Meet the maker
Hi, I’m Melissa, the artist behind Arctic Poppy Designs.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and I am a third-generation Alaskan. Growing up in Alaska gave me endless opportunities to experience nature’s beauty firsthand. Camping with my family around the state and fishing on the Kenai Peninsula were a big part of my childhood, and those experiences shaped my imagination and my love for the outdoors.
I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by creativity. Both of my grandmothers were incredibly creative, and my mom and grandma even had their own small handmade business. I spent a lot of time making things with my family, and that’s where my love of creating began.
While Alaska continues to be a huge source of inspiration and a place I still visit often, I now call Utah home. The mountains, deserts, rivers, and wide open landscapes here have introduced me to a whole new palette of colors, textures, and ideas. I love being able to draw inspiration from both places and bring those influences into my work.
Where it all began
Arctic Poppy Designs was named in memory of my grandpa George, who always encouraged my creativity. When I was young, we used to pick poppies together and make arrangements for my grandma Lorelei, a memory I hold very close to my heart.
Over time, the name has taken on a meaning I never could have anticipated when I started. I’ve come to see the Arctic poppy as a powerful metaphor for resilience. This delicate flower thrives in some of the most extreme and unforgiving environments, adapting to follow the sun and make the most of the light available to it. Even in the coldest, most barren landscapes, it finds a way to bloom.
Like the Arctic poppy, people face adversity and struggles that test our strength, endurance, and ability to adapt. We weather loss, change, and uncertainty, but we continue seeking light, growth, and connection. To me, the Arctic poppy’s quiet resilience mirrors the human spirit. Even in the hardest moments, we find ways to endure, thrive, and create beauty in unexpected places.
I’ve come to understand that kind of resilience in my own life. In 2017, sudden hearing loss changed the way I experienced the world and ultimately forced me to leave my office job. What began as a creative outlet grew into something much more, and I began building Arctic Poppy Designs as my livelihood.
Then, in 2025, my life took another unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Both experiences have changed me, both personally and creatively. They’ve taught me to adapt, to look for the light when things feel dark, and to keep moving forward.
Wild at heart and made by hand, my jewelry and accessories are crafted with care and inspired by nature, everyday moments, and the belief that even small things can carry big meaning.
Made by hand
Every Arctic Poppy piece is handcrafted in my home studio. I am a self taught silversmith and jewelry designer, and I use a variety of traditional silversmithing and jewelry making techniques to bring each piece to life.
Because every piece is made by hand, no two are exactly alike. You may notice small variations in texture, shape, stamping, or finish. These little imperfections are part of the process and a reminder that your piece was made by a person, not a machine.
I source my materials from small businesses located in the United States and Canada. Supporting other small businesses is my way of giving back to the creative community and doing my part to keep independent businesses thriving.