Margaret launched Polished & Put-Together, her original jewelry and accessory design business, while still working as a successful Internet strategist, published writer and marketing consultant whose clients have included IBM, MasterCard, GM, Nestle and The Children's Trust Fund. Although she had limited time to devote to designing, creating and marketing her pieces, her talent was recognized quickly, winning her a Top Ten Finalist spot in QVC's first-ever Emerging Designers Award competition.

She is inspired by many designers, including Stanley Hagler, Ian St. Gielar, Miriam Haskell, Colleen Toland and Stephen Dweck, but her own distinctive style usually draws its inspiration from her enormous collection of vintage beads, crystals, findings and other components. Every piece she designs is one-of-a-kind, a time-consuming but creatively satisfying approach. She especially loves creating custom designs that reflect the personal style and preferences of the customer or gift recipient.

Margaret first learned the art of embellishment from her mother, a talented needlework designer/instructor and a creative crafter who kept her two young girls busy and happy for hours at a time by teaching them to glue pearls and rhinestones onto anything that didn't move. She really relates to Jeremy, the animated crow in "The Secret of NIMH" who had a shameless attraction to"sparklies."