We recently connected with Melissa Lew and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As a jewelry designer, I’ve created custom designs for a variety of museums and attractions. From creating a necklace to celebrate Fiona the Hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo to jewelry that raises money for the Houston Zoo’s sea turtle rehabilitation program to designs that celebrate my love of musicals at the Kennedy Center, I am grateful to say that each project has been meaningful to me in some way.

If I were to pick one that is the most meaningful to me, it would be the custom line I created for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in 2020. The cherry blossom is a symbol of friendship, community, and strength, and I feel like these were things that were especially important to remember during that time. They’re still important and it brings me joy to know that these pieces allow visitors (and locals) to keep this very special time of the year close to their hearts.

Melissa, 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 received a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University (2005), with a concentration in Digital Art. I worked in the corporate/government contracting world as a graphic designer until 2013…when I took the leap and started working full time for myself.

While I still do some freelance graphic design (mainly for projects that I’m passionate about – environmental/ocean health, food and housing insecurity, education, etc), working for myself full time has allowed me to grow my jewelry business.

I have always loved working with my hands, and in a way, jewelry can be considered very tiny sculptures. But instead of being placed on a shelf and untouchable, these are meant to be worn and loved. They celebrate who we are and what brings us joy. They’re a fun way to keep what is meaningful to us close to our heart.

My work is inspired by adventure, timeless symbolism, and nature. And I enjoy working with my clients (zoos, museums, attractions, etc) to create pieces that connect their visitors to the places that they love. It’s all about celebrating moments.

Community is also the cornerstone of my business. I’m proud to partner with a variety of non-profits who share a vision of making the world a better, more inspired place, including animal rescues, wellness and mental health non profits, educational non profits, and charities dedicated to ending homelessness. One of my favorite annual traditions is making jewelry for holiday gift drives – it’s my own little way of hopefully bringing joy to others during the holidays.

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

For me, it’s knowing that I’m making an impact in my own little way. The first example that comes to mind is from an event in 2019; a father told me that he was purchasing one of my pieces that symbolized strength as a gift for his daughter. He wanted to have something that reminded her to follow her dreams…and that she was strong enough to get through anything life threw at her.

Another time that comes to mind – I was at a trunk show and someone who had been gifted one of my pieces came to find me. Each piece comes with an inspirational card and envelope for easy gifting and her friend had gifted her a piece that spoke about connecting with her heart and finding the courage to make hard decisions/changes. She said it was exactly what she needed to hear.

It’s small moments like these that make me feel that I’m making a difference.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to create pieces that allow individuals to celebrate what they are passionate about. Pieces that allow individuals to keep special moments close to their hearts. Messages that need to be heard.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melissalew.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlewjewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlewjewelry/