I’m a 2025 Halstead Grant Finalist!

I’m a 2025 Halstead Grant Finalist!

I’m incredibly excited (and still a little in shock!) to share that I’ve been selected as a 2025 finalist for the Halstead Grant—an award that supports emerging jewelry artists who are building strong, independent businesses rooted in silver design.

Each year, the Halstead Grant invites applicants from across the country to submit a comprehensive business proposal. This isn't just a simple application—it's a 25-page deep dive into your creative vision, business strategy, financial goals, marketing plan, and more. It asks the big questions: Who are you as an artist? Where is your business headed? How do you plan to get there?

Writing this application was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve done for my business. It forced me to step outside of the day-to-day work and look at the big picture. I had to articulate what makes my jewelry unique, what values guide my studio practice, how I want to grow, and how I can make this business sustainable long-term.

Some pages were filled with photos and sample designs. Others were graphs, spreadsheets, and market research. All of it asked me to think like both an artist and an entrepreneur—which is exactly the balance I strive for in my work every day.

Being chosen as a finalist is an incredible honor. Past recipients and finalists are jewelers I deeply admire, and it’s humbling to be included in that circle. This recognition is not only a vote of confidence in my creative direction, but also a huge affirmation of the behind-the-scenes work I’ve poured into building this business: the planning, the pivoting, the late nights sketching new ideas and the early mornings at my bench.

I’m so grateful to the team at Halstead for offering this opportunity and for the thoughtful feedback they give to every finalist. The process has made me a better business owner, and I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learned.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way—whether you’ve taken a class, worn a piece of my jewelry, encouraged me behind the scenes, or just followed along on this journey. I wouldn’t be here without you.

https://grant.halsteadbead.com/winners