My artistic journey began in Riga, Latvia where I was a student at the prestigious Riga School of Design and Art.  Since I was so incredibly passionate about art and design, I decided that I had to continue my education at the Textile Art Department in the Latvian Academy of Arts. As a student, I was successfully participating in various competitions and fashion shows. I always thought that textile design was my creative outlet. Usually, life never goes as expected, and I found myself in the Big Apple. Subsequently, I fell in love with the multicultural melting pot! In the bustling city, I stumbled upon an array unfamiliar gemstones. I must tell you that, growing up I knew of only one type of gemstone-amber. On stormy autumn days, the Baltic Sea would cast up pieces of golden amber upon the Baltic shore. From that point on, I started to experiment with hand knotting, wire wrapping, melting, and dyeing. I always challenge myself by learning new techniques and by staying true to myself. Textile and jewelry design has always been a creative outlet for me, they are my two loves.  And I continue to be encouraged by the endless possibilities ahead of me.

– Ilze, Owner, and Designer