Her husband, Marc Choyt, took a huge risk and left his job as a High School English teacher in 1996 to help build a business. He took the jewelry around the country, cold calling at stores in large cities. At this point, Helen had just started making a few pieces of the contemporary Celtic design she is now known for, using the mixed metal techniques that are common in Southwest style jewelry. Her use of mixed metals -- gold and silver -- and her knot work designs were (and are), original and unique in the Celtic jewelry market. Celtic designs were natural to Helen since she grew up in a small English village with Celtic art in her environment. Helen has a special love for the art of ancient cultures and the universal symbols which are found in these cultures the world over.

Like many new business, Reflective Images struggled during the first few years. The business operated out of a small studio in Marc and Helen's back yard, and the work week was usually 70 hours, often more. In 1999, with continued growth in sales, they were able to hire two employees. By this time they had a good prototype for their current website which was launched in 1997. They also sold to several American Craft galleries around the country. The company continued to expand in 2000, with strong sales at jewelry shows, in major catalogs such as Signals, and on the internet due to ongoing enhancements to their website.

In 2001, with continued growth, the company purchased a commercial building at 912 Baca Street in Santa Fe. The space was completely gutted and remodeled into a 2,000+ square foot studio, with perfectly vented metalsmithing bays, a showroom, a sound-isolated finishing room with state of the art equipment, a design room for Helen, and ample office and shipping areas. It was a huge step forward and everyone in the company (by now 8 full time people) was thrilled to move into the new space in Janurary 2002.

Reflective Images continues to grow, keeping the Celtic fires burning with new designs -- a fusion of unique and classic knot work -- beads and stylish sliders with handwoven sterling chains, and much more, including a fabulous selection of wedding rings by Katherine Aberle, a personal friend of Helen and Marc. Helen still does most of the designing, though some of the jewelers she has trained have added their own styles to the line, most notably the fine and unique work of Mary Healey. Due to the spiritual and humanistic views of the owners, Helen and Marc, Reflective Images is a progressive company, providing excellent benefits to their employees, flex-time, and great parties!