Strozz! promotes LOVE OF CRAFT and PASSION for CREATIVITY.
STROZZ! to symbolize craft(wo)manship, not mass produced.
· What kind of metal do you use for your pieces? Are these one-of-a-kind? What’s your inspiration behind your pieces? Does it fall under a particular theme?
I use variety of metals from semi-precious to precious: brass, stainless steel, and also the very popular sterling silver. For high end pieces, of course, I use white gold and the traditional gold. All of the jewelries in STROZZ! are drawn from different sources of inspiration. STROZZ! is about crafts(wo)manship, not mass produced. It’s not labor. It’s craft. That being said, they are original. Of course, I follow current international fashion trends. I do a lot of fashion research and incorporate what I learned into my designs. I worked with a lot of clients who are very creative. This is how I celebrate their sense of style with them. It is a very interesting experience. They have compelling vision that I love to conceptualize on paper, and then later on, craft them into beautiful pieces. I get really inspired, because I get a chance to experience what they see and appreciate their own sense of creativity.
· Do you accept customized orders?
I do accept customized orders. I love collaborating with my clients!
· When was the brand established?
This question is similar to: which came first, the chicken or the egg? My creations have been around before the brand was conceptualized. The birth was March 2008. I have been dreaming of launching my own of fashion jewelry line. Etsy.com gave me an opportunity to showcase my craft in the international market. Surprisingly, I received so many great responses from clients around the world. I think that proves something. This is gaining momentum and I think it’s about time to give it wings. My business partner, Virgilyn Abibas, a very talented Social Media Marketer is based California, USA. She is STROZZ! ‘s marketing superwoman. She is responsible of branding my creation. I am very pleased that I finally get to call my baby by its name: STROZZ! I like that name. Also, Virgilyn is working very hard establishing a strong online following, harnessing a fan base around people who love STROZZ!, wears STROZZ!, and talk about STROZZ!.
How did you get into metal work? Did you study this, or did you learn by yourself? If so, what made you want to learn how to do metal work?
I grew up surrounded with amazing jewelry makers and designers. My family, being in the business since 1986, influenced me a lot. I grew up playing with metal which turned into something bigger than expected. I am very happy about how life turned out.
What is the most difficult and/or unique piece that you have ever done, and why?
Just like writers, jewelers also experience what they call "block.". In my case, its designer's block. Other than my creative source, my clients help a lot in the process. I want them to be proud and happy. It gets easier when I focus on how the result will make them feel than merely just producing the product itself.
In terms of uniqueness, my bride and groom paperclips are in that category so far. The inspiration is drawn from my childhood. As a young girl, I used to play with paper dolls. It like my way to commemorate myself as a girl. Actually, I am still a girl -- a big girl. It also caters to big girls and boys because the form does follow its function.
What, for you, was the best wedding jewellery or favour that you made and why?
I am so biased about my work. Its like having multiple children and being asked who I love the most. But if I have to pick one, that would be the LEOPARD pendant. I say it because I love big cats, and also I never expected that my "hobby" will take off like this, and that it will eventually have a name. The Leopard pendant gave the name a face, that how special it is. It even made its debut in OK! Magazine. Seeing it lined up with equally fabulous pendants, I was a proud Mama.
What or who are some of your design inspirations?
I consult my clients so they are the source of my inspirational by default. Their ideas moved me in a lot of ways. However, if the worst designer's block strike, I pray! God is my main source of blessing. I have the skill, the tools, and the vision. God helps me with the rest.
How do you come up with your collections?
Theme is like a concept by accident. Just like a painter, I create pieces from a, metaphorically speaking, "blank canvass." When different pieces are done, I have my friends try it out, and eventually the beautifully bended metal takes on personality. Then, I say: "Now that's a collection." Simple!
How would you describe yourself and your style?
I am boring! No. Just kidding. I just want to have fun with what I love to do. I like metals, and wearing them. Style is a concept by accident too. That's why I like fashion jewelry because it is complimentary. It accentuate your own style, not the other way around.
I use variety of metals from semi-precious to precious: brass, stainless steel, and also the very popular sterling silver. For high end pieces, of course, I use white gold and the traditional gold. All of the jewelries in STROZZ! are drawn from different sources of inspiration. STROZZ! is about crafts(wo)manship, not mass produced. It’s not labor. It’s craft. That being said, they are original. Of course, I follow current international fashion trends. I do a lot of fashion research and incorporate what I learned into my designs. I worked with a lot of clients who are very creative. This is how I celebrate their sense of style with them. It is a very interesting experience. They have compelling vision that I love to conceptualize on paper, and then later on, craft them into beautiful pieces. I get really inspired, because I get a chance to experience what they see and appreciate their own sense of creativity.
· Do you accept customized orders?
I do accept customized orders. I love collaborating with my clients!
· When was the brand established?
This question is similar to: which came first, the chicken or the egg? My creations have been around before the brand was conceptualized. The birth was March 2008. I have been dreaming of launching my own of fashion jewelry line. Etsy.com gave me an opportunity to showcase my craft in the international market. Surprisingly, I received so many great responses from clients around the world. I think that proves something. This is gaining momentum and I think it’s about time to give it wings. My business partner, Virgilyn Abibas, a very talented Social Media Marketer is based California, USA. She is STROZZ! ‘s marketing superwoman. She is responsible of branding my creation. I am very pleased that I finally get to call my baby by its name: STROZZ! I like that name. Also, Virgilyn is working very hard establishing a strong online following, harnessing a fan base around people who love STROZZ!, wears STROZZ!, and talk about STROZZ!.
How did you get into metal work? Did you study this, or did you learn by yourself? If so, what made you want to learn how to do metal work?
I grew up surrounded with amazing jewelry makers and designers. My family, being in the business since 1986, influenced me a lot. I grew up playing with metal which turned into something bigger than expected. I am very happy about how life turned out.
What is the most difficult and/or unique piece that you have ever done, and why?
Just like writers, jewelers also experience what they call "block.". In my case, its designer's block. Other than my creative source, my clients help a lot in the process. I want them to be proud and happy. It gets easier when I focus on how the result will make them feel than merely just producing the product itself.
In terms of uniqueness, my bride and groom paperclips are in that category so far. The inspiration is drawn from my childhood. As a young girl, I used to play with paper dolls. It like my way to commemorate myself as a girl. Actually, I am still a girl -- a big girl. It also caters to big girls and boys because the form does follow its function.
What, for you, was the best wedding jewellery or favour that you made and why?
I am so biased about my work. Its like having multiple children and being asked who I love the most. But if I have to pick one, that would be the LEOPARD pendant. I say it because I love big cats, and also I never expected that my "hobby" will take off like this, and that it will eventually have a name. The Leopard pendant gave the name a face, that how special it is. It even made its debut in OK! Magazine. Seeing it lined up with equally fabulous pendants, I was a proud Mama.
What or who are some of your design inspirations?
I consult my clients so they are the source of my inspirational by default. Their ideas moved me in a lot of ways. However, if the worst designer's block strike, I pray! God is my main source of blessing. I have the skill, the tools, and the vision. God helps me with the rest.
How do you come up with your collections?
Theme is like a concept by accident. Just like a painter, I create pieces from a, metaphorically speaking, "blank canvass." When different pieces are done, I have my friends try it out, and eventually the beautifully bended metal takes on personality. Then, I say: "Now that's a collection." Simple!
How would you describe yourself and your style?
I am boring! No. Just kidding. I just want to have fun with what I love to do. I like metals, and wearing them. Style is a concept by accident too. That's why I like fashion jewelry because it is complimentary. It accentuate your own style, not the other way around.
