Close Window

Gisella Celis

"I was born in the beautiful city of San Pedro de Lloc, in the provincial of La Libertad. We lived at the beach six months of the year, and in the town the rest of the year. I had a very fun and happy childhood. My best memories are from the beach and in the country – my father was a farmer and my mother a homemaker.

"In 2009, we moved to Cajamarca and I decided to study something that was compatible with my children and my husband's profession, something I could feel happy doing and that I could do from home. So I studied to create jewelry. It wasn't hard for me, and some of the techniques were familiar because I was accustomed to doing crafts.

"Really, I've always had an inclination to create things and I like handicrafts. Several years ago, I began making soaps and candles, and I enrolled in craft classes at any chance I got.

"But in 2009, I decided to study jewelry, and I began designing pieces in gold and silver. Later, I studied designing purses and wallets, and in 2011, I took another course in Buenos Aires, Argentina to perfect my work and do both jewelry and leather arts.

"When I was studying jewelry for the first time and had to melt silver, I was very scared using the blowtorch. We students would always get excited with everything we did, and even now I have that feeling of excitement when we finish a handbag or we create new models. I call my wallets 'Señoritas.'

"When I was a girl, I loved water sports such as body boarding, and I also enjoyed making clothes and earrings or bracelets for my dolls. Now I'm learning to play tennis, and I love it! I also read a lot. I collect fashion magazines, and I cook for my family on the weekends when I try to make special meals.

"For me, my work is like therapy, like a companion. When I'm in my workshop and imagining something I want to create, the time flies! I feel happy making something I love and that my children and husband can feel proud of.

"I want it to be a great experience when you use my designs. You are a part of my effort, and I put my dedication and the excitement of being a designer into my handbags and jewelry.

"My greatest challenge has been getting ahead as a woman in a field that has been mostly dominated by men. There are women handbag designers, too, but sometimes things are a bit more difficult for us.

"I love expressing the ideas in my mind, and making them materialize as fashion. I hope you like my work. I put a lot of love into my designs and take care of the fine details. I really enjoy this work."