Melissa Lew

As 2025 comes to a close, my heart is full. This year was a whirlwind of adventures - from hiking in Zion to seeing penguins in Antarctica and Patagonia (a dream come true). 2025 also taught me the importance of slowing down, listening to my body, and making self-care an important part of daily life. Being in a boot TWICE in a year will do that! I'm excited for the adventures that 2026 holds (including my first half marathon and a lot more kayaking).

Wishing you a very Happy New Year! I hope your year is filled with joy, peace, and lots of fun adventures.

Celebrating 20 years today! 🥳

Pinch me - I can’t believe my studio celebrates 20 years today! It has been an incredible journey, and if you’re familiar with the life of an entrepreneur/small business owner, you know that it’s full of ups and downs, late hours, pivots, and learning. But you’re following your dreams and doing something that you love. I wanted to share some memories from my journey, from winning my first international jewelry competition to being published to my first artist talk in NYC. It’s really cool seeing how my work has evolved over the years. If you’re trying to find your way in this entrepreneurial world, here are a few things I have learned over my 20 years: - Never stop learning. Things are always changing. - Be authentic to yourself. - The term overnight success is mostly a myth...it’s a journey that takes time so don’t compare yourself to others. Especially with social media, you’re not seeing all the stress or late nights. - Know when to ask for help. - Community is everything. Never forget your roots. If you’re still reading this, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for making it possible for me to follow my dreams.

My word for this holiday season is thankful. I've been reflecting over my journey - can you believe that my business turns 20 on December 5th?

I've been creating and making jewelry for as long as I can remember...but decided to turn this into a business in 2005. I started with craft shows and in 2010, a museum in NYC took a chance on me! Pictured is me at my first artist talk/demo at AsiaStore at Asia Society (NYC) in 2011. I was so nervous! Eventually, in 2013, I decided to quit my full time job to pursue my business full time.

I'm so glad that this is my career - I love creating and I'm so grateful that I actually get to do this!

So on this Small Business Saturday, this small business owner has 1 message for you. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 💕 I hope that you find peace and joy this holiday season.

The New River Gorge National Park is one of the newest national parks…and I was able to make a detour to visit it this past weekend! I’ve been wanting to visit for a while, and this was the perfect timing given the autumn foliage. I finally got to see the place that inspired one of my latest designs!

If you’re attending Tennessee Market Week, please come visit me at IGES Sevierville. I’m at booth 2517 in the Made in America/Sustainable section and would love to meet you!

This is 43! If I could hop into a time machine and tell 10-years-ago-me what I would be doing, she would not believe me. I'm not saying that the life of an entrepreneur is all sunshine and butterflies, but I am so thankful that I get to live my dream daily. I get to be creative and let my inspirations guide me. I'm so glad that I get to share my love of the outdoors and animals with such an incredible and caring community. Thank you so much for making this possible for me!

Here's to another year of adventures, planting trees, and giving back.

P.S. For my birthday, I donated to World Central Kitchen. They work with local partners to provide fresh meals to communities in need; they are currently on the ground in Jamaica after one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in modern history hit the island. I encourage you, if you are so inclined, to learn more about their work: https://wck.org/

There's something special about a New England autumn. 💕🍂🍁