I went to school for fine art, but I had always wanted to apply that creative learning to something more design-centric. I had a number of early jobs in high-end retail that had me enamored with the world of fine jewelry. After learning about welding, bronze casting, and slip casting in my college sculpture classes, I was sure I would get into jewelry design.
A corporate job in Product Development and Buying at MoMA was wonderful for learning about wholesale and product life cycles. I took a silversmithing class at FIT on weekends and resin jewelry classes at Etsy in the early days of their business. I loved the puzzle of product development and consumer behavior, and decided to take that interest and knowledge to an entrepreneurial pursuit - launching my own concept shops, Fair Folks & a Goat, where we sold gifts, jewelry and accessories, and home goods.
When we closed the stores and moved to California for a different pace of life, I tapped back into my creativity and started making art and jewelry. I launched Aurora Oro Jewelry during the pandemic. It is a small collection of fine jewelry that I sell on my website, in a few boutiques, and occasionally at curated pop-up markets.
I live in Southern California with my husband and two young children. I am a Jewelry Loupe Project graduate, was the WJA San Diego Shining Star of 2022, and serve on the WJA San Diego Chapter board as Co-President Elect. I love networking, taking in art and culture, and being outdoors and active.