I am so pleased and honored to announce that I have been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Halstead Grant! This news has come as an utter shock and I feel so full of gratitude for these opportunities that are unfolding.

First off, The Halstead Grant is awarded to one jewelry designer per year, who is within 5 years of starting their business. It is a national grant and well-regarded in the jewelry industry. It comes with some major recognition, mentorship, a trip to Arizona to meet the Halstead business family, and $7500 in grant money to aid in helping my business grow, and $1000 to be spent with the amazing Halstead company.

Robin Kramer, of Red Boot Consulting, was the guest judge and I have so much respect for her and all of her years of knowledge and success in the jewelry business,

The application process is rigorous, and involves some hard-hitting questions about my work, my goals, and a thorough outline of my business plan.

My decision to move back to the US from Portugal, was sidelined by the global pandemic. Previously, I had considered that in the summer of 2020 I would make the transition. But when the pandemic came upon everyone around the world, I moved out of Lisbon to a nearby beach town, found a little studio, and began the deep investigation and investment of using learning tools and resources to take a hard-look at my business as an artist.

Being wildly creative and using color and humor and working in my studio is the stuff that I love. I buried my head and worked on being inspired by my surroundings and finding my way to the jewelry designs that make me feel proud, such as, my first cohesive jewelry collection, Salvador Collection.

And the business goals? I now have them laid out in a more cohesive plan, thanks to the Halstead Grant Application process. I NEVER-ever expected this honor, and it’s so affirming to be a part of this family and to have been recognized. Thank you Halstead, a million times, thank you.