Sisters Ann Mitchell and Karen Mitchell started their mixed media jewelry business, AnKara Designs, in 1991, based in Altadena, California. In addition to authoring jewelry making books, the Mitchell sisters are teachers, columnists, and craft product designers. The duo has also made numerous guest appearances on various crafting shows, including DIY Jewelry Making (YouTube) and Craft Lab (HGTV).

The delicate, feminine style of their jewelry designs and their innovative ideas have appeared in feature films, television, theater, museum exhibitions, advertisements, websites, books, and magazines. 

Ann Mitchell is part of a dynamic sister team with Karen Mitchell, with a costume jewelry company called AnKara Designs based in Altadena, California. Ann and Karen make and sell jewelry and teach jewelry making classes nationwide.