I’m in the midst of a bunch of different projects, all jewelry-related and it’s been an ABSOLUTE joy to start creating again. A new collection will hopefully drop this month after I hold a raffle for Puerto Rico (more deets below). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed challenging myself as a new mom and jeweler this past month and feel like I’ve made some breakthroughs. And hellllloooo October.
✦ I’ve Got a Guy
In my last year in Spain, I had moved to a new city and barely knew anyone. As I was walking around my neighborhood, I noticed that I was surrounded by all these fabulous speciality food shops and decided to try them out since it’s something that I don’t have here in New Mexico. Pretty quickly I had a honey guy, a fruit and veg guy, an organic herb guy and as they got to know me, they’d set aside foods for me to try. I would ask them how they’d prepare certain dishes and they’d eagerly share their knowledge with me. My biggest takeaway from that experience was getting to know your vendors because they can offer you a lot more than just the sale of a product. Now for my business, I have carefully chosen local vendors where I know I can get high-quality gems, tools and materials while also asking for their expertise. Life is good.
✦ The Shop
Off a noisy, bustling street, there's an alleyway with a single dim light hanging over a sign. The sign has no name, just an image, which feels like an invitation. With just a glimpse into the shop, there is what seems to be a hidden world. The inside has the appearance of a cabinet of curiosities covered in fresh-cut flowers. The humming in the background isn’t that of a bee, but rather of a jeweler’s saw cutting through metal. The old wooden floors are lined with rich antique rugs and the shop smells spicy. Upon entering, there’s a tray with Turkish delight, baklava and Moroccan mint tea. Amongst the curio are the jewelry treasures, glistening with precious metals and gemstones. Each piece depicts a scene from a faraway time weaving the story before your eyes. The painted horses can be heard stampeding in that one, and the women under the apple tree appear to be whispering in this one. The jeweler continues humming away, bringing to life the mythological musings from a distant past.
Ok, enough daydreaming.
✦ Raffle for Puerto Rico
For this first week of October, I’ll be holding a raffle for the victims of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico. I’ve decided on an organization called Techos Pa Mi Gente (which translates to Rooftops For My People). I have roots in Puerto Rico, my grandparents were both from the island and the town where they were from was hit pretty hard. I still have family there and even though they are distant cousins, they are still people I grew up knowing and having in my life and it is important for me to contribute in some small way. I’ve created several bronze pieces: two earrings, one cuff. While the notifications for this raffle will be announced through my email list and Instagram, all donations/raffle purchases will take place right here on my website. The raffle will last for one week from October 3-9, mark your calendars!
✦ New Logo
Not much to say on this other than I’m super excited to finally have a new logo. See it at the top of my page? I wanted it to represent history, art, and my love for statement earrings and I think this sums it up nicely.
✦ Bulgari-Inspired Capsule Collection
Madre mia, new work! It’ll be coming your way soon. I like to take my time with photos to create a proper mood but this collection will be great for your holiday needs. It focuses exclusively on gemstone earrings. Some of them I’ve left unfinished so that you could choose whether to finish them with a hook or post. Email subscribers will get first dibs as always.
✦ Newsletter vs Email
A few of you asked me about why my newsletter, which is normally in the emails, is now on my website. I’ve decided to be more democratic about my newsletter so that we’re ALL informed as opposed to only some of us staying informed. I want to keep emails pretty short and sweet from now on. They will mostly be reserved for first dibs on any collection drop (along with a discount code) but I don’t want to bombard you with a big, chunky email anymore. Every month, I will be sharing with you anything that is fit to print in regards to AyC in the form of an online newsletter.
Here's what to look for and how to stay informed:
Instagram is the place to watch for weekly process, be notified of (possibly sudden) updates, and to view the upcoming work.
Emails will be sent out with a discount code one day before a collection is released to the public.
Newsletters are casual, monthly, fun, and available all right here on this website.
I hope that makes sense and please reach out with any questions. Thebest way to contact me these days is via Instagram DM.
✦
Ok, that’s all. I’m getting excited for when baby girl gets older and we can celebrate Halloween properly. Do I want to dress her as a black cat every year for the rest of her life? Certainly. Ughhh, she’s going to be the cutest little kitten ever and you’re so damn right that I’ll be making her jewelry to match. Don’t get me started, I’m signing off.
Mmmmmmmm byeeeeeeeeee.