“I was born and raised in eclectic Greenwich Village nestled between Chelsea and Little Italy in the days when neighborhoods flourished with big families and small mom & pop stores. I’m the oldest of five children. I grew up in a home some might consider a bit noisy…lots of babies and pets…music and laughter flowing out the doors and windows…”
We were the working class poor and there were plenty of hard times, but I believe what is derived from hard times is a greater ability to appreciate the good times. I have always had a special place in my heart for babies. By far my greatest gifts are my daughter and son — my love for them is what inspired my first design A Mother’s Heart.
Being raised by an ingenious mother, musical father, and thriving in such a celebrated area of creativity ~ I developed a passion for many crafts. Designing jewelry wasn’t a lifelong ambition of mine; actually it found me. Once I created my first design I knew it was something I was meant to do. I had to learn the jewelry business overnight; it’s a tough industry. I would have to compare the process to learning how to swim by being thrown into the river. If I had known up front all the steps and obstacles to overcome it may have discouraged me and there might not be a Heartbeat Designs today. I believe it was destiny…I love what I’m doing!
The inspiration for My Baby Angel was due to having a miscarriage ~ and a calling to create a memorial charm to help others suffering the heartbreak of child loss. I receive touching emails from parents telling me that wearing the charm provides them with comfort and a feeling that their baby is always with them. Lost babies remain in our hearts forever ~ while the tiniest of souls rest peacefully in Gods hand.
Attending parochial schools was the inspiration for the Jesus In My Heart charm. I designed the charm in hopes of bringing inner peace and comfort to those who wear it; I’ve been told it does.
My next design happened quite unexpectedly. While surfing the net for memorabilia of my favorite holiday movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” I stumbled upon Karolyn Grimes, the child actress who played “Zuzu Bailey.” As a result of our chance meeting I was commissioned by the actress to design the only endorsed charm in tribute to the classic. The Zuzu Gift Set consists of a sterling silver bell with wings and a chain. This magical charm arrives complete in a pretty organza pouch with 3 silk rose petals; “Zuzu’s petals.”
I’m happily married to an incredibly supportive husband. We’ve been kindred spirits since we were 19 years old. Having been a stay-at-home mom, and surviving the teenage years of our children, we’re delighted to have received the retribution every parent prays for; two healthy and happy young adults. Their being all grown-up awakened me to relive their infancy so vividly. This bittersweet reminiscing prompted me to design my mother jewelry because no matter how old they become my children will always be babies in my heart. My wish for my designs is that they reach deep into the souls of all who see them, just as I have reached deep within my soul to create them.
My family and I contently share our lives in the historic Hudson Valley with our beloved rescued pets. Other interests I enjoy are, cooking, interior decorating, playing the piano, writing poetry and short stories, reading, bicycling, gardening and holistic healing. Our backyard is our little acre of heaven here on earth. Nothing brings me more peace and happiness than my hummingbird and butterfly gardens. We truly believe that all God’s creatures possess a spiritual essence that completes and enriches our lives…”Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains un-awakened.” ~Anatole France~
I’m fortunate to have been granted the courage to chase after my dreams and blessed in the fulfillment of many of them. I’m grateful for the wonderful life I’ve worked hard to capture ~ never taking for granted those precious gifts bestowed upon us from up above.
“I am living proof that persistence and determination pays.
I dreamed a dream ~ took the plunge ~ and it came true.”
