Behind the Vision
Eana was born out of a desire for self-expression and a need to find something meaningful during a time of uncertainty. When the world slowed down during the pandemic, I searched for a creative outlet that could bring me peace and purpose. I had always been passionate about art and fashion, and jewelry felt like a natural extension of that. Revisiting the clay medium I had played with as a teenager; I began crafting pieces that reflected my love for jewelry. Eana became more than just a way to pass the time—it was a lifeline, allowing me to channel the emotions of those challenging days into something tangible and beautiful.
Back in my tiny apartment in the Bronx, New York, I was trying to balance Hello Eana alongside my full-time job. It was difficult but worth it. What was my 5pm-9pm side project quickly became my late-night passion, with some 3am work sessions as things got busy and started to take off. Here are some pictures from those early days in 2020, capturing where it all began.
A year after starting Hello Eana, I decided to take a month-long trip to Los Angeles. I grew tired of New York and needed a break to find myself, so I packed one suitcase for my clothes and another full of Eana inventory and materials. What was meant to be a vacation turned into a full move. This was the riskiest and most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done. The ability to provide for myself with my own creations inspired me to take the leap. Once settled I began attending vendor markets, connecting with customers in person, and building a presence in LA. It was an incredible experience that took my passion to new places.
Jewelry has always held a special place in my life, not just as an accessory but as a way of connecting with culture, family, and tradition. My first pieces of jewelry were gifts from my grandparents when I was just an infant. Like many in my community, my ears were pierced at a young age and adorned with my first set of earrings and a custom name bracelet. Jewelry became a symbol of identity for me, something that carried meaning and represented who I was. This deep connection to jewelry is what inspired me to create Eana—pieces that go beyond decoration and become part of someone’s story. It’s about creating something that resonates on a deeper level, blending the influences of my upbringing, my community, and the artistic inspirations that have shaped me along the way.
One of my proudest moments has been seeing the Nola earrings, named after my younger sister, become one of Eana’s most popular pieces. Ha! to think that this simple design made its way to the ears of hundreds. Naming the earrings after her was a way to honor the importance of family and the bonds that shape who we are. Starting Eana has been about more than just making jewelry—it’s about creating something that speaks to others as much as it speaks to me. I want each piece to tell a story, evoke a feeling, and connect people to their own sense of identity and style.
I’m honored to have received recognition from multiple outlets, with Eana featured by Women’s Health Magazine, People magazine, USA Today and Oprah Daily, amongst others. I’ve also had the opportunity to be a part of virtual events with Tinder and Telemundo, connecting Eana’s story with new audiences. While the initial buzz may have quieted down, I’m more determined than ever. This journey fuels me, it’s time to push forward with fresh energy and vision.
After four years of creating, I realized it was time to take the next step and create a dedicated space to truly showcase the essence of my brand. Eana is a full expression of who I am and the stories I want to share through my designs. Having my own website felt like the natural evolution of this journey, allowing me to create a home where my jewelry could be experienced fully, with every piece reflecting the care, creativity, and passion that goes into its creation. Through Eana, I hope to share the joy and creativity that I’ve found in this process and inspire others to express themselves boldly and unapologetically. This new chapter is all about celebrating that growth and inviting others to be part of the Eana story in a more personal and immersive way.
And, finally, let’s clear up one last little detail— referring to the brand as “Eana” or “Hello Eana.” Moving forward, we’ll primarily go by “Eana”, but the “Hello” is still close to our heart. It’s a nod to greeting and embracing self-expression. In the context of our jewelry, we’re saying “hello” to individuality, creativity, and celebrating you.