Melissa Borrell studied French and art in college, and after graduating she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, so she got a job at a local bead store to pay the bills, but was soon inspired by the jewelry. She learned some wire-working techniques on the job, and then started taking metal smith classes, eventually earning a master’s degree in it. Melissa says everything about this craft is perfect for her—she likes to create, work with her hands, learn new techniques, and is detail-oriented. When Melissa isn’t making jewelry, she likes to hang out with her dog, cook, and check out local museums and galleries around Houston.

Website: www.melissaborrell.com