About Us

Established in 2021, I created my very first three necklaces just for fun. On a whim, I posted them for Valentine’s Day, and my best friend—who was far from home—became my very first customer. That moment was incredibly uplifting, especially because just six months earlier I had been released from the hospital after a near-death experience. I was facing a complete change in how I lived my life and had no idea what the future held.

To keep myself busy within the limits of what my body could handle, I started with puzzles and diamond dots. Creativity became my therapy. I’ve always loved steampunk, and I slowly began collecting items with the dream of turning a future crafting room into a steampunk-themed space. That passion naturally led me to jewelry-making—something I could do before I was physically ready to decorate an entire room.

The jewelry I create is detailed and time-consuming, and I genuinely love that process. With help from my daughter, we came up with the name Tierz of Joy Dexterity, a name that reflects both creativity and perseverance.

I later began experimenting with resin while attempting to create an underwater octopus piece for my mother-in-law. Learning resin was challenging, but I was determined. The octopus tentacles even spell out her name, Valerie. From there, my work evolved into resin-set jewelry. Being a little clumsy myself, I appreciated that my creations could be dropped without damage—strong, yet beautiful.

I started participating in local craft shows and dreamed of expanding into larger shows and traveling to different states. In 2023, a hair barrette I made introduced me to my next chapter: helping out in a local shop where my items were displayed and sold. Although the shop eventually closed, I was given the opportunity to continue the concept for our community under a new name—Buffys Gift Barn of Paradise.

To manage and operate a brick-and-mortar store, I temporarily stepped back from Tierz of Joy Dexterity. The shop was successful and was eventually sold, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Now, here I am in January 2026—kind of starting over. Same heart, same passion, familiar pieces alongside new items, fresh ideas, and a new logo. I’m doing what I love and fully embracing my creative brain. Let’s see where this year takes me.