Ever since early middle school, junior Brittany Willis has had a passion for jewelry. Making jewelry for friends’ birthdays and various holidays became a tradition.

This eventually led her to aqcuire a job at a local bead store, Bizzy Beads.

Last summer, Willis’ mom brought her talent to light.

“An employee of my mom was getting married this past fall,” Willis said. “She saw this bracelet online and fell in love with it, but it cost $400.”

She continued, “Instead of purchasing it, she went out and bought materials to make it, and following my mom’s advice, brought them to me.”

Willis used an old brooch and the materials provided to create a near-twin of the original bracelet.  It was then worn at her mom’s employee’s wedding.

Several months later, Willis was given another oppurtunity to showcase her jewelry making skills.

“My hairdresser’s sister will be getting married and asked me to create her accessories,” she said.

“The theme is ‘The Nightmare before Christmas’ because it will take place on Halloween. I am making and designing jewelry right now based off of that movie.”

Because Willis and her hairdresser are close, she will also be making the jewelry for that wedding, for which a date has not been determined.

To spread the word of her work, Willis said, “My dad told me to start putting out jewelry to sell. Soon I’ll have my own website up.”