New York City is one of my greatest sources of inspiration.  I moved here from Israel in 2000. I had been a paramedic, and I was not happy with what I was doing with my life.  I wanted to see what I could do with my life in a city like this.  And let me tell you, I did a lot of different things.  I got to know the city like the back of my hand.

In 2003 I started selling in the streets.  I made jewelry out of vintage buttons, which was cute, but not classy.  I worked for other artists and collaborated on some projects.  But I realized that I could really run a business and support myself without having to work a 9-to-5 job in an office.  But I wasn’t so thrilled to be a reseller.  I wanted to create and sell my own designs.

At a party in the winter of 2007, someone I barely knew gave me the courage of my convictions.  After a short conversation, he realized how much experience I had, and he asked me, “Why don’t you do your own thing?”  The next day I bought a sketchbook and started to work on my designs (all geometric, even then).  May 30, 2007 was the first day I set up my table to sell my own designs on Prince and Green Streets in Soho.

As I’ve said before, I’ve met literally all kinds of people in my line of work.  Sure, some days it’s hot, or freezing, or raining on the weekends.  But working for myself on my own schedule during the week is a luxury I work hard to keep.  And after four years, I’m still getting my design inspiration for my handmade jewelry from the women I meet and the streets of New York City.

- Shay

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