My knife making journey

I have always been creative and have dabbled in a few different artistic hobbies. I never in my life dreamed I would create with metal. After purchasing my home in Texas 3 years ago, I had plans to turn the garage in the back into a pottery studio. I had taken a few classes and wanted to expand on that experience. My real job is a registered nurse. I have been a critical care nurse for almost 20 years and spent the last 8 as a travel nurse. I loved the gypsy lifestyle exploring most of the United States. About 6 years ago I got the words "gypsy soul" tattooed on my right forearm and that is the inspiration for the name of my brand. Now back to my journey, life is funny and two years ago it placed me in a first class seat on a plane next to a man whom I will never forget! I got a free upgrade and I sat next to a gentleman named J. Neilson. He was on his way to Atlanta to a big show called Blade. I had no idea who he was or ANYTHING about the world of custom knife makers. He is also a judge on a TV show called Forged In Fire. None of this was familiar to me and during our first encounter it really didnt matter. He was somewhat anxious flying and I just chattered on about traveling and we compared our experiences abroad. Circumstances were so random and yet lined up perfectly. It was a very unique experience and we both left each other in the Charlotte airport wondering what the f*** was that?!?! I was on assignment in Pennsylvania not far from where he lived. He stayed in contact and eventually started dating. He is the one that introduced me to knife making and I instantly loved it and was pretty good at it! I am now his apprentice and he is teaching me different techniques and I am slowly learning how to make different styles of knives. He is also teaching me how to make my own damascus steel. I hope your enjoy my creations as much as I enjoy making them!