Life & Work with Isabella Mrela of Ventura

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Mrela.

Isabella, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a jewelry maker and designer behind my brand, Frankie and Eugene. My brand is named after my grandparents. It’s a tribute to my roots and the connection I carry with me. My journey has been winding and full of movement, shaped by the places I’ve called home. I was born in Poland, grew up in New York City, and now live in Ventura. Each place has influenced my work in a profound way. Although I only began making jewelry more recently, creativity has always been the thread running through my life. Living far from my motherland has given me a deep sense of roots and an appreciation for meaningful connection. I’ve always cherished close relationships, and that longing for rootedness shows up in my designs through the natural materials and gemstones I use. New York was where my mind opened to the new and unseen. Back then, I worked in finance, but I craved creativity, and eventually found my way into creative companies where I could be surrounded by color, imagination, and artistic thinking. In California, I worked as a producer for a digital media company whose clients were mostly jewelry brands. Seeing the jewelry world from the inside inspired me to begin making pieces of my own.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, there are plenty of obstacles—most of which I expected. After all, if there are no obstacles, you’re probably not doing it right! But the one challenge I didn’t anticipate is the very real oversaturation of the market. I knew mass-produced, inexpensive jewelry would dominate much of the space, but I didn’t realize how many small boutique jewelry brands there are as well, many with beautifully crafted designs that make for tough competition. Standing out and making your own brand visible takes a tremendous amount of work. Creating handmade jewelry also demands far more patience than I realized I had. With each piece comes a lesson in patience and sometimes acceptance—accepting that the final result isn’t exactly what I envisioned because the materials reacted differently. I’m learning to be gentler with myself and to appreciate the beauty in imperfection. In a world with such high expectations of perfection, that mindset feels surprisingly refreshing.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I design and make jewelry for my brand, all by hand, using natural, genuine materials. I especially love working with gemstones—their subtle variations make every piece unique. I primarily work in silver, and for those who prefer gold, I offer gold-filled options to keep the pieces more affordable. Solid gold is also offered, but limited. Many of my metal jewelry pieces are made from recycled silver. I also enjoy working with bronze for its warmth and its connection to the past. My jewelry style is elegant and minimalistic, with a touch of unexpected, subtle details and a sense of soul that comes from the natural materials themselves. I decided from the beginning to create pieces I can be proud of, pieces I would wear myself. People sometimes tell me I should go more mainstream to boost sales, but I truly believe that the small-batch production model I follow makes each piece more special. I also think my jewelry is very versatile. I’ve seen it styled with so many different aesthetics, and it always holds its own or seamlessly complements any layered look. That adaptability—while remaining strong and distinctive—is, I believe, one of the greatest strengths of my designs.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bit of a nerd, reading a lot, always fascinated by human interactions. I loved novels that explored stories about everyday lives. Being a child in a post-communist country, we didn’t have many toys available, so my dad taught me how to sew. I’d spend endless hours creating outfits for my dolls and my friends’ dolls.. I still remember some of my favorites. Moving to New York was a cultural shock in the best possible way. I fell in love with it instantly—the energy, the contrast, the constant movement. Music played a significant role in that experience. My dad was a musician, so I grew up with music always playing, mostly classic rock. In New York, I discovered rap and hip-hop, and I spent much of my teenage years absorbed in that world, listening to it for hours. With that also came a fascination with street art, which i also tried to double in a little. I also just loved going to museums. My college was close to the Met, and whenever I had time between classes, I’d wander through the galleries. It became a place where I could just breathe, look, and feel inspired.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frankieandeugene.com
• Instagram: @frankie_and_eugene
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Frankie-and-Eugene/61562114338931/