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Hi Megan, I LOVE your story. Mine is similar at the younger age, yet the beginning of my smithing journey began 4 years after the passing of my daughter. Her Suicide (2012) at the age of 20 threw me into total despair, i brought a necklace (beaded) to a friend who could fix it, and she said she wouldn't fix it but would show me how to. began making beaded jewelry for the next 2 years to keep my mind from grief. fast forward to 2015, my mother passed away leaving me her jewelry wardrobe. she had sterling and turquoise jewelry in there that i had never seen her wear. I thought , " i want to learn to make THIS" so i bought some basic metalsmithing tools, and a huge haul of copper and taught myself how to create pieces. The hammer and torch were in fact such a therapeutic outlet for me. It basically saved my exitance.

I also always made little things from random stuff as a kid. I was always interested in handicrafts and tried a few. Silver jewellery making really surprised me. I enrolled in a once a week 6-8 week course. Our first project was to make a three linked silver ring. I remember thinking that I really didn’t like this but I’d stick it out until the end of the course. Then I finished the ring and was so amazed with myself for making something so beautiful, it’s not perfect, but for me it was everything! Our next project was anything we wanted. I chose earrings, unfortunately they were a little too complicated to finish during the time. After that course I was hooked. I was living in Sydney, I had a good job but wasn’t happy in it. In the end I had two choices. Move to Japan or do a course in jewellery. I got a job in Japan and moved over six years ago. I don’t regret not doing the jewellery course. I’ve done many courses here in Tokyo and learned so much! But my job is exhausting so I’m moving back to Australia next year to finally start the jewellery course. I’m so excited to start but also so sad to leave Japan. New chapter begins

I love your origin story.🧡 I look forward to sharing mine someday and how it has saved my life.

The best thing about the video is you. It’s real, honest and spontaneous, thank you for sharing wishing you the best :)

Your passion shines, Great story. Very thorough experiences. Thanks Megan. I am an electronics engineer by trade. I have been a prepper for decades, I got into bullion and silver coins last year 2022 (partly because I don't trust banks and financial systems),and then this led to buying Sterling Jewellery which my wife could wear rather than bullion stuck away in boxes. Some repairs were needed to I started learning how to repair, then the same as you, passion for tools, and making things. Several months later with my GAS problem (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). I have a pretty well stocked workshop.

Was just thinking how inspiring having another episode of a day in the life would be 😁 but this one also rocks! Thanks for sharing!

Glad to hear your story 😊 I loved working with my hands as a young one too & am trying to ignite that spark again

I love your passion, dedication and honesty about what it took to fulfil your dreams

Megan, will you please 🙏 make a video about your own experiences with consignment; expound on "I stocked 2 stores....". Im sure a video on the subject would be EXTREMELY well received (high views) as so many artists, especially beginners that go into business, do consignment. Thank you

Hi Megan, me myself was also a girl making bracelets out of silverwire.... and now for a couple of years I do love to make mostly earrings, but I dont sell. I miss those skills... but I enjoy the proces and always have something to give away... love your story. greetings from the Netherlands!

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Especially the question: Do I want a jewelry hobby or a jewelry business? I hadn't really thought about it that way. I have been learning to make jewelry for the past year and a half, and I am enjoying the process. I am retired and I do want and enjoy having a jewelry hobby. I make a lot of gifts and a few commissions. My friends keep pushing me to make it a business. I really don't want that. I can now articulate that better.

That was the problem in South Africa - lack of info. Heavens forbid you lived in one of the agricultural towns, as things were even more limited there (I grew up in the northern Free State). Not sure when the bug bit you, but I developed my interest in the late 90s. It was thoroughly frowned upon and ridiculed, especially with the propensity of some groups back then to frown down their noses when the word 'business' surface in a conversation. In the end, I'm slowing being vindicated. I'm not making yet, but at least I've made it to another country's diamond and gemstone exchange. :D Never been more excited to wake up in my life.

I love your story! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!

I’ve noticed a ‘Healthcare to Creative’ timeline is common amongst many of the jewelers I follow on here and on the various suppliers I buy materials from -Current EMT, and hopeful self employed Silversmith/Jewelry Designer 😂😅

27 years of post viral ME/cfs means I can no longer play guitar and sing which was my love and life before then. I also can’t write much because I find it exhausting. I tried various things over the years before finding jewellery making and falling in love with it. I can only do it when well enough but am now completely obsessed. I dream designs in my sleep in the way I used to dream songs and books.

Hi. :)))) Listening to your story so many memories came into my head. Thank you for this nostalgic time travel. Few questions, if U don't mind. :))) Many people are scared to jump from stable income to their own company. It would be nice to motivate them. :) So - How did U pass through this transition time ? What is/was your best creation, that made you proud of ? What will be yout next skill (I haven't seen any engravings, mechanical jewelries, castings) or next lvl of your bussiness - (few more shops and studios, aprentices, restorations ...) ? Thank you and "Keep the passion alive" :)))

Rhodes uni?

✌️ p̶r̶o̶m̶o̶s̶m̶