Utah Mom Beats Cancer, Builds Jewelry Business After Divorce
Jerilyn Brunson learned to weld custom jewelry on a maxed-out credit card after her divorce, then fought breast cancer while launching her business. Two years later, she's cancer-free and empowering other women through her permanent jewelry shop in Lehi.
When Jerilyn Brunson's divorce became final in 2024, she bought a welding tool on credit and bet on herself. Five days later, her doctor called with breast cancer results.
The 41-year-old single mom from Lehi needed day care for her two young sons but couldn't afford it on a teacher's salary. So she traded lesson plans for a welder and launched "In Her M Era," a custom permanent jewelry business where she creates bracelets and necklaces with personal meaning for her customers.
Brunson had spent six years as a full-time educator and briefly helped a friend's jewelry business on the side. When her marriage ended and she had two boys just 16 months apart to support, entrepreneurship felt like the only path forward.
She sought mentorship from welding professionals and practiced until she could confidently create custom pieces. Then came the cancer diagnosis.
Doctors urged her to get a double mastectomy immediately. Community members rallied to help cover the surgery costs she couldn't afford while building a new business from scratch.
Between 33 rounds of radiation, caring for two toddlers, and welding jewelry for clients, Brunson fought her way to remission. Last spring, doctors declared her cancer-free.
Why This Inspires
Brunson now works from Embrace Beauty Salon near Thanksgiving Point, surrounded by other female entrepreneurs who supported her through treatment. She creates permanent jewelry for cancer survivors and anyone seeking something meaningful to wear.
"I've seen women cry after I've made them jewelry," she said. "I've seen people just so excited and so happy, completely smitten and in awe."
Salon owner Hailey Duncan calls Brunson "a great example of resiliency through business and life challenges." The space was designed specifically to help women like Brunson build thriving businesses while receiving community support.
The business name honors her sons, Monty and Memphis. For Brunson, each welded bracelet represents more than jewelry—it's proof of the life she rebuilt after divorce and cancer tried to define her story.
She continues regular cancer checkups while balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, helping others commemorate their own survival stories one permanent bracelet at a time.
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Based on reporting by Google News - Cancer Survivor
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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