Meet Astrid: Answers to Your Common Questions - Her Origins

When customers meet me for the first time, the question I hear most is, “Where are you from?” I’m from Switzerland—I was born and raised there—and my move to the United States came when I was 24. I wanted to learn English and experience something new. New York City became my first stop, and it changed everything for me. 

Places like Indonesia, India, and Africa always fill me with new ideas and fresh inspiration. Bringing those influences back to share with customers like you is one of the joys of my work.”

People also ask, “How did you get into making jewelry?” My start was unexpected. I worked for the Swiss company En Soie on Madison Avenue and eventually became their store manager. I loved styling customers, and I noticed that people kept asking to buy whatever I was wearing.

 Sometimes it was a piece I had made just for myself. That interest encouraged me to create more. After 9/11, I lost my job, like many others in the city, and I began selling my own pieces directly on the streets. That’s where I realized I had something people connected with.

Another common question is about my experiences selling: “Where have you sold your work?” New York was my first real market, and selling there taught me how much I enjoy talking with people and seeing their reactions in person. Over the years, places like Indonesia, India, and Africa always filled me with new ideas and fresh inspiration. Bringing those influences back to share with my customers is one of the joys of my work.

Stay tuned for Part 2.