Melissa Kay-Steves has been making jewelry since she first repaired a special necklace that her grandmother gave to her back when she was twelve. She taught herself basic techniques like wire wrapping and forming, for many years. In 2005, after her daughter was born, she took a PMC certification class and was instantly hooked. She spent many years creating and selling her work. In 2009 she was asked to teach a metalwork class and instantly found her calling.

 In 2019, after 20 years of creating and 10 years of creating and teaching, she opened Charmtree Jewelry Studio, a metalsmith school on Kent Island, just East of Annapolis, MD. She teaches a variety metalsmith classes to adults and teens and offers an afterschool jewelry making program for children. Her studio boasts visiting instructors from all over the country. She is certified through PMC Connection, Art Clay World and Camp Metal Clay. Melissa enjoys her days at the studio creating, teaching and sharing her passion and excitement with others.