We were lucky to catch up with Haley Tilton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Haley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I’ve been making jewelry since I was 14 with my mom, I am now 29. My dad supported me by helping me purchase materials and display my jewelry in commission stores around town.
When I had my daughter in 2023, it took me a few months after being back at work to realize that I needed to go part-time from working 4 days a week to 3 days a week. I wasn’t sure how my husband and I would manage without that extra income, but I knew I could make it back if I just had that extra day a week to work on my jewelry business. My main reason for this is because being a mom is really hard and working full-time job at the same time feels impossible. I missed her everyday and I wanted to pursue my jewelry making passion. I wanted to be with her and make jewelry at the same time. I started taking my jewelry business more seriously posting regularly on My Facebook page Moon Secrets Jewelry. I started to make earrings with more choices of air wires and studs. Example sterling silver, stainless steel, or gold-plated. I took in more custom orders because I had more time at home now. It was a big risk going part-time, what if I don’t sell enough? Will we survive off of less income? Now it is 2025 and the only regret I have is I wish I would have done it sooner.

Haley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started out making beaded necklaces. I kept seeing wire wrapped gemstones online and didn’t think I’d be able to do that, but thought I’d give it a try at least. I started out with a tutorial from Oxana Crafts on YouTube. I found out I loved working with wire and beautiful gemstone cabochons. The tutorials helped me learn the basics of wire wrapping, after that I began to make up my own designs. Lately I’ve been working on wire wrapped hair barrettes, double gemstone wrapped pendants, and wire wrapping point crystals.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Before you run to Amazon for jewelry or decor check on your artist friends, see what they have first.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Making jewelry is meditative for me. I love taking pictures of my jewelry and seeing others reactions online, sometimes I get a sale right away.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moonsecretsjewelry.com
• Instagram: moonsecretsjewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12ByTvszW3i/

Image Credits

I take all pictures of my work myself.