How We Began

I began making earrings two years ago and found it to be completely relaxing. It was a difficult time in my life and I was experiencing a lot of stress from work. Determined to "treat myself" to something, I found myself walking around an arts and crafts festival looking for a bauble, some earrings, or a bracelet to purchase and brighten my day. I didn't find anything that particularly caught my eye and came home empty-handed. The following day, I went to the fabric store with the intent of making something. I found myself looking at beautiful fabrics and leather. When I was a child, I'd sew simple things with my grandmother and being around the fabric made me think of her. I bought some leather and suede that day and decided that I'd make myself some earrings or a funky leather cuff bracelet. I ended up making my first pair of long, colorful leather earrings and just loved them!

Sitting quietly with materials in my living room, showered by sunlight and working with my hands brings me a deep sense of peacefulness. I remember thinking to myself, this is how people who knit and crochet must feel. The time always passes quickly with my favorite music playing in the background, and I'd look up to discover a table full of leather strips and cuts in curves, waves, and zig-zags. As far as my designs, I let the colors speak to me and assemble accordingly. Long and short, mixed and unmatched, there are no rules and boundaries to adhere to. I just surrendered to the process of creative expression, and see what happens.

I began by just wearing my earrings and from there, it spread throughout Chicago. My girlfriends started buying them from me and then their friends and then I expanded to making special custom orders. that's when I realized this could be a real business for me.