Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Miller.
Hi Sunny, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always had a strong passion for helping others, and I held onto faith that one day I would achieve my dream of becoming a registered nurse. I was blessed with a creative spirit, which led me to discover metalsmithing and jewelry design in 2018. What began as a passion soon blossomed into a thriving metalsmithing career and eventually grew into a part-time pottery career as well. I am both grateful and privileged to be able to pursue these two great artistic endeavors and find success in both of them. In 2020, when I hit the young age of 40, I knew I could no longer deny the great calling I’ve had, for so many years, to nursing. I signed up for my pre-requisite nursing classes and never looked back. I graduated in May, 2025, and I’m now living my dream of successfully running my own jewelry business while also caring for patients with the deep compassion I’ve always carried in my heart.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Going back to nursing school in my 40’s was intimidating at first. I worried I might be too old or out of place, but it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. My age turned out to be a strength, not a setback. Life experience gave me perspective, patience, and purpose! I found that I was more focused and driven than ever, something I just didn’t have in my 20s. If you’re thinking about making a big change later in life, do it. You’re never too old to follow your dreams, and don’t let money stop you. There are so many scholarships out there for adult learners. I was fortunate enough to have nearly 90% of my education covered through various scholarships.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Aside from nursing, I’m known in the creative community on Instagram as not only a metalsmith but a jewelry “cab” maker. What are jewelry cabs? Jewelry cabs/cabochons can be various materials that are permanently set into jewelry and are typically the focal point of that particular piece of jewelry. The most common example of a cabochon is a stone with a flat back like a diamond, emerald, amethyst, etc. However, there are also other types of cabs that can be set in jewelry like what I make which is high temp-kiln fired porcelain cabochons. After I make a collection of cabs, they are sold to other jewelry makers for them to set into their jewelry, which they then sell from their own designs and business. There aren’t many porcelain cabochon makers out there, but there are a few of us. We all have a very different aesthetic and style, and that is what I love most about this artistic community. What sets my cabs apart from others is my love of 3-dimensional art as well as my love for skulls and mycology.
I’m most proud of my determination to learn metalsmithing and ceramics with only YouTube and the great interweb to teach me. If you are reading this and interested in learning a new skill, one that seems impossible to learn on your own, please know that being self-taught is a realistic dream. You can absolutely learn these things on your own with the right tools and proper protective equipment. I do want to add, if you pursue any new artistic endeavor, make sure you have proper ventilation and a proper mask/respirator. These are the golden rules to both metalsmithing and ceramics and are absolutely vital in protecting your lungs and overall health.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a very high energy, free-spirited child. I am blessed and grateful to be a child of the 80’s and 90’s before technology took over our lives. I often talk about how I wish I could bottle up the magical feelings we had as children, primarily during the holidays. It’s a feeling that I think we all continue chasing as adults, and sometimes, if we’re lucky, we find a glimpse of it in something that brings us an incredible amount of joy, like our own children. I pour that feeling into every design, and if one of my pieces, whether jewelry or a cabochon – brings a smile to your face or a moment of joy, then I know I’ve succeeded as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sunny.at.midnight / @sunnyatmidnightcabs
