Ever since I was little, I always loved technology. I grew up in a small town in Brazil and the internet in the 90's connected me to the world I wanted to live in and experience.

I was probably 13 years old when I had my first computer. I would go on it and immerse myself for hours. I would connect to the dial-up internet via the home phone and cross my fingers to get connected.

Once connected, I felt happy and ready to dive into my world. I would go browse Elsa Peretti's collections online. I had seen her iconic Bone Cuff in a magazine once and became obsessed with it. I had to find everything about that cuff I fell in love.

Little by little I discovered all the pieces that Elsa designed and loved everything. That’s when I knew that I wanted to become a jewellery designer but at the time thought it would be too hard to be a jewellery designer here in this town. I needed to go somewhere else!

Fast forward to 2007 when I moved to Toronto. I did not speak any english. I was in school at the time learning the language. I walked by a jewellery studio and I could see people inside working and I thought, "How can I tell them that I would like to be there also making jewellery?" I just thought "Forget it! I don't speak english. I don't have a job. I better get going." I left and went on with my life.

I ended up learning english, finding a job and when I got my first paycheck, I went straight to get the Elsa Peretti's Bone Cuff that I dreamed of since I was 13 years old. That felt great!

I've learned to follow my intuition through life. I have met the right people that led me to pursue my dreams of being a jewellery designer. I went from that small town in Brazil to Toronto where I took every opportunity that was handed to me so that I could become what I wanted to be.

I was sad to hear about the passing of Elsa Peretti. It was an instant flashback to me as a kid seeing that beautiful cuff she designed. That design awoke something in me and made me chase my dreams and my calling.

I hope that this little story can inspire you to chase your passion, whatever makes your heart race a little faster and put a genuine smile on your face.

With love,

Cyntia.