Born and raised in Japan, I made my big move to New York City in 1996. It had been my dream to live in NYC since I first visited in 1990, I fell in love with the beauty and energy of the city at first site. Fearless AKI, that is me.

 

Prior to coming to NYC, I had studied fashion design and started my career as a fashion designer at one of the largest fashion companies in Japan. Once I moved to the City, I decided to expand my education at the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) and graduated with a major in Jewelry Design. I found the malleability of metal fascinating: how this inorganic material can be melted beautifully when exposed to heat, can be shaped into various forms, and hardens as it cools, and reshaped into adornments. I was hooked with making jewelry that was so much more empowering and fulfilling than textiles for me. 

 

In 2005, I began working as a lead designer for Betsey Johnson Jewelry, working as a part of the team that launched the jewelry devision. I enjoyed my work for Betsey Johnson deeply and designed for the brand for about10 years.

My creations included over 10,000 pieces in over 90 collections. While working for the brand, I have built a portfolio that has graced the covers of magazines and has been featured on runways and celebrities alike.

In addition, I have designed for Miriam Haskell, Disney Parks Jewelry, as well as STEVE MADDEN Jewelry.

 

For the past 18 years of my career as a professional jewelry designer, I have built my own theory of designing in which everything is detailed, precise and scaled to perfection. (Well, nothing can be perfect!)

In my work, I have also commingled my jewelry designs with my passion and love for spiritual practice, yoga, meditation, REIKI energy healing, and The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Emoto.

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My goal is to continue making my original healing jewelry that is carefully and meticulously handcrafted to empower and uplift yet seamlessly weaves ancient beliefs into our current, modern life. ​