I started my shop on May 11, 2010 as a way to share my vintage treasure hunting spoils and my handmade jewelry with folks across the globe. I originally sold my handmade jewelry at craft fairs and boutiques, but when I discovered Etsy I knew that it would be the future of my business. Etsy gives artists so much flexibility and creative freedom. It was exactly what Locale Vintage needed to come into its own.

My creative influences often come from experiences and places I have been. Having lived in California for 15+ years of my life exposed me to the clean lined splendor that is mid century modern, and my childhood and teenage years in Alabama going to auctions and good old yard sales educated me on what to look for in older antiques and handmade crafts. My handmade jewelry is influenced by vintage eras such as the 1950s but is also strongly influenced by the natural world around me, especially the ocean and the mountains, where I feel the strongest connection to my creative spirit. Occasionally I get out my sewing machine and those items have made their way to my Etsy store as well. You never know what that machine will help me whip up!

One of my main goals with Locale Vintage is to raise money for animal rescue. Two rescue groups that are close to my heart are the French Bulldog Rescue Network and Boston Buddies Boston Terrier Rescue of Southern California. My husband and I adopted our two fur babies from these rescues and it was the best decision we ever made. I donate a percentage of all profits to these two groups as well as other animal rescue groups.

Locale Vintage is a proud member of the Vintage Etsy Society Street Team and Team Etsy for Animals.

Currently, I am in my second year of a doctoral program in Public Health at Oregon State University. If there is one thing I have learned about health from the past year and half, its to make sure that you spend time doing the things that make you happiest. Curating my shop and creating my jewelry keep my inner fire lit.