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Our Staff

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Meet the people behind BeadStyle

Cathy Jakicic, Editor I became the envy of all my friends in March of 2005 when I joined the staff of BeadStyle. What could be better than working with inspiring, creative people; contributing to an already great magazine; and meeting readers who share our passion? While my own jewelry style has always leaned toward smaller, more delicate materials, in the few months I've been here my creative horizons have already expanded to include a greater attraction to bolder, natural materials and ethnic designs. Aside from making jewelry, I also enjoy weaving, fixing up my new house (I'm devoting one bedroom to beads!), and scouring art fairs for hidden treasures. Prior to joining BeadStyle, I was the associate editor of The Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee for more than 10 years, where I produced the paper's special sections.

Naomi Fujimoto, Senior Editor I joined BeadStyle in 2003. Prior to joining the staff, I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degrees in sociology and in human development and social policy. After a brief stint in market research, I came to BeadStyle. I'm a big fan of simplicity in design and have a less-is-more approach when it comes to jewelry. Right now, vintage charm bracelets and ornaments are my favorite things to make, but I also enjoy working with new cuts and colors of gemstones. My book, Cool Jewels: Beading Projects for Teens, was published in 2007 and I'm having a great time teaching and traveling to promote it. When I'm not making jewelry, I enjoy cooking, tennis, basketball, and hanging out with my dog, Ginger.

Jane Konkel, Associate Editor When I first landed this job at BeadStyle magazine, I wondered whether I had died and gone to heaven. I'm still wondering today. I feel truly fortunate to be an Associate Editor for BeadStyle. In some way, I am touched daily by creative people, and their spirit is contagious and energizing. My background as an English teacher and a beading enthusiast has prepared me well for this position. I come from a family of four fashionable and fun females and love being able to incorporate my fashion flair, my writing skills, and my passion for creating beaded jewelry within the pages of BeadStyle. Aside from designing unique jewelry, my interests include reading, creating painted furniture, cooking, experiencing aromatherapy, watching films, estate sale shopping, tree-hugging, playing Scrabble, and hanging out with my daughter and son.

Stacy Hillmer, Copy Editor I became interested in publishing as a teenager after several of my children's stories were published through a national contest. That experience was so empowering that, as an adult, I decided to devote myself to the publishing industry. I worked for a public library in college, then interned at a local-interest magazine as a graduate student. In September 2007, I was fortunate enough to land my job as copy editor for both BeadStyle and Bead&Button magazines. I love the combination of working for a publisher, playing with words, and making beautiful jewelry with beads. I'm only a beginner beader, but already I'm addicted. My other hobbies include reading, playing the piano, scrapbooking, and cake decorating. I also like to travel and have studied in Russia, Kazakhstan, England, and Ireland.

Kelsey Lawler, Editorial Assistant I am thrilled to join the family at Kalmbach Publishing Co. as BeadStyle's editorial assistant. The people are pleasant, the beads are beautiful, and with all of the creativity coursing through the office, I just couldn't be happier! I graduated from Marquette University in May of 2009 with a double major in Writing Intensive English and French. Just give me a blank, college-ruled and wire-bound notebook and an unlimited supply of fresh baguettes dripping with buerre, and I'm a happy camper. I'm certain it's only a matter of time before beading is thrown into the mix -- and I can't wait!

Carole Ross, Art Director I really love working on BeadStyle! I look forward to seeing all the different pieces of jewelry that will be featured in each issue. It's a fun challenge to art direct the photography in addition to laying out the pages. Over the 12 years that I've been employed at Kalmbach Publishing, I've had the pleasure of art directing many different publications including; Astronomy, Birder's World, Art Jewelry, Bead&Button, Model Retailer, Scale Auto, and now BeadStyle. Prior to that, I taught graphic design to college students at MIAD. My other interests include decorating our 1961 "Super-ranch" in authentic 1960s style, gardening, playing cards, going to the movies, eating out, traveling, shopping and hanging out with friends. I live with my wonderful husband, Ed, who is an architect, our dog, Daisy (Crazy Dazy), and our cat, Midgy.

Serene Mireles, Graphic Designer I started at Kalmbach Publishing Co. as a graphic designer in April 2007 and joined the BeadStyle staff in August 2007. Prior to working at Kalmbach, I was a graphic artist and assistant creative director at a newspaper publisher for nine years. Art, graphic design, and jewelry have always been my passions, so working for BeadStyle magazine was a perfect fit. I truly enjoy designing BeadStyle and coming up with beautiful ways to display the jewelry. It's also great working with so many talented people. In addition to graphic design, I enjoy spending time with my husband Carlos, drawing, painting, interior design, gardening, and walking my dog, Frasier. I haven't designed any jewelry yet, but beading will most likely be my next hobby.