Milk + Honey

Milk and Honey Team

Meet Stacy!

Milk and Honey TeamMaria Mengel1 Comment

We’ve taken a few weeks to share a little bit about each of our team members here at Milk+Honey! This is our last week and we’re sharing a little about Stacy.


milk and honey

Where to start? Haha! I’m pretty complex. Born and raised on the eastern shore my whole life and met Eric in 2011 and we married in 2019. I love nature and animals. I like to ponder and ask questions about pretty much everything. I am married and we share our home with 9 cats (yes, I'm that lady). I enjoy being outside and just enjoying my home and spending time with friends and family. I love good conversations, theories, and debates.


milk and honey

What’s your favorite color?

I’m a libra so I cant decide on just one color!! But I do tend to gravitate towards blues and teals.

How do you like your coffee?

I don’t! I’m a tea lady lover at heart. Just good ol’ iced sweet tea. Although my coworkers have turned me onto London Fogs!!

What’s your favorite candy/dessert?

Cake!!! Pretty much vanilla cake with that naughty whipped icing.

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Stacy surrounded by all the printed orders during a big sale!

What is your LEAST favorite job/responsibility at Milk+Honey?

Attaching the names to the parchment paper before processing milk…yes, it sounds trivial and simple but the paper keeps flipping up.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Reading, gardening, spending time with my cats and being a home body. I also love taking pictures of nature, my flowers and our jewelry!

(FYI: Stacy takes many of the pictures you see posted on Instagram of Milk+Honey’s jewelry!)

Flat-Backed Teardrop Necklace Milk +Honey Jewelry

Flat-Backed Teardrop Necklace in Rose Gold with Wire Wrapping

What is your top pick (favorite piece) of jewelry from the Milk+Honey collection?

Horizontal Oval Ring

Flatback Teardrop Necklace

Heirloom Honeycomb Band

Classic Round Earrings Milk+Honey Jewelry

Stacy’s beautiful Silver Classic Round Earrings.

What is your favorite design of all the pieces we’ve made?

My earrings, of course, that Meghan made me! They are silver Classic Round Earrings with my hair and my mothers hair shaped into a crescent moon with opal flakes and blue. And I do adore the galaxy designs as well!!

(These earrings are extra special to Stacy because she was an amazing caretaker for her mother until she recently passed away. Stacy loved her mother deeply and did an amazing job caring for and looking after her mother. )

What are some of your favorite products in our Amazon Shop?

Books! Any of them!


What does the team say about Stacy?

“Stacy is a lifesaver to our team in a million ways.  She’s so much fun, got the best personality, and rounds out our team *perfectly*.” - Maria

“Stacy is incredibly hardworking. She takes pride in everything she does and does things 110% not just at work, but also in her personal life. She is sensitive, loving, incredibly strong, confident, and assertive. She loves animals passionately, although she is slightly biased towards cats.”  - Alaina

“Stacy is a joy. She is genuine and authentic in everything she does. She works hard and goes above and beyond to help the team. I am always thrilled when I get to work with her because I know it means we are going to have some good laughs!” - Ashley

“Stacy is so fun and I love how she keeps it real! She’s spunky and knows how to have a good time, but she can be “spicy” if you mess with someone she cares about! She’s also a hard worker and so dedicated to help wherever she can to make sure the studio runs smoothly.” - Terri

“When I think of Stacy and her role with Milk+Honey I would describe her as the energy of the group! She is spunky and fun to be around; she makes the studio a fun place to work.” - Meghan


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Meet Alaina!!

Milk and Honey TeamMaria Mengel1 Comment

We’re taking a few weeks to share a little bit about each of our team members here at Milk+Honey! This week, we’re sharing a little about Alaina.


milk and honey

My job at Milk+Honey is “office administrator,” where I do a little bit of everything in the studio aside from making the jewelry. Outside of Milk+Honey I am a Certified Lactation Counselor, mom of 4 beautiful kids, and wife to my amazing husband of 16 years. My husband and I met in high school when we were 15 and 16 and have been together ever since. Our kids are 12, 10, 8, and 5. After working as a foster care social worker for a few years, I became a stay at home mom when my first daughter was born. I stayed home for many years with my kids, but decided to make a big change when Maria began looking for help at Milk+Honey almost 2 years ago (I can’t believe it’s been this long!) Starting at Milk+Honey was a huge life change for me, but I am so grateful I made that leap!! I am beyond grateful and blessed to be a part of this amazing team of women.


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Julia, Jude, Claire, Anna

What’s your favorite color?

Blue, but I also really love gray which is probably strange.

How do you like your coffee?

At home I drink it hot (or I aim for hot, but I have children) with a little sugar and a little cream.

When I go out I prefer iced coffee with any type of chocolate flavoring. White mocha is my favorite and I can’t seem to ever replicate an iced white mocha coffee at home.

What’s your favorite candy/dessert?

Anything chocolate. The more chocolate the better. Unless it’s one of those chocolate oranges or any type of chocolate with fruit type filling. Gross.

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Jude was trying to do a “thumbs up” for a big trip.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Anything with my kids. Now that they’re getting older, activities have become less stressful and more fun. We love going to the beach at night. I also like going to auctions with my husband, crocheting, spinning fibers to make yarn (although it’s been quite a while since I’ve gotten back into this,) and reading when I have zero distractions (which is rare.)

What is your LEAST favorite job/responsibility at Milk+Honey?

Measuring and dividing pearl shimmer for DIY kits. Thankfully we make a bunch at one time so we don’t have to do this regularly. My least favorite regular activity is filing thank you cards.

Milk+Honey(comb) Ring Milk+Honey Jewelry

Our Heirloom Milk+Honey(comb) Ring in Yellow Gold.

What is your top pick of jewelry from the Milk+Honey collection?

My favorite is the Petite Pearl Choker. It’s simple, beautiful, easy to care for, and can be worn with anything. I also love the Heirloom Oval ring because I prefer the larger size oval and love the honeycomb design underneath. Another favorite is the Heirloom Milk + Honey(comb) ring because it hugs the finger perfectly and is incredibly comfortable.

What is your favorite design of all the pieces we’ve made?

Mine :) I spent a long time agonizing over that marble design (I’m sure lots of other customers do the same) It was really hard to decide on it when I saw so many other amazing designs and colors coming through. I knew I wanted a little bit of color, loved the idea of a marble type look, but wanted to still keep it somewhat simple, classy and timeless. Meghan nailed it!

What are some of your favorite products in our Amazon Shop?

This is tough. There are a lot of things on there I use and love, but I think my favorite is probably Plant Therapy Sniffle Stopper essential oil. I use it frequently when someone is sick or has a stuffy nose from allergies, and also just because I love the smell.


What does the team say about Alaina?

“I love Alaina because she’s got a fantastic dry humor on the outside, and when you really get to know her, she’s super fun.” - Maria

“When I think of Alaina and her role with Milk+Honey I would describe her as being an amazing organizer and hard worker. Alaina is the one who always shows up with a smile and keeps the studio clean and organized and running smoothly. She is my right hand man and we are super lucky to have her! “ - Meghan

“Alaina is organized and sees the big picture when a lot of people can't. She is so good at coming up with new ideas and putting plans into action. She is witty and always makes everyone laugh!” - Ashley

“Good under pressure, smart, dedicated. She is a great mother and very kind. She is the “ying” to my “yang” in the studio!” - Stacy

“Alaina has been very grounding for me as she has older kids and some of the parenting situations I’m finding myself in, she has already been there. I love her outlook on parenting and life in general! She’s very organized in the studio and doesn’t get frazzled easily. She’s also got a great sense of humor.” - Terri


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Meet Ashley!

Breastfeeding, Parenting, Milk and Honey TeamMaria Mengel1 Comment

We’re taking a few weeks to share a little bit about each of our team members here at Milk+Honey! This week, we’re sharing a little about Ashley.


milk and honey jewelry

I am a Homeschool mama of two - a 7 year old girl and 2 year old boy. I had two wildly different births and breastfeeding experiences including a VBAC! In high school I was a Majorette and loved to sing at school and church. I married my high-school sweetheart and been married almost 12 years. I love being at the beach, finding a new trail to walk in the woods or really any adventure with my friends and kids! I’ve lived in 3 states and overseas in Europe as a military spouse before settling down roots in Maryland. I studied Elementary Education and have had several fun careers as we moved around with the military. I love meeting new people, traveling, making new recipes and live music! 90’s country and old hymns are my favorite when my kids aren't jammin’ out the SING 2 soundtrack It is my dream to one day own a tiny house or renovated school bus and travel with my family. As a kid I hated my natural red hair and freckles but now I love how unique they are and seeing my daughters freckles come in has been the best!


milk and honey jewelry

What’s your favorite color?

Jade Green

How do you like your coffee?

In the cold months, hot americano with steamed oat milk and cinnamon.

In hot weather, cold brew with oat milk and a little caramel.

What’s your favorite candy/dessert?

My favorite candy is Twizzlers or Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms. My favorite dessert is PIE!

What is your LEAST favorite job/responsibility at Milk+Honey?

I love making jewelry but really dislike giant chunks of umbilical cord for pieces. Haha.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy quality time with friends and family, whether it’s outdoors exploring, hiking, or jamming out to good music. I love all that fun stuff!

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Ashley’s daughter - Audrey

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Asley’s son - Henry

Petite Pearl Choker milk and honey jewelry

Petite Pearl Choker with one 8mm size pearl. Simple and elegant with breastmilk,

What is your top pick (favorite piece) of jewelry from the Milk+Honey collection?

Pearl Choker

Classic Round Ring

Swaddled pearl Earrings

Heirloom Honeycomb Band






Hexagon Ring Milk+Honey Jewelry

One of Ashley’s favorite pieces she’s made - a hexagon ring in yellow gold with a hammered band. Customer sent breastmilk and flower petals and requested we add a little white pigment and yellow gold flakes.

What is your favorite design of all the pieces we’ve made?

“I love ombre pieces.

I also love all the simple pieces that are just white pigment and pearl shimmer. So classy!

My favorite pieces to make are with fresh flowers and one of my favorite that I made was a hexagon ring with flowers and gold flakes!

I loved the ocean ring I made and the story with it! It turned out beautiful!”

What are some of your favorite products in our Amazon Shop?

All of the nature books for kids: Wild and Free, The Brave Learner and Julia Rothman Collection

My kids loved the bamboo plates and utensils with the suction cup bottom.

All the Earth mama products from teas to nipple butter.

The Solly Baby Wrap was a God send with both of my kids.

milk and honey jewelry
milk and honey jewelry

What does the team say about Ashley?

Ashley is the sweetest and always has a smile. I feel confident she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She is incredibly positive and can find the light in any situation or challenge. “ - Alaina

“Ashley is literally the sweetest and most generous person to walk this planet. We all try to be more like Ashley!” - Maria

“When I think of Ashley and her role with Milk+Honey I would describe her as the mother of the group. Ashley is super kind hearted and is always making sure everyone is okay and doing well. She is very thoughtful and I love working with her. “ - Meghan

“Ashley is so sweet and bubbly. She is also very talented.” - Stacy

“Ashley is one of the most kind and sweetest people I know! She is so encouraging and being around her makes me want to be a better person. I find myself speaking more kindness and encourage others more after spending time with her.” - Terri


milk and honey jewelry
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Meet Terri!

Milk and Honey TeamMaria MengelComment

We’re taking a few weeks to share a little bit about each of our team members here at Milk+Honey! This week, we’re sharing a little about Terri.


milk and honey jewelry

Terri is the general manager here at Milk+Honey and works closely with Maria to make sure things in the office and the studio run smoothly. Outside of Milk+Honey, she is a mom of three (currently 11 and 9 year old boys and a 4 year old girl) who does her best to balance work, homeschool, kids extra curricular activities, and responsibilities of leadership in her local church - with the help of coffee, of course! Born and raised in Texas, she met her husband in college and moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland after they married. She’s been here for 15 years and loves her job with Milk+Honey!


milk and honey jewelry

What’s your favorite color?

Pink, but also Teal

How do you like your coffee?

At home - with a little sweet cream creamer. Out - in a latte! I do not enjoy black coffee, but lately I’ve been drinking it black in the morning (for various reasons). Black coffee is better than no coffee! Haha!

What’s your favorite candy/dessert?

CHOCOLATE! Anything Chocolate!

I’m also one of the few “weird” people in the world that likes candy corn and circus peanuts! HA!

milk and honey jewelry

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I really enjoy baking and I have decided baking is my love language! I also think I make the BEST chocolate chip cookies, but I can’t take the credit - I found this awesome recipe from ‘Sally’s Baking Addiction’. I also love coming up with fun combinations to bake cakes (for my kids' birthdays). They never look “pretty”, but they usually taste pretty great!

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Malakai

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Caleb

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Elliana

What is your LEAST favorite job/responsibility at Milk+Honey?

I have a “love/hate” relationship with answering customer service emails. I genuinely enjoy helping our customers and finding resolutions if/when they have a problem, but sometimes, people are just rude. I think they forget that they are communicating with an actual human being who is honestly doing their best to resolve an issue/answer questions. Our team is made up of 6 women and we are very blessed to be able to work our work schedules around our family schedules, but that doesn’t mean that we are able to drop everything and answer emails 24/7. (The vast majority of our customers are amazing and very understanding!)

Star Necklace Milk+Honey Jewelry

This is Terri’s Star Necklace in Rose Gold with pearl shimmer, rose gold flakes, and flower petals from when she and her husband started dating (no breastmilk).

What are your top picks of jewelry from the Milk+Honey collection?

I really love the Star Necklace and Star Threader Earrings. They are my all-time favorite pieces we offer in our collection!!!

I know the Oval Ring is our most popular, but I actually kind of like the Classic Round Ring more. It’s really grown on me and it’s now my favorite ring! The Stacker Bands are also super adorable!

What is your favorite design of all the pieces we’ve made?

Oval Ring Milk+honey jewelry

Oval Ring in Yellow Gold with a hammered band. Inclusions are breastmilk, umbilical cord powder, and yellow gold flakes.

One of my favorite pieces we’ve designed is one where someone sent in umbilical cord pieces (not quite powder, more like small flakes) that had blue and tan coloring to them. The way the artist designed the placement of the umbilical cord and the gold flakes turned our beautifully!

I also really love the pieces that have a medium to “extra” amount of pearl shimmer. I just love how they “sparkle”!

What are some of your favorite products in our Amazon Shop?

I have been using the skin care products from Bambu Earth for 4 months now and I really love their line! Their Dead Sea Mud Mask is definitely a favorite!

As a family, we really enjoy board games. One of our “family favorites” is Throw Throw Burrito!

Another family favorite is the book series “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis. I enjoyed it on my own, but we have also really enjoyed reading it as a family.

milk and honey jewelry

Christmas 2016

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Christmas 2020


How would the Milk+Honey team describe Terri?

“Terri has an amazing work ethic, and she’s a problem solver! She is selfless and really cares about our customers.” - Maria

“At work Terri is the most organized person ever and the master of spreadsheets. I love that she’s on top of everything and almost always 2 steps ahead of me. She is always calm and collected, and sees the good in every situation.” - Alaina

She is kind, a woman of faith, consistent, and reliable.’ - Stacy

“When I think of Terri and her role with Milk+Honey I would describe her as being flexible and organized. Terri has basically taken on the role of helping make our operation run smoothly. She has learned how to do almost all of the roles and is always looking for ways to improve the process. She's an amazing general manager!” - Meghan

“Terri is truly genuine, kind, and hard working. She is patient and diligent in her work. She always has a knack for seeing multiple perspectives of things. I love her curly hair and laugh!” - Ashley


Check out Terri’s breastfeeding journey in these blogs:

Check out some blogs Terri wrote for Milk+Honey:

And don’t forget this one that Terri’s Husband wrote for Milk+Honey:

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The boys meeting their sister for the first time.

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Completing their first “Mud Run” race! (After they showered!)

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Ellie’s first birthday.

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The boys really love “Dude Perfect”, so that was their birthday party theme. Cakes are Rice Krispy Treat cake and a s’mores cake.

milk and honey jewelry

Winter 2021

Meet Maria!

Milk and Honey TeamMaria MengelComment

We’re taking a few weeks to share a little bit about each of our team members here at Milk+Honey! This week, we’re sharing a little about Maria.


milk and honey jewelry

Maria is the co-owner of Milk + Honey and is responsible for running all of the "business stuff" (marketing, payroll, taxes, bookkeeping, social media, website, etc.). She has three crazy girls at home, has been married to her husband for 12 years and counting, and is obsessed with The Office and 90s music. She earned degrees in music education and educational policy, then immediately left education to start a doula and childbirth business! When Milk + Honey grew very quickly in 2020, she sold her business and left her doula days behind to focus on Milk+Honey, raising and homeschooling her children, and housekeeping.


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What’s your favorite color?

Teal/blue. But I almost exclusively wear neutral colors: black, white, grey, beige

How do you like your coffee?

Every single way. I drink black coffee every morning, but I don’t discriminate when it comes to coffee. I’ll drink espresso, coffee and cream, every kind of latte, coffee smoothies, whatever. Coffee makes me happy.

What’s your favorite candy/dessert?

Anything with chocolate. Although I do have an affinity for Nerds Ropes.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to read fiction. I’m convinced that anxiety and depression stay at bay when you read fiction regularly!

milk and honey jewelry
milk and honey jewelry

What is your LEAST favorite job/responsibility at Milk+Honey?

Answering redundant DMs on Instagram. Love you, but sorry it’s a major time suck and I answer the same questions over and over and over and over and over, and they’re all already answered on our FAQ page and all over our website and in our IG highlights. LOL

Petite Pearl Choker

Petite Pearl Choker in Yellow Gold with three pearls. Includes breastmilk, pearl shimmer, and “a few gold flakes in each pearl”.

What are your top picks of jewelry from the Milk+Honey collection?

All of the pearl pieces are my favorite. I am actually super proud of the pearl choker, because that design was my idea, and it’s still my favorite piece that we offer. I love the simplicity of the pearl earrings. And the pearl threaders are just so unique and cute!

Horizontal Oval Ring Milk+Honey Jewelry

Yellow Gold Horizontal Oval Ring with breastmilk and pearl shimmer

What is your favorite design of all the pieces we’ve made?

Although it may look like our Instagram feed is a bunch of unique and crazy, intricate designs… we still receive many orders that are simple and classy. Those are my favorite. I now own 8 or 9 pieces of milk + honey jewelry, and literally every single one of them is: white pigment and pearl shimmer, or just pearl shimmer LOL!

What are some of your favorite products in our Amazon Shop?

Without a doubt, these pens. I’ve turned the entire m+h team into lovers of these pens and I use them for EVERYTHING. Your thank you cards are written with these!

And also, my milk frother! It even makes COLD FOAM. I use it for coffee and tea drinks. And, if you mix milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon in there and add it to a glass of milk for the kids, it’s like dessert :)


Check out this blog Maria wrote: A Guide to Tandem Nursing


What does the team say about Maria?

“When I think of Maria and her role with Milk+Honey I would describe her as the one who knows all (and if she doesn't know something she will figure it out!). She is a problem solver and is amazing at being the leader of the team and face of the company.” - Meghan

“Maria is very kind and generous. She’s hard working and genuinely cares about honesty and making sure her personal life as well as the business she co-runs uphold a high level of integrity.” - Terri

Maria is hilarious and one of the most impressive entrepreneurial woman. She is insanely organized with all her inspiring to-do lists. She is kind and compassionate, and also a ton of fun when we all get to be together in the studio.” - Alaina

“Maria makes leading look effortless. She goes at everything she does with 110% effort and doesn't quit regardless of any circumstances. She is both wise and strong. She loves a good dance party and is a joy to work with.” - Ashley

“Maria is a leader. She’s innovative and also hilarious.” - Stacy

milk and honey jewelry

Meet Meghan!

Milk and Honey TeamMaria MengelComment

We’re taking a few weeks to share a little bit about each of our team members here at Milk+Honey! This week, we’re sharing a little about Meghan.


milk and honey

Meghan is the Co-Owner of Milk+Honey and primarily focuses her attention on the crafting of the jewelry as well as making sure the physical studio is running smoothly. Outside of Milk+Honey she is a wife and a mother to two beautiful little girls; Charlotte age 6 and Adeline age 2. Meghan loves spending time in the great outdoors with her family. Boating and camping are two of her favorite pastimes. Meghan was born and raised in Western NY. She met her husband in West Virginia while attending undergrad at West Virginia University. Meghan moved to the eastern Shore in 2011 to pursue a career as a music teacher at a local elementary school. Five years later She had her first daughter who had quite a few medical issues and this led her to the decision to become a stay-at-home mom and essentially the primary caregiver to her daughter. Two and a half years later after her daughter received the gift of life from her dad (a kidney transplant) , Meghan's role as medical mom lessened a bit. With more time on her hands she was ready for something new to take on. Luckily not long after Charlotte's transplant, longtime friend Maria proposed the idea of starting a company selling breastmilk jewelry (Milk+Honey) and the rest is HISTORY!


milk and honey

What’s your favorite color?

Blue/teal

How do you like your coffee?

I don't like coffee. I like black tea, specifically London Fogs. This has been my go too hot drink for a while now.

What’s your favorite candy/dessert?

I love chocolate! All the different kinds of chocolate, I am really not picky.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy camping with my family and spending time with them outside.

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Charlotte

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Adeline

What is your LEAST favorite job/responsibility at Milk+Honey?

My least favorite job is unpacking the incoming packages and breaking down all the boxes. Also, I hate having to take all the broken down boxes to the recycling center because they are large and awkward to carry and load into the truck and equally as awkward to get back out of the truck and stack at the recycling place! But I refuse to not recycle so I will keep doing it. Luckily my husband often takes care of this job for me.

Milk+Honey Heirloom Oval Ring

Rose Gold Heirloom Oval Ring with breastmilk, white pigment and pearl shimmer

What are your top picks of jewelry from the Milk+Honey collection?

Heirloom Oval Ring

Heirloom Honeycomb Band

Horizontal Oval Ring

I also really like the Stacker Bands! They are super versatile and dainty.


Milk+Honey Horizontal Oval Ring

Horizontal Oval Ring (with a 10x8 size oval that is no longer available - SORRY) with cremation ashes, teal and blue pigment an copper flakes

What is your favorite design of all the pieces we’ve made?

I really like the galaxy rings or any that have northern lights or are based on landscapes. I like the challenge of using what the customer sends in to create a whimsically yet artistic take on the picture I envision after reading their stories.


What are some of your favorite products in our Amazon Shop?

I love the (breastmilk) storage bins 

The infant optics baby monitor is what I have used for the past 6 years and I love it! 

I also love the sensory toys


What does the team say about Meghan?

“Meghan is a true artist!  I have loved watching Meg grow as a jewelry artist as Milk + Honey has grown!” - Maria

“Meghan is very creative and really enjoys the process of designing your jewelry (within reason, I suppose!). She comes up with some absolutely beautiful designs!” - Terri

“Meghan is very talented. She is calm and a hardworking mother.” - Stacy

“Meghan is creative and articulate in everything she does. Her attention to detail is admirable.” - Ashley

Meghan is the magician. She is dedicated and creative, and it shows through everything she makes. Since we get to see her interact with her kids at work sometimes, I can also say that she is one of the strongest mothers I’ve met.” - Alaina


Check out Meghan’s breastfeeding story: How to Breastfeed a Medically Fragile Baby!

milk and honey jewelry
milk and honey jewelry
milk and honey jewelry
milk and honey jewelry