Life & Work with Jacqueline Toscano of San Fernando

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Toscano

Jacqueline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making jewelry in 2020 shortly after graduating college. I was also had been diagnosed with a disability that prevented me from pursuing a career in science as I had planned for. Making jewelry helped me cope with this new reality and I slowly started falling in love with it. What started out as a hobby turned into a serious business and a new way for me to build a career. Over time I started growing my skills and expanding my brand through social media. It is now my full time job and I hope to continue it for years to come. I never thought I would have found happiness again. I think I am much happier being a creative than I would have been in a scientific career. I met so many incredible people, have had so many great opportunities, and have become closer to my community thanks to art. I am so thank full that my life changed and would not have it any other way.

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?
It has been a very difficult road. I had to start from scratch and learn to work with few financial resources. Due to my disability I can not work most jobs so I would use the money I earned from small gigs to fund my business. I learned how to be resourceful and use materials in a creative way. It is also hard owning a small business in todays day and age because you have to be a content creator, photographer, salesperson, video editor, and more in order to get word of your business out through social media.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always loved science and creating new things. Since I was a kid I loved to make art and solve puzzles. I draw a lot of inspiration for my jewelry from nature, physics, and sci-fi. My goal is to create things that are unique and have never been seen before. I am proud of creating surreal pieces that are distinct from traditional jewelry. I am known for making your abstract dreams come true. The name behind my business, Pogona, is derived from the scientific name for bearded dragons; Pogona vitticeps. I have two bearded dragons and use to study reptile evolution.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I used to do a lot of art as a kid. I was always known as the artist of the class. My favorite memory is when people use to ask me, “Are you going to be an artist when you grow up?”. And I would be like “Ughh no! I want to be a scientist when a grow up!” And look at me now!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pogonacreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pogonacreates