Meet the Team

We strive to bring you the best instructors with a wide array of knowledge of Metal Smithing. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands while you learn this inspiring and creative craft.


  • Owner/Master Metalsmith

    Norma’s passion for Metal Smithing started in 2018 when she decided to take an introduction to Metal Smithing class

    Needless to say, she was hooked after the first class. Norma continued to apprentice under Jay Whaley for 4 years and who inspired her to dig deeper and perfect her craft by providing his extensive knowledge and techniques.

    HIPOLITO is Normas jewelry band and can be found on IG as @hiplolitojoyas

    She focuses on custom creations and prides herself in creating 1 of 1 heirlooms such as engagement rings, wedding bands, pendents, earrings, bracelets, and so much more.

    Since owning the studio Norma spends over 40 hours each week working with students jewelers and helps them learn a new skill, bring their jewelry ideas into physical form, and guides them with Industry practices.

    opon request Norma offers DIY wedding ring workshops which you can find more info about on the wedding ring workshops page.

  • Gaby Ahlstrom is a multi media artist based in San Diego, CA. She was first introduced to metal sculpture during her studies at Santa Clara University where she studied Studio Art and Music, and later joined SDJA as a student in August 2023 after relocating to San Diego from Chicago. Though the scale she was used to working at drastically shifted, she immediately fell in love with the art of fabricating and Carving fine jewelry.


    Gaby has been an active team member at SDJA since June 2024, where she has been able to work closely under her mentor, Norma, to learn the craft, expand her talent, and share the skills she’s learned with her students to foster their own artistic growth. 

    Through all the mediums she explores, the constant thread tying them together thematically is the fascination with the textures found in nature. Whether it be overlaying film scans to create cyanotype prints or carving wax rings to emulate the patterns of river stones, Gaby turns to nature for inspiration to guide her designs. Citrus Cherub serves as the platform to express herself creatively while  simultaneously connecting with the natural world around her. You can find her one of kind bespoke pieces on IG @citruscherub and citruscherub.com

  • Alanis Alessandra Lara is an artist and metalsmith with a BA in Graphic Design and a minor in Jewelry and Metals from San Diego State University.

    She discovered her passion for jewelry and metals during her second year of college, becoming immediately captivated by the craft and realizing it would shape her professional and artistic path.

    Lara is deeply passionate about jewelry making, craft, design, and creative community spaces. Having recently graduated college, she is now focused on developing and establishing her own brand, where she continues to explore the intersection of design, craft, and personal expression.