Some Things Never Change—Like My Love for Toe Rings

Honestly, I Don’t Think I Went Through Any Stages

People talk a lot about “phases” or “stages”—how you go through different versions of yourself as you grow up. But honestly? I don’t think I really did.

I’ve always been the same version of me. A little wild, a little artsy. I’ve always loved outdoor adventures, making art, and hanging out with dogs. That pretty much sums up my life now, too. I dress more like my 7-year-old self these days than I did as a teenager or even in college—and I mean that in the best way. Comfortable, colorful, a little rugged, and always wearing jewelry that makes me feel like me.

It’s funny how jewelry styles come back around. When I was a kid, I had this silver choker necklace with a chunky paperclip chain and a whale tail charm. It was my favorite. Now? I make chunky paperclip chain choker necklaces with big gemstones—like turquoise—that are directly inspired by that necklace I loved so much as a kid. There’s something really grounding about designing jewelry that feels like a full-circle moment.

Toe rings are another thing I’ve always loved. I’ve worn the same one for at least 14 years without taking it off. I don’t know if they’ve ever truly been “in style” or “out of style,” but to me, they’ve always felt like the perfect piece of jewelry—low-maintenance, personal, and somehow nostalgic.

And don’t even get me started on nose rings. When I got my nose pierced in college, I was so nervous to wear a hoop. I worried professors or classmates might judge me, that it would make me look unprofessional or too alternative. Now? No one even bats an eye. Nose rings are so common that they barely register anymore—and I love that. It’s nice to see style norms expand and allow for more personal expression without all the second-guessing.

So yeah—no big transformations here. Just small evolutions and full-circle moments. I’m still the same outdoorsy, art-loving, jewelry-wearing version of myself I’ve always been. Just with a few more tools, a business of my own, and maybe a little more silver dust on my clothes.