ĀZLEE
1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
I became enamored with fashion and editorial photography, and I wanted to shoot for magazines and create editorial spreads. I interned at Glamour and Allure in New York and realized it wasn’t as satisfying as I had hoped. I then changed careers as I became interested in nonprofit work and decided to move to Guatemala for six months, working for a non-profit that created fair trade accessories with local women artisans. While living down there, I very randomly started studying metalworking under a German metalsmith. I had originally asked if he could make me a ring, he responded by asking me if I wanted to make it and that’s how I ended up studying under him. I became obsessed with metal working and jewelry. I had never been a jewelry lover and through my time in Guatemala, that swiftly changed and it became my life’s passion.
2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?
I love how emotional of a purchase it is for people. You compliment people on their jewelry, and they’ll tell you a whole story about it. I also love its place throughout history and its significance.
3. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?
I never thought of starting a company– I didn’t know that was an option and being an entrepreneur isn’t something that crossed my mind. Funny enough, I actually looked forward to climbing a corporate ladder and having more structure! However, once I found my life’s passion, it didn’t feel like an option not to do it. I started AZLEE as a result of my love for designing and making jewelry. I wanted to start a brand, not a business and AZLEE is an extension of myself and a world I create that feels in line with how I see things.
4. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Los Angeles, in Santa Monica.
5. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Newport Beach and Colorado.
6. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY.
Chic.
7. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STONE?
A diamond and my favorite cut is the shield.
8. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
I remember going to Neiman Marcus one day after working every summer and saving up my money. I bought my first piece of fine jewelry. I must have been in late high school or early college. It was a 14k, little peace sign with diamond accents, in gold – I felt like I had made it.
9. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
A dolphin – dolphins are free, playful and in the ocean all day.
10. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON?
Suzanne Belperron.
11. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
My Greek pattern necklace, solid gold, no stones. It provides a whole different element to my outfits, it’s easy and I don’t think about taking it off.
12. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Minimal.
13. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?
I recently made myself a ring: elongated diamond hexagons, bezel set in white gold on a yellow gold band.
14. THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?
We made my brother-in-law a ring and he wrote the sweetest note to my husband and I thanking us; he had never bought jewelry before so it was very special to me.
15. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?
We’re currently working on our house and redoing our front and backyard. I look forward to having greenery in our sunroom in the middle of the house.
16. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pasta, for sure.
17. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Meat. I’m a vegetarian.
18. WINE OR CHEESE?
Both, all the time.
19. COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee.
20. YOGA OR BOXING?
Yoga.
21. FAVORITE SEASON?
Spring, especially when it gets really green here in LA.
22. FAVORITE CITY?
I don’t really like cities but if I had to choose one I would say New York City. As a country, Guatemala will always have my heart.
23. SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?
Being able to speak any language.
24. SECRET SKILL?
I’m very good at telling colors and hues apart.
25. WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
When I’m in nature.
26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
Listening to electronic music.
27. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Being alone in my old age.
28. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
I take a hot shower.
29. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
My engagement ring.
30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
I wear a big bulky emerald ring – the weight of it makes me feel badass.
31. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Don’t worry about what you’re going to do.
32. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I go to Burning Man every year.
33. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?
I think about simplicity.