How My Creative Business Started in the Most Unexpected Way

Did you know that my creative business started with skills I learned from my very first “Big Girl” job? Believe it or not, my journey as an artist began in a completely different field—dentistry!

From Dental Assistant to Creative Entrepreneur

I started my career as a dental assistant in an orthodontic office, but it wasn’t long before I transitioned into the role of an orthodontic lab technician. This job involved working with my hands every day—creating wax models, working with plaster, bending wire, and using acrylic to make retainers and dental appliances.

Fast forward to the early 1990s, when wire-wrapped jewelry became popular. I realized that my experience shaping and bending wire translated perfectly into jewelry making. That’s when I started creating handcrafted pieces, and little did I know—it was the start of the creative journey that has brought me to Willa & Mig.

Creativity Comes Full Circle

Now, those same skills are making their way back into my work in an entirely new way. While I’m not quite ready to share all the details just yet (I’m still in the very early stages!), I can say this: I’m having so much fun experimenting and creating.

Here’s a little peek at what I’m working on!

Wire leaves and flowers

Embracing New Creative Possibilities

One of the most exciting things about being an artist and maker is seeing how different skills and experiences come together in unexpected ways. Creativity isn’t always a straight path—it evolves, shifts, and grows with us.

If you’ve ever thought about trying something new, trust the journey. The skills you’ve picked up along the way might just lead you to something amazing!