About Me

 

Hey there! Thank you for being here, I’m Michelle and my pronouns are she/hers. I’m a self-taught jewelry designer currently residing in Tukwila, Coast Salish Duwamish lands. In 2015, I launched my brand Live Inspired Jewelry and jewelry design quickly became my passion. Growing up in Hawaii, visiting my native homeland the Philippines, and studying abroad in places such as Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa, have sparked my deep connection with the Pacific which is why I use materials that remind me of these islands. Making jewelry keeps me grounded and quite literally, being a jewelry maker is truly an extension of who I am.

In 2018 I discovered that my ancestors were jewelry makers from Bantay, Ilocos Sur.  When I visited the Philippines, my grandpa's sister came to visit and I made earrings for her. It was then, she told me that we had jewelry makers in our family known as "Plateros"  who  traveled around neighboring provinces and sold and traded jewelry for rice and other goods. This was such an emotional discovery for me, it gave me a deeper meaning to my "why and how" I create...

I share with you unique handmade pieces reminiscent of the land, sea, and sky.  You will find elements of different species of wood, shells, natural fibers, and genuine pearls set mainly on 14k gold filled and sterling silver metals. My hope is that by wearing Live Inspired Jewelry, you will be reminded of your island home  wherever you are in the world. When I’m not making jewelry, I enjoy hikes to waterfalls, birdwatching, and cleaning up our local beaches with my 8 year old son. When I'm free, I'm always on the hunt to find the best local desserts spots! If there are any that I must try send me a message :)

-Michelle