LeamJewelry

It all started with an old beaded curtain that my mom was about to throw away when I was around 6 or 7. I decided to rescue some of the beads, and thanks to some marigold yellow yarn my mom had lying around the house, I discovered my passion for making jewelry. I made a couple of bracelets and a necklace.

Over the years as a child, several of the gifts I asked for were related to jewelry.

I was around 9 when I asked for a bead weaving loom for my birthday. My sister-in-law, who also had a penchant for crafts, showed me how to use it. That's when I learned to use a needle to weave beads. I started to make bracelets and keychains using my loom.

My jewelry-making hobby slowly declined in my teenage years, and at some point, came to a full stop, partly due to my serious lack of confidence. I got back into it during my college years and expanded to difference techniques and different accessories.

When I first became a mother, I found it a lot more challenging to make jewelry due to a major shift in my routine, but what motivated me and still keeps me motivated until today, even after having 3 kids and despite having a full-time job, is the fact that making jewelry allows me to remain connected to my inner child, feel young at heart, and have an identity of my own, aside from all the other responsibilities I have. It is also a talent and legacy I can pass on to my children.

Most of my jewelry is versatile and can complement or enhance a variety of different outfits. I've been making jewelry for others and myself all while holding on to the belief that being a mother doesn't mean you should lose your sense of style.

One of my mantras that keeps me going: BALANCE. This is what allows your responsibilities and your passions to coexist in harmony. Having responsibilities doesn't mean you shouldn't have hobbies or leisure activities, and being a hard worker doesn't mean you shouldn't have fun.