Aingeel-Z Jewelry
Born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Long Beach, California, I began pursuing creative outlets at a young age. Frequent trips to museums, community art programs and even my Grandmother’s eclectic eye left a lasting impression on me. During High School my earliest jobs were with the Public Corporation for the Arts and the Museum of Latin American Art. MOLA is where I was first introduced to artist like Frida Kahlo, it is where I first learned about Artist in Residence, and where I solidified my passion for the arts. I was hooked!
Deciding to broaden my horizons and experience different cultures, communities and environments, I left the Sunshine State and spent the following decade in New York. I received my formal education at the Fashion Institute of Technology, earning my AAS in Jewelry Design and my BFA in Accessories Design. I have always been an artist. While studying at the Fashion Institute, I discovered that the perfect medium for me to express my creative ideas was jewelry. One day at school while looking at the endless scraps of leather, I felt that there had to be a better way to use them. In that moment, my signature style was born. I was able to combine the discarded leather with my love for gemstones and metals, which paved the foundation for Aingeel-Z Jewelry and Accessories.
After moving back to the West Coast, I found my business home with the Long Beach Museum of Arts X. For the last three years, I have been working to build my business, hire employees and continue making quality jewelry that entices and captivates customers.
Teaching has become another facet of my business. I taught my younger brother how to sew, giving him access to a skill that he has turned in to a Luxury leather apparel business. Naturally I added jewelry-making classes to the business. I am dedicated to sharing knowledge and information through the arts. My mission is to add beauty to the world—one piece at a time—but also to inspire people in the same way that others have inspired me.