Our Team
Mike Walton
Co-owner, GIA Graduate Gemologist
Mike Walton joined the family business in 1982 when his mother, Melba Walton, opened Walton's Jewelry. He received his Graduate Gemology Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in residence at Carlsbad California in the early 1980's and put in hundreds of hours along with completing coursework to become our resident jeweler. For many years, Mike handled most aspects of day-to-day operations here at Walton's, helping to grow Walton's Antique and Estate Jewelry into the jewelry store it is today.
Mike has always enjoyed traveling the world, seeking out gemstones and antique jewelry to bring back to Franklin. He is now enjoying the retired life — spending time with his wife, Adrian, and being a grandparent.
Julie Walton Garland
Co-owner, GIA Graduate Gemologist
Julie Walton Garland continued the Walton's Legacy by joining the business in 2012 after spending six years in Colorado where she received her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2010. Throughout her time at Walton's, she received her Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, established the business's strong online presence, and more recently carried out our showroom remodel, enhancing customer experience and creating a beautiful space for clients to enjoy.
In 2017, Julie was selected as one of eleven business owners from across the country to become a Member of the Facebook Small Business Council. She is also a Founding Member of the Facebook Leader Network. Julie has a passion for interior design, always finding the next home improvement project to tackle, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Patrick, and their son, James, and daughter, Kate.
Miller Williams
Manager, Repair & Design Specialist
GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional, GIA Diamond Graduate
Miller Williams graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Psychology. While working toward her degree, she began her career in the jewelry business where she quickly realized her passion truly lay in the world of gems and jewelry design. Miller joined Walton's in 2015, and has transitioned her role to Repair Specialist, working closely with our resident jeweler managing repairs and specializing in custom jewelry design projects. She is a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional, GIA Graduate diamonds, and is working towards completing her GIA Graduate Gemology degree. Miller enjoys baking and staying connected with friends in the jewelry community.
Mary Rozas
Marketing Manager
GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional
Mary Rozas graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2018. At Walton's, she manages all aspects of our website and coordinates our branding and marketing efforts. Her enthusiasm for great design is exhibited when working with clients to pair them with beautiful pieces from our collection. With a background in digital design and photography, she captures the fabulous photos you see on our Facebook and Instagram feeds. Mary is passionate about many forms of art, including painting and architecture, and enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Ernie.
Katie Walton
Assistant Web Editor, Product Photographer
GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional
Katie Walton is a third generation Walton - Melba’s granddaughter, Mike’s youngest daughter, and Julie’s younger sister. She joined the team in 2019 as an apprentice, studying the art of jewelry design and obtaining the Accredited Jewelry Professional credential. In her role as Assistant Web Editor, her product photography skills shine in the incredible images she captures of our entire online collection. Katie enjoys spending time with her dachshund, Dexter, and making artfully decorated cookies.
Claire Ladd
Sales Professional
GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional
Claire Ladd is a Franklin native and has been an admirer of Walton's Jewelry since she was a teenager. She joined the team in 2018 and brings a passion for historical gems with particular expertise in the use of symbolism found in antique jewelry, including Mememto Mori and rare designs from the Georgian period. Claire is a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional with a Graduate Diamonds Diploma and is continuing to work toward her Graduate Gemology Diploma. When not at Walton's, she enjoys baking, knitting, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Lensey Hudson
Sales Professional
GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional
Lensey Hudson got her start in jewelry at the age of seventeen. Originally from Lewisburg, she joined the Walton's team in April 2021. Soon after discovering her love of jewelry, she began pursuing her Graduate Gemology degree at the GIA, where she obtained the Accredited Jewelry Professional credential. Lensey has a passion for antique jewelry and has always been moved by pieces from the Art Nouveau period. She enjoys spending time with her corgi, Bonnie, going to music festivals, and growing her green thumb.
Meghan Johnson
Social Media Coordinator
GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional
As a Nashville native, Meghan Johnson has delighted in watching the community of Downtown Franklin flourish. Being a part of a pillar of Main Street, such as Walton's, has been an added bonus! When she is not working on scheduling social posts, Meghan enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family, her husband, Brett, and their two children.
Addi Aguayo
Office Intern, Model
The Walton’s Family has known Addi and her family for over eight years, first meeting her when her Uncle Gabe was part of our team. Addi has grown into an outstanding young lady, one that we are thrilled to have joining us! You will see her modeling many of our fabulous pieces on our Instagram, Facebook and website. When she’s not at Walton’s, she loves running - she’s a cross country star! She hopes to continue running in college and study to become a doctor.
Daniel Blalock
Resident Jeweler
Daniel Blalock, our in-house jeweler since 2019, has over fifteen years experience in jewelry design, repair, and restoration. His precision and attention to detail meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality. When not at the jewelry bench, Daniel is fond of the great outdoors and enjoys spending time with his wife, Lindsey, and their two children.