What is your background in design and how did it eventually lead you to jewelry?
I grew up learning to appreciate beautiful buildings and art with my parents, and over time became fascinated with how things were made and the rigor behind it all. I studied architecture for undergrad and interior design for my masters, and have been studying and working in the architecture and design field for nearly 15 years. I’ve always enjoyed bringing ideas to life and using my hands. Jewelry felt like a natural tangent, something I could work on using many of the same tools I used to build models in architecture school, and some of the same computer programs. I love that jewelry is an art piece that can be worn and passed down for many generations. It’s taking something valuable, like gold, and putting hours into working on it, making it even more valuable.
where do you draw inspiration from and how does your environment influence your work?
Architectural elements provide constant inspiration for me. I’m also a design and construction project manager, so I’m surrounded by beautiful furniture details and environments every day. Living in New York City, I’m always noticing small details in buildings and public spaces and taking photos. I keep an album on my phone titled Jewelry Inspiration that includes everything from sculpture and building ornament to metal latticework, ancient jewelry from The Met, and even ornate street lights.
What are your daily sacred rituals?
I try to start my day and end it the same each day, and leave the middle of the day really flexible for whatever is going on. My body wakes up before my brain so I always get in some form of morning exercise, like yoga, pilates, a walk, or a jog. At night I tidy up from the day and take a shower before going to sleep.
what has been the most challenging part of this new venture?
I’ve always thought of myself as an artist at heart, so the biggest challenge has been putting my work into the world in a more visible way. My background in architecture and project management has been invaluable, but marketing requires a different kind of openness. I’m learning to move through that by staying focused on what feels authentic to me and the brand, and simply not overthinking it.
