Ten years ago, if you told me I’d be happy, sober, and making jewelry for a living, I would’ve laughed at you.

For years I was trapped in a cycle of addiction and darkness. Getting out felt impossible. But with the help of close friends, family, and a decision to fight for the person I knew I could become, I left that life behind.

During that rebuilding, I met my now fiancée. She introduced me to crystal collecting. What started as curiosity turned into obsession. We spent nights researching mineral specimens, learning how each stone formed, what made it unique. Living in Toledo, we went looking for other people who shared that fascination and found the Toledo Gem and Mineral Club.

I joined us up immediately. The club had equipment for members to make jewelry, so I started there. I was hooked after the first piece. From that point I built from the ground up, piece by piece, until I had my own fully functioning workshop.

Creating jewelry for customers now brings me real happiness. Handcrafting a ring or pendant for someone, knowing it might mark their milestone or just make them feel beautiful, gives me a purpose I never thought I’d have. Every stone is chosen by hand, every setting shaped by hand, because I believe the work you wear should carry real intention. I still volunteer as a moderator at the Gem Club, teaching new students how to make jewelry. Because someone once made space for me to learn, and I know what it means to be given a second chance to build something beautiful.

That’s what’s in every piece I make: a reminder that we can all start over and create something worth holding onto.