1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?

My plan when I moved to NYC back in 1991 was to broaden my experience as a shoe designer. I was introduced to the fine jewelry world almost by accident. Working for a leather company I had the opportunity to meet a jewelry designer during a collab. I immediately fell in love with the work. I truly believe in destiny so when I was given the opportunity to migrate from shoes to jewelry, I didn't think twice. I knew it was meant to be.

2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?

What I love the most is making it. I like to think that I have the soul of an artist. I feel very passionate about creating things. I also have a very detail-oriented way of thinking and working. I believe that these traits combined forged my way to express myself through the jewelry-making process.

3. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?

I have always been an entrepreneur. I opened my shoe factory in Brazil even before graduating from college. Even though I worked for other jewelry designers for many years, I was always pushing for more creative freedom. I guess starting my own namesake brand was a natural outcome of this urge.

4. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Manhattan, New York.

5. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

6. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY.

Effortless.

7. WHAT INSPIRED THE KALEIDOSCOPE SHAKER?

I'm always surrounded by Lucite boxes of loose gemstones. I used to work from home and was always moving the boxes from the safe to my bench back and forth. One day, watching the stones sliding inside the transparent boxes, a stroke of inspiration hit.

8. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STONE?

Diamonds.

9. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?

It was this gold cuff bracelet that my mom used to wear all the time. I can still remember exactly the way it looked.

10. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

Tiger! I’m a Leo and my Chinese zodiac is Tiger. I am a silent hunter!

11. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON?

Elsa Peretti.

12. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?

Despite being obsessed with creating jewelry I don't wear a lot of it. But I have a ring that never leaves my finger: my father's wedding band. After he passed my mother gave it to me so I could keep a part of him always present in my life. 

13. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.

Bohemian. 

14. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t really buy jewelry. I bought this Shawn brooch at an antique market many years ago and it became a great source of inspiration.

15. THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?

A pair of Air Jordan 1’s.

16. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?

My home accessories line! Coming out soon…

17. FAVORITE FOOD?

Okra.

18. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?

Meat.

19. WINE OR CHEESE?

Both, please! They go together just perfectly. 

20. COFFEE OR TEA?

Coffee, but I quit, so I drink tea these days. 

21. YOGA OR BOXING?

Yoga.

22. FAVORITE SEASON?

Fall.

23. FAVORITE CITY?

New York City.

24. SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?

Flying.

25. SECRET SKILL?

I have a green thumb that I inherited from my mom. I need to have plants and flowers around me all the time.

26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?

After accomplishing something, no matter the size of the task.

27. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?

When I'm swimming. Being surrounded by water gets me completely immersed in my thoughts. It's my way to meditate. 

28. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

Fire accidents. Completely petrified by the idea.

29. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?

By thinking that tomorrow is another day and that I need to keep going. 

30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?

My “shakers”! They’re so playful.

31. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?

My dad’s wedding band. It’s my protection talisman. 

32. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Always follow your guts.

33. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?

I’m an addicted swimmer.

34. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?

Finishing a piece and being 100% happy with it – I am an extreme perfectionist.