Our Team

Tess graduated magna cum laude from MSU Denver in 2019 with a degree in Anthropology, and a minor in Biology. She discovered metalsmithing while in college. Instantly intrigued, she signed up for her first metalsmithing class, and has been experimenting with the craft ever since. Tess loves working with metal, and makes beautiful jewelry of her own. She says, 'working with metal has taught me patience and humility. I live for the process!' 

A Denver native, Tess currently resides in the The Highlands neighborhood with her partner Nick, and 2 dogs Rosie and Henry.

Tess is a goldsmith, and our studio manager. She is a complete rockstar, and a cornerstone part of our business!

Kate is trained as a designer, and a metalsmith. Holding masters degrees in architecture and landscape architecture, she attributes her design sensibilities and passion for the environment to her formal training.

Kate began metalsmithing while in graduate school, and instantly fell in love with the tactile process of making jewelry. After working for several years in the field of architecture, Kate enrolled at Creative Side Jewelry Academy in Austin, TX, where she received more than 500 hours of full-time, hands-on training in the art and craft of metalsmithing.

Originally from Connecticut, Kate has lived in Colorado since 2007. She currently lives in Denver with her husband, Scott Maller, and their beloved Australian Shepherds, Takoda Winklematten Maller + Gwindel Bear Maller. 

We are pleased to announce the addition of designer jewelry industry veteran Kim Carpenter to the position of Wholesale Sales Account Manager. As an artist, metalsmith, and passionate advocate for designer goldsmiths and studio created jewelry worldwide, Kim brings a wealth of personal experience and relationships garnered from nearly two decades of representing the award winning jewelry artist Todd Reed to some of the most discerning luxury retailers in America. In conversation about the new position and the possibilities to develop the KMJ brand, Kim’s excitement and enthusiasm is palpable - “the opportunity to connect Kate’s soulful designs with jewelry and lifestyle stores looking for designers with a distinctive aesthetic like hers has never been better. Jewelry lovers are looking for designers that make work that is approachable, effortless to wear, and understated in its elegance, which describes Kate’s designs, her retail stores, and the overall KMJ brand perfectly.”

When he’s not smitten with all things jewelry, you’ll find Kim and his beautiful wife Fernanda kite surfing in Mexico, mountain biking in Moab, or in pursuit of what would have been Anthony Bourdain’s next place to eat.

Melissa grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and had a passion for art at a young age. She graduated from University of Denver with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, and loved Colorado so much that she never left!

Her jewelry career began right after college, as she immediately fell in love with jewelry and all aspects of it. The first designer that she worked for taught her the ins and outs of jewelry production and design. Throughout her career she worked for John Atencio, and Todd Reed where she worked in production, merchandising, marketing, design, and sales. Melissa's experience in the jewelry industry is expansive, and she is a valued member of our management team.

Melissa has a passion for handmade jewelry that is artfully created, and thoroughly admires the process of making a piece of jewelry from start to finish.

When not at work her two teenage sons, and two dogs keep her quite busy! She loves skiing, painting, spinning + tennis.

Growing up in northern New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains, and with a family of artisans naturally fostered a passion for creativity, and a love of adventure + wild places in equal measure. Cam graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in metalsmithing and jewelry design. Over the years he has worked with a number of jewelry teams from Vermont, to Massachusetts, and now Colorado.

KMJ's approach to jewelry making, and commitment to sustainable practices fit right in line with Cam's environmental views, and he is proud to be a part of furthering that vision. We are beyond thankful to have Cam's strong skill set, and experience in our studio.

Cam's love of the mountains and outdoors is a big part of what drew him to Colorado. He currently lives in Arvada with his wife, Marion, and their sweet dog Penny, who is also a wonderful and valued team member at our studio.

Jamie is a multifaceted creator/ maker who has been working in different areas of jewelry for 6 years. She graduated from CSU with a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making. 

Jamie believes jewelry is an important part of connection and self expression, which is why she is inspired by the dedication by Kate Maller Jewelry to reduce the impact on the environment, cultivate community support, and spend time to create nuanced pieces of art. Jamie says, 'Being able to be a part of the process, watching a piece grow and evolve into its own unique form, is why I love what I do.'

She was born and raised in Colorado and currently lives in Denver with her partner Fernando and her Pug/Pom Peanut.

Jamie is a highly skilled, thoughtful, and meticulous jeweler. Her attention to detail, and problem solving abilities are assets to our studio practice. We truly feel we won the lottery when we found Jamie, and value all she brings to our team.

Olesea graduated from IRIM University in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, with a Bachelor in International Relations. In 2008 she came to Aspen, CO for an internship program, and absolutely fell in love with everything that it has to offer: beautiful blue skies, great skiing and hiking, fresh air, gorgeous mountains, and wonderful, friendly people.

She brings vast retail experience to our KMJ team. Olesea is highly talented, outgoing, service orientated, and generous. She possesses the ultimate can do attitude while taking on all tasks with positive energy and a smile. Her upbeat personality and engaging personal style enable her to interact effectively with everybody. She volunteers for the Shining Stars, a program for kids with cancer and Response, a local non profit organization, which provides help for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She thrives on lifelong - learning, loves jewelry and everything art, and we are lucky to have her!

Pixie is from upstate New York near Buffalo. She has lived in Aspen for many years, and very much enjoys calling it home. She received her B.A. in Marketing and Linguistics from the University of Texas in Austin. She studied and lived in Salamanca, Spain, and over the years, she studied Japanese and Sign language with a brief attempt at Mandarin. 

Pixie has a passion for beautiful, artistic things. Over the years she has worked with several jewelry companies. Pixie is influenced by consciousness, nature, creativity, healing, and uplifting others, which is why she is so attracted to Kate Maller Jewelry and the brand. She is inspired by KMJ’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. She loves the way KMJ's unique creations along with the other artisan’s pieces that we carry infuse positive intentions, affirmations, and energy. Feel to reach out to Pixie, who would love to help you find the perfect piece pixie@katemaller.com.

Iulia graduated from the University of Russia with a Master of Economics and Management Degree. She combined studying and work, as she began her jewelry career working in a jewelry store. That time was full of new learning, and she's excited to continue working in jewelry at KMJ.

Iulia is a hard worker, results oriented, ready to help clients, and a great team player. When not at work, she loves to be active. Her favorite things to do are: swimming, skiing, hiking and biking. She always keeps herself busy, and Aspen offers no shortage of activities.

Pamela has lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Seattle, but she has made Denver her home for the past 20 years. She earned a Bachelors of Arts in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from Seattle Pacific University.

Pamela has a sweet little buddy, Henry the pug, who loves to take long walks and go on adventures.

She has an innate design sensibility that we all appreciate. Her extensive background in interior design, and retail give her a unique eye. She loves jewelry, fashion and sustainability, and is thus a natural fit at KMJ! Pamela's upbeat personality, and calm demeanor are an asset to our team. She loves to help client's choose just the right piece, and enjoys seeing our regulars in the neighborhood who pop in to say hi, and see what's new - especially with their pups!

Christie is originally from the east coast. She moved to Denver in 2015, and earned a Masters degree in Social Work from University of Denver. Colorado has so much to offer - from amazing parks in the city to stunning hikes in the foothills - Christie loves taking it all in. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

Christie has always found jewelry a beautiful medium of self-expression. Being particularly drawn to KMJ's passion for social and environmental justice; she loves that the business is woman owned, and that all of the pieces have an organic and authentic aesthetic. The fact that the other artists we carry share Kate's vision of sustainability and ethical business practices is something she values.

Christie is a true gem! She is extremely knowledgeable in all of our products, which means she's always apt to help our clients discover everything our shop has to offer - whether an engagement ring, or special gift - Christie has you covered.