Musing no 7 - He brought the leather to my lace

February feels like the right moment to speak about love,

not just romantic love…but the kind of love that grows, creates, and transforms.

This month, I’m honoring the love I share with my co-creator, co-designer, and co-owner of Alkemie Jewelry~

My amazing husband, Ashley.

We met twenty-four years ago this May at a trade show in NYC, both represented by the same showroom called fragments.

We each had our own collections then….

When we looked into each other’s eyes, something happened.💫

One of those rare, instant connections~love at first sight, the kind you don’t question.

We lived in different cities, so instead of rushing, we built a friendship.

For a full year, we talked on the phone for hours and hours.

We listened. We dreamed. We learned each other.

Eventually, we moved in together…and then something magical happened.

We merged our worlds.

Our love.

Our creativity.

Our very first collaboration was a collection called take two~

Tree branches cast in sterling silver.

We sold it exclusively at ikram in chicago, and it felt like the beginning of something sacred.

We kept playing.

Kept experimenting.

At the melrose flea market, we met a man working with recycled bullet casings.

We started bringing him materials and ideas, and together we created a collection called ammunition art~

transforming something meant to harm into something meaningful.

Art instead of destruction.

Creation instead of violence.

Our first trunk show at the LA Mart exceeded anything we expected,

and from there, Alkemie grew…slowly, intentionally, organically.

24 years later, here we are.

Parents to two incredible daughters(my best designs 😉)

Still a mom-and-pop brand.

Still creating side by side.

Still choosing love, collaboration, and meaning.

This February, I want to send blessings your way~

for love in whatever form it takes in your life.

Love with a partner.

Love for yourself.

Or love you are calling in.

Magic exists everywhere.

Be clear.

Be open.

Manifest what you want.

And trust that love..real love..has a way of finding you.

xx, Dara