Crafting with Purpose: Margaret Graham’s Leap from Classroom to Creativity

Welcome to the Susan LoPresti Wellness: Mind, Body & Soul podcast — the go-to space for midlife and mature women who are ready to reclaim their health, boost their energy, and live long, vibrant, and purposeful lives.Each week, we dive deep into natural wellness, holistic healing, anti-aging strategies, and healthy lifestyle habits to help you feel your best — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.Whether you're navigating menopause, working through chronic conditions, or simply wanting to age gracefully and intentionally, this show is your sanctuary for science-backed insights, powerful stories, and soul-nourishing inspiration.So, if you're a woman over 40 or 50 looking to thrive in this next chapter of life — you're in the right place."Margaret Graham, is the artist behind Centering Pendants, a line of handmade, touchable jewelry designed to help people pause, breathe, and reCenter themselves throughout the day. After leaving her career in education in 2016, she followed a winding path through yoga, mindfulness, and jewelry that ultimately led her to create these pendants as a personal tool to stay grounded. They’ve since grown into a mission to help others connect with their inner calm, especially women navigating big life transitions. She is also host a podcast called The Art of Centering, where she explores the intersections of mindfulness, art, spirituality, and mental healthMargaret Graham, along with her husband Fred and step-daughter Austin, resides in Anderson, South Carolina where she runs her art business from the comfort of her home studio. When she isn't busy creating, Margaret enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding, and practicing yoga.Margaret's passion for art developed at a young age. Her childhood home was adorned with stunning linear drawings by M.C. Escher and organic paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe, which greatly influenced her artistic eye. Additionally, receiving handmade gifts from her aunts and grandma during the holiday season and watching her older sister draw only fueled her desire to create.Her art journey officially began after completing four years of art classes in high school, confirming that art was the only path for her. Margaret received a BA degree in Art, with a concentration in ceramics, from UNC Asheville in 2002. It was during this time that she also discovered her passion for yoga and meditation. In 2006, she taught herself how to make jewelry, and in 2009, she took a metalsmithing class. For ten years, she sold her jewelry under the name Gritgoods both online and in galleries, and at various festivals in the Southeast. However, it was her background in ceramics that proved most useful in creating Centering Pendants.Visit Margaret's website here:https://centeringpendants.com/https://www.facebook.com/mgoodsongrahamhttps://www.instagram.com/centeringpendants/https://www.pinterest.com/mgoodsongrahamstudios/centering-pendants/#MargaretGraham #HeartCenteredJewelry #FromTeacherToArtist #CreativeEntrepreneur #JewelryWithMeaning #FollowYourHeart #PurposeDrivenLife #HandmadeJewelry #JewelryDesign #HeartJewelry #ArtisanJewelry #CreativeJourney #JewelryWithSoul #WearYourHeart #SecondActSuccess #ReinventionJourney #InspiredLiving #PassionToPurpose #EmpoweredWomen