Since I was young, I’ve always looked for creative ways to express myself. I am always collecting earrings, rings, and other small pieces wherever I travel. Jewelry is the perfect souvenir: easy to pack, yet rich with memory. For me, jewelry has never just been about style, it’s also about storytelling memories, places and people.

That connection deepened in 2022. As first-time homeowners we were robbed, and all of my jewelry was stolen. Most of it wasn’t expensive, but the sentimental value was irreplaceable. I lost the physical symbols of so many memories. In the midst of that grief, I began making jewelry myself. What started as a way to heal became my own joyful, creative, expressive practice.

I’m heavily inspired my grandmothers, Janie and Gloria, who both had a love for big jewelry. Their influence runs deep in my work. The louder and more vibrant the piece, the more it feels like a declaration. One that says I’m here, creating new stories while honoring the stories that shaped me.