Melissa Lew started her namesake studio in the beautiful hills of Virginia in 2005. Born and raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she is inspired by adventure and her love of the outdoors, travel, and animals. She also attributes her designs and aesthetic to her Chinese heritage. Melissa is an award-winning jewelry designer whose handmade, eco-friendly work can be found in retail locations across the United States, including museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, and gardens.

In 2015, she was named a Made in Virginia winner by Virginia Living Magazine. Her work has also been featured in publications such as Seaside Retailer; Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties; Museums & More; Gift Shop Magazine; Stationery Trends; Northern Virginia Magazine; and the Huffington Post.

She is a certified small, minority (AAPI), and woman-owned business in Virginia (SWaM #708045). Melissa is a member of the Museum Store Association and currently serves on the Education Advisory Group. She is also a member of ZAG (Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group).