I was born an artist and have been creating art for as long as I can remember. When I was twelve years old I took my first silversmithing class at a local art gallery. I immediately fell in love with the entire jewelry making process.

I soon discovered the best part of creating jewelry is that my art is wearable. I became a walking art display and as soon as I started wearing my art, I started receiving compliments. One day, a friend asked if I would make her a necklace similar to the one I had just made. I felt honored with this request. As I started sawing out my metal, I had a scary realization: if I could duplicate my necklace, other people could do so just as easily. And, if I made my necklace for my friend, there would be two walking art displays, doubling the chances of someone stealing my design.

I never thought if someone copied, they could illegally make money off of my idea. I never thought that by refusing to share my art, I would deprive the world of my talents and further deprive myself happiness and a potential financial profit. All I could think was that my art was an extension of myself. If someone copies my art, they are copying a piece of me. I decided that I would make my jewelry and wear my jewelry, but the moment I detected an individual with the ability and desire to steal a design, I would hide my art. I could not give away or sell my art unless I knew the recipient would take the same care that my designs deserved. Obviously, this plan was anything but flawless. In fact, it was crippling. I knew there had to be a better way to create art, enjoy art, sell art, and protect art without my fear of exploitation.

What was a girl to do?

I became an attorney.

I became an attorney so that I could confidently create, wear, give away, and sell my pieces of art. I practice, speak and write on this topic so that others do not have to become an attorney to obtain the same knowledge and confidence.