If you’ve been following me and my work, you’ve likely heard about my dad and how much he influenced my path into jewelry making—and, in particular, my most recent collection Maris. But there’s a huge piece that’s been missing from the story: my beautiful mama.

Though my dad was the spark behind my creative path, my mom was always the steady force behind it—the brains, the business mentor, and the one who’s been proudly wearing my jewelry from the very beginning. In fact, she was with me the day I decided to make my first piece of jewelry 14 years ago. We were shopping—our favorite pastime together—and saw some pieces in a shop that we both agreed I could probably make. We stopped by Michael’s, bought a few supplies, and I made my first “collection.” I remember her being so impressed and immediately claiming a few pieces for herself. She still treasures and wears those same pieces today.

To celebrate and honor her 60th birthday, I thought it would be special to style and photograph my mama in her newest season of life—wearing my much-evolved collection.

Being from Tennessee, she’s always been drawn to country life. Since I was little, she told me of her dream to have horses one day. When retirement and empty nesting came into view, she found the most idyllic property in rural Alabama—a place where she could finally live that dream. Today, she has over 40 animals that she considers her pets. She rescues horses and donkeys, tends to her chickens, gathers eggs in the morning, and spends her days surrounded by her furry friends, open fields, and quiet.

This fall, I spent time with her on the farm—camera in hand—documenting her life there. There’s something deeply comforting about seeing her now, in this season of softness and simplicity, wearing the pieces I’ve made. A full circle moment for us both.