Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilona Davidov.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ilona. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started out 16 years ago making jewelry pieces for myself and for friends until local boutique owners became interested in my work. I quickly realized that designing jewelry was not going to be a hobby but instead a great business opportunity. I began selling my pieces at Mabel’s boutiques in North County (they had 4 locations at the time) and a couple other boutiques (which are no longer in existence) that kept me pretty busy. I took all kinds of jewelry classes and kept broadening my skills, learning different techniques to enrich my designs. Making jewelry was my main focus and biggest passion until I got pregnant with my daughter. Due to a complicated pregnancy, I was unable to work on my jewelry and withdrew from my accounts. I quickly shifted my focus from work to family. I recently returned to designing jewelry and also began designing and creating dreamcatchers. Making dreamcatchers is something I picked up along the way. I love dreamcatchers, I call them “peaceful art pieces”… I wrote a poem about their meaning on my website. I always wanted a giant one for my room and finding one was not easy, so I made one. As with my jewelry, I began selling them to my friends and their friends and now they are on my website along with my jewelry.
Has it been a smooth road?
After receiving a Nutrition Science and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology I decided to switch directions and pursue jewelry design. Changing careers mid-stream can be scary and not easy but can also be a path to happiness. My advice to young women starting out… do what’s in your heart and the rest will follow.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ilona Designs – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m inspired by my love of art, fashion, nature, yoga, travel and everything worldly. I like to mix various textures, materials and elements. I use semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, mixed metals, leather and crystals with an array of techniques, which means that no two pieces are ever quite the same.
I design fashion-jewelry for the everyday girl/woman. I describe my collection as “a little laid-back glam, a bit of boho-chic and a whole lot of soul.” My collection is ever changing, usually, one-of-a-kind pieces that are a mix of delicate and earthy. My pieces are also influenced by my fascination with symbolic value of gemstones.
My dreamcatchers are meant to inspire beautiful dreams. They are handcrafted using different varieties of dried willow, natural cord, ethically sourced feathers, gemstones and crystals.
All my pieces are unique, made with care and great attention to detail. I believe I offer good quality, unique pieces at my price points. My goal is to keep my line affordable for everyone. Because of my deep love and reverence for the natural world, I’m also committed to having a brand that supports environmental organizations. I donate a portion of my profits to charities that help and protect our beautiful world.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Have the confidence to take more risks, even if it means that you might fail along the way because ultimately, you will learn from those experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ilonadesigns.com
- Phone: 619-846-7858
- Email: ilona@ilonadesigns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ilonadesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilonadesigns
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
