My name is Barbie. I come from Cuba. I am Deaf. I use sign language. At age three, I came to America via the 1980 Mariel boat lift, arrived in Key West and grew up in Miami.
I naturally have lots of energy. I love to get up early morning to walk and workout. I love yoga, meditation, beach, outdoors, camping, and adventure. I love collecting gemstones. I love all kinds of nature from between the earth & universe. My spiritual beliefs center in the body, mind & soul.
I graduated from college in 1998, majoring in graphic design. It was hard to find a job, so I kept practicing graphic design, Photoshop, photography, and arts. I had some bad car accidents which have limited my ability to work regularly. I hate the word, ‘limited’, so I want to work creatively as much as I can.
I keep fighting to enjoy life, despite the ongoing pain. I refused to give up. I felt depressed for a long time. I finally pursued my passion for jewelry by making unique pieces. This changed my life; making jewelry was like therapy! Making jewelry has given me a positive outlook on my life. I started my jewelry making in 2012, and realized I made a lot! While I have my favorite pieces, I figure, why not sell some? It makes me happy knowing other people like my jewelry creations and are buying them.
If you find something in my shop you like, that makes me happy. It means I made something beautiful and simple. From my hands to jewelry pieces, it shows my creativity. I love the challenge of making something from my mind and heart into something real. I thank the universe from my soul, in allowing me to express myself creatively.
I support the Vegan lifestyle. I have been a vegan since May 2014. I am proud to be Vegan, and care about animals. They belong in nature, have freedom, and not caged or fenced in.
I can host a Jewelry Trunk Party with a co-host. A trunk party is where I bring in my jewelry pieces and set up a shop at a place or friend’s home, meet with people, socialize, etc. I showcase my jewelry, and make sales. I have hosted a trunk party at my home before, but I would love opportunities to host a trunk party somewhere else with a friend. Contact me for details. Just click on the Instagram link.
I’m always buying supplies. It can be expensive at times, especially when it comes to buying specialized jewelry tools. It would be great if you could make a one-time donation ($5)? If enough of my fans donate, I would get better tools and supplies to elevate my metalsmithing skills to a whole new level! Just click on the PayPal donate button at the bottom of the website to get started.
Thank you for reading. Enjoy my shop, and my handmade creations!