Rising Designer Jacqueline Ortega Creates Expressive and Unique Jewelry

Posted by Alexandra Legend Siegel on May 8, 2012 in Fashion | 3 comments

Jacqueline Ortega, a former preschool teacher, began designing her own jewelry after purchasing a necklace at a store only to watch it fall apart in her hands that same day. Now, six years later, Ortega has given up her teaching career to focus on sharing her jewelry with the fashion world. Her original, chic and trendy designs have been featured in several fashion and trade shows including Daniel Hernandez’s Anomaly Fashion Show last fall.

“I had goose bumps the whole time when the show started. At the end, walking with Daniel across the stage was the highlight of my life. I’ll never forget that,” said Ortega.

Ortega’s designs are inspired by nature and the vast array of unique personalities around her. She fuses individuality with style and elegance to create chic, organic pieces.

“I get my ideas and inspiration pretty much anywhere. I can be inspired by colors or shape and sometimes I get inspired by people’s personalities and styles. My first fashion show I took pictures of the models and designed jewelry that matched their styles and personalities.”

The youthful and energetic designer looks forward to the upcoming launch of her website and the possibilities to come. She gave up the stability and familiarity of her career as a preschool teacher to pursue her dreams and she is determined to make it worth the sacrifice. Her advice to other designers is to keep working towards their passion despite all obstacles.

“There are going to be times when you feel a little bit overwhelmed and there are going to be tough moments. I started over, I am a preschool teacher and I basically started over when I realized this is my passion and this is what I want to do. So if this is what you want to do then go for it and don’t let anything get in your way.”

Currently Ortega is working on expanding her company, collaborating with other talented designers and creating a new men’s jewelry line. She is confident that her business will continue to grow and gain success as long as her heart is in it.

“I resigned in May of last year in order to design and that’s what I’m going to keep going for,” said Ortega. “You are going to have hurdles, but as long as you keep going for it, in the end, you will be where you want to be.”