I'm always interested in the stories jewelry designer tell about how they found their passion for creating jewelry, the journys they've taken to get where they are now, the inspiration that hit them, that eureka moment.

Many of the more successful jewelry designers also have a niche they fill that is often connected to past careers. Such is the case with Leslie Homan, owner of Femme Metale.

From "Rockabilly bling: Femme Metale creates dramatic jewelry:"

Creator and designer Leslie Homan fell into making jewelry seven years ago, after giving up her job as a makeup artist and stylist for infomercials.

The 47-year-old now lives in Corona, Calif., with her yappy Italian greyhound and giant white cat.

Her company now has 450 wholesale accounts across the country, as well as international visibility online. To come up with the jewelry designs, Homan uses reference books on Victorian Art, pop-culture icons and music to inspire her own creative mind.

Homan also creates fine jewelry rings using 14-karat white gold, pave diamonds and various gemstones like sapphires and rubies. The rings come in various shapes: skull and cross bone, pirate, burning heart, and crown, to name a few.

So, she sort of connected her entertainment backgroud with hip metal jewelry. Very cool.