Darla was born in Forth Worth, Texas. She remained in the Dallas-Fort Worth area throughout her childhood and most of her adult life. Darla worked in advertising until her marriage and the birth of her second son. Busy juggling a full-time career and two children, she decided to go into business for herself.

In 1998, Darla founded Sun Stone Jewelry Designs (SSJD). She came up with the idea to combine her experience in advertising with what came naturally to her, designing jewelry. So, starting off with a few necklaces, Darla showed her family and friends what she had in mind. They were very enthusiastic and supportive of Darla. And, of course, each one had an idea for a necklace that they wanted her to design. So, with a vague clue as to what they wanted, Darla would come up with the perfect design. She named each design after the person she made it for, and the designs became part of the Sun Stone Jewelry Design line. Once the jewelry was complete, Darla started selling her jewelry through home shows.

In 1999, Darla’s husband accepted a position in Atlanta. Rather than closing her business, she signed up Independent Sales Representatives to sell her jewelry line in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She moved to Atlanta and started selling her jewelry not only through home shows, but also through arts festivals (36th Annual Roswell Arts Festival) and the SSJD website. Then, in early 2000, she incorporated the business and it became SSJD, Inc. Darla continued to live and sell her jewelry in Atlanta until June 2004. Her husband was promoted and they moved to Nashville, Tennessee. With apprehension, she sold SSJD, Inc., in January 2005. However, she continued to make jewelry as gifts for her family and friends.

In May 2006, Darla founded The Creative You. Her vision was to continue designing jewelry and teach the art and craft of jewelry making. Over the years, she has been able to live her dream and hopes that she will be able to pass this gift on to individuals with the same dream.

Darla’s main source of advertising has been simply through word of mouth. And for this, she cannot express enough her sincere gratitude and appreciation for the continual support received from her customers.