The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association has awarded Beth the honor of being the "Outstanding Young Alumni" of 2018. Alumni association awards are given annually to graduates who demonstrate notable achievements and contributions to their community.
The Outstanding Young Alumni award in particular is awarded to a NMU graduate under 36 years of age, "who has shown endeavors in professional, civic, business, political or similar activities, that set the candidate clearly apart from his/her peers and has shown service and/or honor to NMU through their endeavors."
Beth graduated from Northern Michigan University with a BFA in Metalsmithing in 2008 and launched her home-based jewelry business out of the corner of her kitchen. While in her last year of college, she started displaying at art fairs, opened an e-commerce store and taught silversmithing classes in Marquette. Four years later, at the age of 26, Beth’s business was thriving and she was ready to transition to a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Marquette. Today, she has seven employees who help make and sell the handmade, eco-friendly jewelry in-store and online.
As an integral part of her business ethos, Beth is dedicated to giving back to her community. Each year, she selects local non-profits and designs a custom piece for each organization to be sold at her shop. A portion of sales from each piece is donated to the applicable organization. Beth also sets aside a certain number of jewelry pieces to be donated each quarter to local fundraisers, events and silent auctions.
Outside of her shop, Beth commits her time to the betterment of Marquette and the surrounding area. She served on the board for the Chamber of Commerce and Northern Initiatives and adopted an Adopt-A-Highway section in Negaunee. Beth regularly gives presentations to aspiring artists, business owners, and students at Northern Michigan University and sponsors awards at NMU’s Senior Art Show. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the natural spaces of the Upper Peninsula and spending time with her family. Her adventures through nature inspire the creation of all her jewelry, including the Locally Inspired collection, made after nearby favorite places to visit.
Follow along as Beth and her team create and capture wearable art made in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, inspired by its beauty. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and here on our blog!