In my interview with the US magazine Bead Design Studio I said, “I feel as if beautiful things can only be made in a positive state of mind, and only then will they make others happy. Always work from the heart.” And that couldn’t be more true. My relationship with beads has lasted nearly my entire life. I started beading when I was six years old, and since then my love for beading has been growing more and more. I consider my beaded rebirth as a bead jewelry designer to have begun in 2009, when I learned how to combine seed beads and semi-precious stones. Starting in 2010, I began entering and winning some contests and competitions, which simultaneously encouraged and challenged me to develop my craft. I found that I enjoy teaching others to bead, and over the past few years I have accumulated publications in various national and international magazines and books. Currently I am teaching at various bead stores and bead societies, and I have been accepted to teach two of my classes at the Bead and Button Show 2016. 

The most frequent question I get is what was my inspiration for a particular piece? At first I thought the answer was simple, as most of my pieces were inspired by nature. But with time I understood that my sources of inspiration range from music to architecture, from the colors in famous paintings to emotions. Very often it is also the case that I am simply and deeply inspired by the unique designs of the cabochons I work with. So, when I am now asked about my inspiration, I say that it’s the manifestation of life in all of its various forms.

In my work I always strive to select the highest quality materials. Some of the combinations may seem odd and unexpected, but I take care to merge the shapes, colors, and textures that will best express my ideas. I work with the smallest seed beads, fine semi-precious stones, gorgeous Swarovski crystals, all-natural leather, silks, soutache, gold and silver wires, and so on. I am also always open-minded to using new items and to introducing into beading elements from other crafts which I have experience with.