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 had a great time teaching and traveling to promote it. When I'm not making jewelry, I enjoy cooking, tennis, and hanging out with my dog, Papaya. Visit me at my blog, Cool Jewels Naomi.

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.

Kelsey Lawler, Editorial Assistant

Having graduated in May 2009 from Marquette University with degrees in Writing Intensive English and French, you could do the math and figure out that I'm the baby of BeadStyle — and proud of it! I started here in the fall of '09 and am thrilled to now answer to "Assistant Editor." In the time I've been at BeadStyle, I've learned that creativity is always the course of the day, beading is a way of life, and we're not just a staff — we're a family. And we each have an aesthetic all our own. Mine? While it's surely still growing, the current state of affairs is: Bright. Optimistic. Joyful. I always aim to let my style shout out, "This is me!"

When I'm not busy beading, I spend a great deal of time with my out-of-office family and friends. Sometimes I just laze about (reading "Harry Potter," watching Turner Classic Movies), and sometimes I get up and go (shakin' it at Zumba, applauding whatever Broadway musical is in town). But whether sitting or sprinting, I'm always daydreaming about something — be it my next beading project, European vacation, or "Can anything ever replace Lost?"

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, and our dogs, Daisy and Charlie.

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.