When I had the thought of launching an exclusive line of jewelry that embodied the spirit of Viva Fifty, I knew I couldn’t just commission the work commercially. I wanted to create something special, limited editions crafted by artisans that understood my message of empowerment. I didn’t care whether the artists lived near or far, or whether they could pull a fast turn-around.
What mattered was that they could create something unique, something that I would wear and be happy to share and offer to fellow midlifers.I’m ecstatic to say that we have launched not one but two limited editions to kick off our Viva Fifty line of accessories. Each line is a limited edition and when it’s gone, it’s gone! I’m already looking at the next country where I want to have the third line manufactured by artisan hands!
Here is a little background of each line and what you are purchasing when you buy one of the following:
Viva Fifty sterling silver pendant designed and made by Andrea Isaac
In my quest to find someone who already designed beautiful pieces, I went to my favorite place to meet like-minded souls, the Internet. After searching for hours, days, I found, Andrea Isaac and her simple yet stunning sterling silver designs. Andrea has her own jewelry shop where she designs and creates, in Australia no less! She is a midlife woman, like me, who also lives away from her country of birth and is brimming with creative ideas. She’s originally from Germany but migrated to Australia when she was in her twenties. With a BA in Arts, Jewelry & Design, and a passion to make beautiful works of art, she creates original pieces that are unique and perfectly crafted.
I reached out to her and told her of my idea to make a pendant based on the Viva Fifty logo, that would embody womanhood, ageless beauty and passion. She LOVED the idea and got to work on the design. The result after months—yes, months—of back and forthing, are these beautiful Viva Fifty sterling silver pendants. We decided to go with only ten pieces to start out with. So if you or anyone you know owns one of these, it will be one of only ten!
Andrea was so careful about how each pendant was crafted, that when you hold it and wear it you feel the special energy of our collaboration! Every time I wear mine I think of how it was born of the collaboration of two midlife artists. And how it will adorn the decolletage of other ageless dreamers. If you read my story of when I had to sell all my family heirlooms and how someone’s kind gesture changed my life when I was a broke single mom, you will understand why I only wear sterling silver, no gold. This pendant is a reminder to me that every challenge has a silver lining! You may purchase Viva Fifty sterling silver pendant here until they sell out!
Viva Fifty hammered steel heart with petals handmade in Haiti by artist Exuvara Jolimeau
In 2007, I bought a large steel drum sun to decorate my patio. It was made in Haiti. I loved Haitian art and to me that sun embodied new beginnings. Little did I know that I would have to leave that sun behind when I separated from my husband in late 2008. I didn’t have anywhere to put it.
Serendipity would have it that a year later I would meet my soulmate who is of Haitian descent.
My mother-in-law is Haitian. I have had the pleasure and joy of visiting her and the rest of her family in Haiti. I have never seen a country that holds more beauty and artistic resources despite the duress it continually seems to be subjected to.
I would love the world to see that beauty, not what we see and hear on the news. Breathtaking views, wonderful food and beautiful art. Last summer, my husband went to Haiti to visit his family and do some research for a book he is writing.
With the help of his cousins Josiane and her husband John, he traveled to Croix des Bouquets to a neighborhood called Noaille. There he met the Exuvara Jolimeau brothers, both who are artists working with steel.
My husband explained what we wanted for Viva Fifty and a few weeks later we received a few dozen samples to choose from. After looking at all the possibilities, I settled on this design, requesting a couple of minor changes to the original. These pendants are all handmade and therefore all are slightly different. When you purchase one of these pendants, know that it was made by hand and that there are only 50 pieces of this particular design.
When I wear this piece it brings out my boho style and reminds me of the beauty of every woman, no matter what country she comes from or the color of her skin. It reminds me of a beautiful family trip we took to Haiti, of the smiles of its people. Of the unique artistry that can only be found there. You may purchase Viva Fifty hammered steel pendant here until they sell out!
And so, this is the story behind these beautiful jewelry pieces. When either of them are mailed to you, know that I am the one wrapping it up with care and filling it with even more inspirational energy. This way it arrives to you ready to wear with joy and gratitude for our womanhood!