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My parents came to this country because they wanted their yet unborn children to grow up in the greatest country in the world. They came with no knowledge of English, no money and no prospects. They did so for the future of their family. They taught me to believe in myself and like them, to pursue my dreams, no matter the obstacles.  My mother was a couturiere and as a small child I sat at her side while she made dresses. She taught me the importance of style and artistry. While she worked, I played with her jewelry, making a necklace into a belt, stacking her bracelets and combining earring tops and bottoms in different ways.  She would critique my work and suggest alternate ways of creating the designs.  I always knew I would be a jewelry designer and it was my parents’ courage that gave me the confidence and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve that goal.

Like you would expect, the journey was very tough. Long design nights and plenty of rejection. But the example of my parents and their belief in themselves provided the passion and inspiration that drove me.   I also remember the highlights such as opening my own Madison Avenue boutique and designing the pin that first lady Hillary Clinton wore to her husband’s inauguration. These incredible milestones made any difficulties pale by comparison. I can still remember walking down Madison Avenue and seeing someone in my jewelry for the first time. I can almost feel the excitement and exhilaration even now!

As many women know, caring for a family while starting a career can be challenging.  Somehow everything got done, but with three young boys, every day was packed. I often think about the technological conveniences we take for granted today such as cell phones, email and texting. That certainly would have made my balancing act a little easier!  Jewelry design was, and still is my passion. It is the only thing I have ever wanted to do. Stopping, giving up, or doing something else was simply never an option.

My mother inspired me and still does. She was a couturiere with a strong sense of family and self, and she had a creative flair that I believe I was lucky enough to inherit. From the very beginning she could see that I was captivated by the treasures in her jewelry box and she encouraged me to express my individuality through jewelry design.

I am so grateful for the unwavering support of my family. My husband encouraged me to focus on success, and to consider no other possible outcome. My sons supported me even before they quite understood what I was doing. I remember them as children, all sitting on my bed, helping pack up deliveries!  Their love and support re-energized me every day. 

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Check out more stories from our other “Salute to the American Dream” blogs

Robin Sydney from Twiddle

Meredith Laurence from The Blue Jean Chef

Scott Grime from JAI Jewelry

Barbara King

Mark Charles

Carolyn Pollack

Tara McConnell from Temp-tations

Liam Bourke from Orthaheel

Susan Graver

Mally

Isaac Mizrahi

Jamie Kern from IT Cosmetics

Aimee Kestenberg