Life has a way of weaving unexpected stories, and mine is no different. I was loving my "self-made" uber-creative, career as a caterer, event planner, and food stylist in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio. My days were filled with the bustle of designing, preparing, and executing beautiful parties and events full of tasteful food, clever event decor, breath-taking floral arrangements, and the staffing needed to bring the vision to life.

Then in 2013, my life took an unforeseen turn. An unforgettable horseback ride left me with a traumatic brain injury, a fractured pelvis, and a host of other injuries. My world was turned upside down, and I faced the daily challenge of coping with relentless headaches, impaired vision, memory deficits, decision making challenges, and the subsequent label of 'permanently disabled'. The fast-paced artistic life I once loved was beyond my reach, but it would be years before I began to grasp, or know - what I didn't know. I was blissfully unaware of my impairments. Additionally, my role as a wife and mother to two young children was equally challenged. My sweet and loyal husband devoted himself to managing my health care, preparing family meals, helping with homework, and ensuring playtime with the kids—all while handling his own career.

In the midst of my struggles, I rediscovered my love for creating wearable art. No longer able to masterfully multi-task designing, planning, preparing and executing beautiful events, I found solace in the quiet moments spent with my craft supplies and pre-loved treasures. It was there, among the thrifted garments, rubber inner tubes, and clothesline from the hardware, that I began to heal. My designs transformed alongside me, evolving into expressions of resilience, beauty, and individuality.

The found materials; rope and rubber and pre-loved clothing, took on an alter ego, or a "second self" to become edgy accessories. A similar evolution was happening to me, simultaneously, as I began to develop my own alter ego. 

More than just accessories, my designs are symbols of our life journey. They serve as reminders that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and that our greatest challenges often lead to our most profound transformations. 

Wear them boldly. Wear them fiercely. Wear them confidently.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Here’s to celebrating the beauty in every moment and revering the strength within you. Embrace your unique experiences and true self. Find your own alter ego. And allow us to create a bold wearable reminder to celebrate YOU in all of your beautiful, confident, edgy style!

 

       Alter Ego Designs Jewelry. Timeless Beauty. Confident Attitude. Edgy Style.