• Tell us about your design background. I don't have a background in jewelry design, but I had a strong background in sales, especially jewelry home shows. I was with a company and sold jewelry for 10 years, and when the kids were born, I decided to find something less stressful — home jewelry parties. When I started home parties, I sold jewelry that I didn't make. Then, one day I spotted a hand-stamped piece of jewelry on my girlfriend. I fell in love with it. I did research on hand-stamped jewelry and purchased supplies and started making it in 2009. My business grew tremendously.

• What pieces do you design? I hand-stamp pretty much everything, from earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and charms onto sterling silver.

• What machines or tools are needed to design your jewelry? I do not use any machines for my jewelry. I hammer each letter into the metal. The sterling silver pieces come from St. Louis manufacturers.

• How much is the necklace in this photo? The necklace is $68 and comes with name charms, initials and crystals. The A-Round Four necklace is $96. The Baby Dream necklace is $68 and includes a heart charm, a name charm and a birthstone crystal.

• Were you always interested in jewelry making? I've always loved jewelry. I would find handmade designs on websites, and I brought those styles to my home parties.

• Who do you see wearing Avaeli Couture? Basically, it's moms, grandmas and tweens.

• Is there a piece of jewelry you wear everyday? I have 70 pieces of jewelry with my kids' names on them. I usually always wear a hand-stamped piece. It's one of my toughest decisions in the morning.

• What is one piece of jewelry you don't forget to pack? A necklace. It's my most favorite piece.

• What's your workplace like? I do all of my work on my kitchen table. I don't need a lot of space. I keep all my supplies in one big bag.

• How many home parties do you host a month? About six. To book a party, email avaelicouture@mac.com.