Melina Manjarres

I was born in Lima on February 26, 1987. From the time I was born, I understood that this world is filled with challenges, as I was born feet first. They say it was a miracle I survived and that I have luck on my side.

My younger days were also filled with challenges and experiences. But I've always shared my life with my family — my parents, two brothers, two sisters and my uncle. Together, we've faced both the happy times and the tough ones, those that helped us become the lovely family we are today. I love my family with all my heart!

"I'm also grateful to God, who permitted me to study for the career I always dreamed of, one I greatly enjoy, one I practice with devotion and passion. Discovering the world of Tourism and Hotel management made for the happiest four years of my life. Thank you, God!

"I had many hobbies, but the most enjoyable were dancing and listening to all kinds of music — from Tongo to Juan Diego Flores — and attending folk music concerts. I like to go running in the morning and do step exercises; I enjoy going out to restaurants and clubs to evaluate the service. And I also love art, which is why I visit museums, art exhibits and artisan fairs where you can appreciate the marvelous handicrafts from every region of Peru.

"I should add that my most passionate hobby will always be traveling and learning to enjoy all the wonders of Mother Earth.

"I've always admired silver and gemstone jewelry. In all of my travels, I always visited different jewelry shops and identified strongly with this art, which I now develop.

"When I was still a teen, I traveled toward the Imperial City of Cuzco, the best place to learn about tourism and also to improve my English. I've always felt good there, even though workers in the tourist field aren't well paid or properly appreciated. There, although I was only 15, I was offered work as a prostitute! Despite traveling on a shoestring budget with a backpack, I never even considered it because of the family values I'd learned at home. I believe God was always looking after me.

"When I was a girl, my mother sold gold jewelry and, years later, I was hired as a translator in an important artisan jewelry fair. From that moment on, I came to admire everything these jewelers crafted with silver and Peruvian gemstones. My country surprised me with its rich mineral wealth and I was amazed at the variety of gems and semi-precious stones we have for jewelry work. I was totally attracted to transforming metal and stones into art that can create a smile for the person wearing it.

"I had to listen, learn, observe and visualize. I had to be patient and, most of all, fall in love with what I do, to the point that it doesn't feel like work. I simply do what I enjoy and the results are much better.

"We all learn in many ways. I believe you learn more when you have people around you who are more experienced and they transmit their knowledge. This is how it happened with me. I still haven't taught anyone myself but, in the future, I hope to teach people in financial need so that they'll have a sustainable source of income.

"Basically, I work with silver, sometimes adding gemstones and even leather. I don't think anything is difficult if you really love what you do. Maybe you just have to add an extra spark of creative energy when things get complicated. So far, we haven't worked with recycled materials but it's something I have in mind and we hope to surprise you soon with eco-friendly designs.

"What I like most about jewelry is the delicateness — and love — with which I craft my designs. The biggest challenge is transforming a sketch into a piece of jewelry with the results I'd envisioned. My inspiration comes from my love for art, summarized in unique designs based on the gemstone richness of my wonderful Peru.

"As with everything, nothing is easy at first. Sometimes you win, sometimes someone tries to make you lose your faith. But no, because the road continues ahead and the good thing is that I really like this. Every day, I enjoy how a person can express him or herself in so many ways, and one of the ways I've found is through the art of silver jewelry. I put all my love and enthusiasm into my jewelry so that the wearer can sense this."