About

I was born an artist. I’ve been drawing, painting, and making things ever since I was a little girl. My favorite toys were not necessarily toys, but arts and crafts kits (pretty sure I ruined my mom’s blender with a Make Your Own Paper kit when I was 10).

In junior high I got really in to bead work. My mom being the crafty person she was, made me a cute little wooden box to showcase all of my bead jewelry, which I then took to school and sold out of. I was hustling jewelry at a young age, but after a brief encounter of theft, quickly lost the courage to continue on.

As far as higher education goes, I received my bachelors degree in Fine Art from UCSC back in the summer of 2009. Since then I've done everything from working as a sign artist for Trader Joe’s, to freelance sign art, to displaying paintings at coffee shops, banks, salons and breweries. My big break as artist came when I was accepted in to the Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour.

After many years in and out of the creative world, jewelry making has found itself back in my life.

 

The mission of Palettes and Petals is inspired by my dad, Juan Manuel Castro. My dad was my best friend and I loved him more than words can describe. He past away from ALS in October of 2019. In honor of him, I continue to advocate, create awareness, and fundraise for ALS.

 

With your support, you can help me give back. A $1 donation from every pair of earrings sold goes to the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

xoxo- Selena