I was born in 2001 and raised in the mountains outside of Boone in Watauga County. I earned a diploma and certifications in Welding from Wilkes Community College and then got an inspiring job as a welder at a blacksmith’s shop in Zionville, NC, helping to make exotic laminated steels with layers of copper, brass, and nickel, as well Mokume Gane. Since 9^th grade I have also been taking continuing education jewelry and blacksmithing courses at Sawtooth School and Gallery and with ToriBeth Designs in Winston-Salem; at Appalachian State’s Craft Enrichment program; and elsewhere.  I have learned additional skills in blacksmithing, knifemaking, bowl turning/minor woodworking, glass bead making, lapidary, stained glass, photography, leatherwork, and wire-wrapping. In August 2023 I entered the Professional Crafts program for Jewelry at Haywood Community College, where I am earning an Associates in Applied Science degree.

I am inspired by metals of all kinds and love to learn about metallurgy and new techniques for working with metal. I make jewelry and other metal objects, especially from sterling silver, copper, brass, and exotic Damascus steel. I am also very inspired by a wide range of rocks and minerals—my favorite stone is Malachite because of its Damascus-style layered look. I am also inspired by tools and exploring the boundaries of what they can do with different materials.