In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, jewelry expert and business owner Kierston Aiello shares her creative journey and how community, authenticity, and collaboration shaped her success. Kierston opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of finding your niche, and her exciting plans for her new foundry. Tune in for inspiring insights on following your heart and surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people.

A little about Kierston:

Born and raised in sunny California, Kierston Aiello is a metalsmith and designer with a passion for American craft. While getting her B.A. in Art History at Humboldt State University, she unexpectedly fell in love with Metalsmithing and Jewelry. She has spent the last 12 years working in the Jewelry and Art trades, serving for the last 4 years as the designer and head of Product Development for a well-known manufacturer for the DIY trade. Kierston is now in the process of opening a new business, an artisan pewter foundry and artist collective in Sonoma County. A craft enthusiast to the core, Kierston’s hobbies include collecting more hobbies, hoarding shiny things, going to the library, and making an obscene amount of messes.

Jessica Coté: Metalsmith, Artist, Mentor