goals. It has been a huge hit among the zookeeper and animal people community, and as of my 2 year shop anniversary, I have been able to donate over $7000 to various animal conservation organizations such as The Clouded Leopard Project, Horns and Heroes, Tiger Conservation Campaign, etc.
I'm so proud of my shop and all I've been able to accomplish so far. I love doing custom orders that are based off of a special animal, and creating something that is really special and unique. I'm always open for suggestions on animals I should make and love to hear feedback!
