What made you want to start your own business?
Honestly? Nobody wanted to hire me. I moved to New York 12 years ago. I’d been doing PR in Japan for four years, but that experience didn’t translate here—in New York, it’s not about what you did, it’s about who you know. I interned at IFA USA, and after that I thought, okay, I have to start my own thing. That was it.
What’s the most difficult part of running your own business, and what’s the most rewarding?
I started in 2019, and then COVID hit almost immediately. On top of that, the price of gold went through the roof—sourcing gold and diamonds, some of our pieces cost $100,000 to produce. I feel very passionate about this because I didn’t grow up with privilege. I was born in the Philippines, grew up in Japan, and didn’t have money. Most fine jewelry brands require substantial financial resources, and that barrier is real.
The most rewarding part is being here, being recognized, and seeing the business grow. The most valuable recognition comes from my clients—that’s everything to me.
Is there a brand or business you really admire?
I admire what Chrome Hearts has built. They’ve been around for decades, had a huge moment, faded, and now they’re having a comeback. They have a very distinct identity—custom leather, perfume, objects. That’s who I want to become: a creative vision that expands beyond jewelry but stays completely coherent.
Dream person to dress, dead or alive?
Elsa Peretti. She was such a big personality and truly revolutionary. When you think about jewelry, it’s usually about the big diamonds—she was entirely design-focused. And from the ’60s and ’70s, she was manufacturing in Japan for Tiffany. She had a lacquer collection. She knew kintsugi. I feel a deep connection to her work.
