Jewelry Artist

Moving parts intrigue Kieu Pham Gray, she tells host Katie Hacker. Kieu loves figuring out how to make things happen, from engineering kinetic jewelry that’s meant to be played with to pivoting her business model. Leaving the corporate world behind nearly 20 years ago because she “didn’t fit the mold,” Kieu has been an active jewelry entrepreneur ever since. She’s a jewelry artist, teacher, retail supplier, and event promoter. When Covid shut down her in-person teaching, she was online with a couple

Join host Katie Hacker for an inspiring conversation with Beadwork magazine’s featured Bead Artist Melissa Grakowsky-Shippee. Melissa is known for her elaborate masks and intricate yet ethereal beadwork. An award-winning designer, Melissa has written books, taught internationally, and was a 2017 Beadwork Designer of the Year. Melissa draws in beaders with her methodical approach to artistic designs. We’ll talk about Melissa’s art, business, and creative life.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

We originally released this episode in August 2020, but the topic is more relevant than ever. Katie Hacker speaks with Carrie Cleveland, Education and Outreach Manager for the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. The artist’s safety net for over 35 years, CERF+ launched its special Covid-19 response earlier last summer with one-time $1,000 grants for urgent needs. Find out more about its Covid program, its longstanding emergency relief, and its more recent focus on preparedness. Learn how CERF+ can help you