Hilma Maria Persson was born in Hagaberg Rackstad outside Arvika on 24 September 1877 and was the daughter of master carpenter Anders Persson and Olivia Magnusson. During the last years of the 19th century and until 1907, Hilma studied at schools abroad as well as at the Technical School in Stockholm. During her studies in Stockholm, and to support herself, Hilma worked at the Rörstrand Porcelain Factory.

After completing her education in 1907, Hilma moved back to Rackstad where she started her own ceramics workshop. In the summer of 1909, she married Rolf Charles Hjelm and during that year also undertook some commissions for St. Erik's Ceramic Factory in Uppsala. Some of Hilma's pieces from St. Erik were exhibited at the Stockholm Exhibition in 1909.

In the early years of her own workshop, Hilma lacked a kiln. She had to seek help with firing at the Arvika Tile Factory or with other potters in the area. It was not until 1918, some time after the Persson-Hjelm couple moved to Arvika, that they were able to install their own kiln. Hilma's production primarily consisted of Art Nouveau-inspired vases, bowls, plates, and other utilitarian objects, often true works of art decorated with insects and foliage in strong relief. Occasionally, she also created busts and sculptural works.

In the workshop, in addition to Hilma and Rolf, Martin Andersson worked to assist with throwing. Later, the children also participated in the work, mainly in firing and supervision. Besides working in her own workshop, Hilma also served as a teacher in drawing and modelling at the Arvika Vocational School, a role she continued until 1945 when she retired.

Hilma Persson-Hjelm participated in several exhibitions, including in Stockholm in 1909, Arvika in 1911, Malmö in 1914, and Karlstad in 1925. She also took part in a group exhibition in San Francisco in 1914. Hilma passed away in Arvika on 19 November 1953. Her pieces were signed "HP".

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