Ayaka is a jewelry designer based in New York, has been in the United States for eleven years and for the last nine years has developed her own brand inspired by nature and all its elements. Her studio in East Village is a magical place full of fossils, insects and dazzling pieces, each with a unique characteristic, in addition to its brand, Ayaka gives classes of manual jewelry to all the dreaming souls who live and believe in arts.
How long have you been here in New York?
11 years.
How did you realize that believing in art was important and when did you decide to dedicate your life to it?
I was always liked and enjoyed creative field like drawing, playing music, writing and jewelry since I was child. My mother was Floral Designer so naturally I'm getting appreciate Design and Art.
Why did you move to New York?
I wanted study Jewelry Design at F.I.T.(New York Fashion Institute of Technology) but I really had to work improving my English because wasn't my native language and i didn't had enough knowledge at that time.
What has been the most difficult step?
To build brand structure, making jewelry is not so difficult; It was fun part but to organize brand as a business, it is difficult, I tried many things and learned from my experience.
How far have you got in achieving the goals that brought you here?
My dream was making my living with what I like so I achieve that goal but I always follow next step dream.
If you had the chance, would you change anything you have done?
I don't regret anything from my past, every mistakes were necessary to make myself.
Have you had to work doing anything you don't feel comfortable with?
When I worked as a Web Designer in Japan, I was exhausted to design commercial design.
Which is your advice for new artists wanting to take the risks in the pursuance of their passion?
Enjoy what you like, don't be afraid and try, don't make you too busy, you always need to stop and think what you really want.
If you wanna know about AYAKA work check here.
web: www.ayakanishi.com
Wanna give a new life to those forgotten neckties in your cupboard?
INGREDIENTS:
1 minute
1 scissors
1 clip
1 rope
old neckties
What is 'Malaika'?
Is a minimalistic and futuristic Scandinavian apparel brand with focus on sustainable, high-quality garments and accessories. Everything is produced locally in New York to maintain quality and standards, but also to support the US garment industry. MALAIKA strives to be sustainable by minimizing waste, and recycling fabrics/plastics back into our designs.
Why did you choose arts as a way of lifestyle?
I choose working with fashion design after years of working in international logistics because I finally wanted to follow my dream of creating. I wanted to do what I loved. Designing & creating has always been a passion as far back as I can remember and I want to sit back, 80 years old, and be happy with my choices in life.
Which had been the most difficult step living in this city as entrepreneur women?
I don’t feel like I have had any as of now.
Which is your advice for that new artist that wants to jump to the emptiness and take the risk for new adventures following their dreams?
Go for it! If you have the discipline of keeping yourself busy knowing it is 7 days a week.
Which is your favorite fashion designer?
Which is your favorite restaurant in NYC?
What means ‘Fireescape’ for you?
For me the word ‘Fireescape’ mean a way to escape the earth. Climate change is real and therefore I hope when times comes and we have destroyed the earth that we will have some kind of a fire-escape up in the sky.
If you wanna know about MALAIKA work check here.
On the
pride parade 2017 we went out and take some photos with the idea of shout
louder our thoughts, during the journey we found magical citizens, all of them
full of colors, glitter, shine and hopes; hopes in a society that allow
us to live without fear or prejudices.
we have
just one conclusion that really matter: "love is love", the only
feeling that is capable of going through any battle, is the only feeling that
forgives, is the only feeling that makes our heartbeats faster, is the only
feeling that have the power to unifies and makes us the same.
Here we
leave this wonderful gallery that show the strong of one of the most emblematic
days in New York.
@Juliabrynne
@_illuminatalie
@Ramseyshindell
@Scottpercelay
@Jexca_veritas
@iwvancuren
@Kellyvalb
@Elipedofreitas
