How this Jewelry Designer Overcame a Brain Disorder

Following the wreck, I was no longer able to work my regular job and so I began to create as a means to pay for groceries and smaller bills... Not knowing it would one day fully replace my income! 

Seven years ago I was driving home, going about 45 mph down a main road. I was half a mile away from my house, when another vehicle approaching a stop sign along the road, didn’t look my way and flew across the intersection. 

Driving along in my little Hyundai Accent, I saw the car dash out and had almost no time to stop, I T-boned the huge suburban at almost 45 mph. For whatever reason, my airbag didn’t deploy and I smashed my head hard on my steering wheel.

I was in a lot of pain, and my car was totaled. The impact caused excruciating migraines, and chronic tension in my head, neck, shoulders, and back, and most days afterward I struggled to get out of bed.

I began to see tons of doctors to determine the cause of my pain. After multiple MRI scans and testing, I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation a year later. Chiari Malformation is a condition that occurs when the lower portion of the brain is forced out of position from the skull.

Years later, in 2018, I decided to take the plunge and go in for doctor-recommended brain surgery. I was so afraid of going under and having part of my brain tissue surgically removed.

 

It was after the crash that I founded Woodland Metalsmith. I started to create. I found solace in designing and creating for myself and others. Back then my business was named “Evergreen Bohemian,” and I specialized mostly in weaving macramé jewelry and decor, my signature product then, was a beautiful Tree of Life Dream Catcher that ranged in size from 2” to 18”. 

Sadly, post-surgery in 2018, weaving macramé began to take a huge toll on my physical health, it slowed my recovery post-op and caused existing pain to worsen. With that, towards the end of 2019, is when I refocused my products to offer more wire wrapped and metalsmith jewelry.

Health and wellness are so important to me, I make self-care, my number one priority, yoga and meditation are part of my daily practice in keeping my mind and body healthy and happy.

Since these experiences, I am an advocate for self-care and self-love. After all, if you don't take care of yourself, how can you care for others? – I put the energy of this philosophy into every piece as I make it, with the intent to manifest a little self-care ritual for you in each piece that you wear.