Meet Jill Melyssa | Sculptural Jewelry Artist | Metalsmith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Melyssa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
For a long time, I was a private person, hesitant to put my work out into the world where it could be seen, commented on, and defined by others. That vulnerability—the fear of not being “good enough” as an artist—was a real hurdle. I even avoided social media at first. But over time, I realized that people weren’t as intimidating as I’d imagined. In fact, I found connection, community, and friendships along the way.

The most transformative lesson in my journey came from a fellow artist who introduced me to the idea of expressing emotions through my medium, jewelry. Until then, my work had been shaped by architectural influences around my home in New York City, and later, the fantasy of haute couture runway shows. But thinking of my pieces as a kind of metal diary—capturing my experiences, emotions, and personal evolution—completely shifted my perspective.

I was once asked, “Are you an artist or a designer first?” It took me a while to answer this, but I now know: I’m an artist first. My work is a reflection of who I am and the experiences I’ve lived, and embracing that has given me the confidence to be vulnerable. That’s where the real power is—in showing up authentically and allowing my art to speak for itself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create sculptural jewelry—bold, wearable art that celebrates individuality, effortless style, and sophisticated confidence. My pieces go beyond adornment; they are statements of power and uniqueness. Designed for those who see jewelry as more than an accessory, my work reflects how you want to be seen—unapologetically original.

Understanding my brand and finding my artistic voice has been a journey. After earning an MBA and leaving a career in HR, I unexpectedly found my passion through an apprenticeship at a metal art studio in Brooklyn, NY in 2013. At the time, I was making beaded jewelry. Being introduced to metal—copper, brass, and enamel—was life changing. I knew I had found my creative home and a career I wanted to pursue.

As someone who was adopted from Bogotá, Colombia, I spent much of my life searching for where I belonged. But in metalwork, I discovered not just a craft, but a sense of identity. When my two older children left for college in 2023, I took the leap to pursue my passion full-time. I found an incredible mentor—a fierce, talented jewelry artist and businesswoman—who guided me and believed in me, becoming a steady voice on my path.

In 2024, I was honored to be selected as one of 10 emerging artists nationwide for the American Craft Council Cohort, where I received three months of intensive art business workshops, one-on-one coaching from experts in the field, and an unrestricted grant to grow my business. It was a huge moment— a reminder that despite my self-doubt, I was on the right path. That same year, I was also chosen for the ArtPop Street Gallery class of 2025, which places artists’ work on billboards in Charlotte, New York, and other major cities across the U.S.

The journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been shaped by hard work, obstacles, and inevitable rejection—whether through open calls, exhibitions, or grants. But I’ve come to embrace rejection as a sign I’m pushing myself to excel. Studio work can be lonely, and entrepreneurship demands relentless self-motivation, especially on days when life feels overwhelming. Yet, with commitments, meetings, and event deadlines, the momentum doesn’t stop. Building a team of trusted partners who share your vision is essential—those who understand the importance of quality and excellence that drives the work.

Today, my sculptural style has evolved, my artistic voice clearer. I have a deeper understanding of my brand and what makes my jewelry different is what makes it powerful. While I still wear many hats, I’ve learned the value of delegating, asking for help, and surrounding myself with people who excel in areas I don’t.

My story—being adopted, later reconnecting with my biological family, speaking Spanish with an accent, and embracing all the things that make me different—shapes my work. I used to think that standing out was a weakness. But now I see it for what it truly is—my greatest strength. And this is what I want my collectors to feel when they wear my jewelry—a sense of power, bold self-expression, and unwavering confidence in their beauty and uniqueness. My pieces are for those who don’t wait to be noticed—they own their space, knowing that true luxury isn’t about status, but about unapologetically embracing who you are.

That’s the essence of my brand: Jill Melyssa Jewelry = Unique as You.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best of the area—great food, beautiful nature, and a mix of art, music, and culture.

We’d start the mornings with breakfast at Amélie’s or switch it up with Stacks in Waxhaw. Then, we’d get outside—maybe hiking the Carolina Thread Trail, strolling through Freedom Park, or getting out on the water at Cane Creek Park.

Evenings would be all about good food and great atmosphere—dinner at Mama Ricotta’s for incredible Italian, Bahn Thai for flavorful, authentic dishes, Firebirds for a steak, or Blue Taj in Ballantyne for yummy Indian cuisine. After that, we’d wind down with live jazz at Middle C or check out The Mint on Wednesday night for a mix of art and culture.

For a creative twist, we’d hit up Sunday figure drawing at Free Range Brewing, a fun, relaxing way to tap into some artistic energy and focus. The mix of good food, nature, and artsy inspiration would make for a fun, memorable week with my bestie!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received along my journey. A huge thank you to the @CraftCouncil, @ArtPopStreetGallery, @GuildofCharlotteArtists, @CltisCreative, @thecharlottefashioncollective @Jill.Herlands, @Torriesmiley and @BrooklynCrown—your encouragement, mentorship, and community have played such a meaningful role in my growth as an artist. I truly appreciate the opportunities and inspiration you’ve provided along the way!

Website: https://www.jillmelyssa.com

Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/jillmelyssa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-caruana-792971255

Facebook: Https://www.facebook.com/jillmelyssa

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jillmelyssa

Image Credits
Mask Photo Credit:
James Carlisle Photography
Model: Danielle Elizabeth

Umbrella Photo Credit:
David Andrews Photography
Model: Will Lattman

Times Square, NY Photo Credit:
Diego Alba
Outfront Media USA
ArtPop Street Gallery