Meet Heather Yana Ongpauco of Lux Virsi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Yana Ongpauco.

Hi Heather yana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2020, I was a high school senior when COVID abruptly cut my final year in half. Overnight, my world shrank to the four walls of my bedroom. Every day looked the same: I woke up, logged into school from my desk, completed my assignments, logged off, cooked my one meal for the day, and went to sleep. That routine repeated itself for months, all the way through graduation.

When college admissions rolled around, I decided to take a semester off. I felt an urge to build something of my own, even though I didn’t yet know what that would look like. I began experimenting creatively, starting with clothing and using the extra time to explore different ideas and directions.

I came across a creator who was a silversmith working with soft solder jewelry. Her work immediately caught my attention. Watching her create sparked something in me, and I remember thinking, “If she can do it, I can do it—maybe even better.” That moment became the turning point that pushed me to fully immerse myself in jewelry-making and begin developing my own craft. That’s when my brand, Lux Virsi, came to life.

With the extra time I had away from school, I committed myself to learning the art of silversmithing and its many techniques. I started with wire wrapping, creating simple necklaces, bracelets, and rings. While it taught me the fundamentals, the process quickly became frustrating. Even though I was developing a new skill, I realized I wouldn’t wear the pieces myself. That was a clear sign that I hadn’t yet found my voice as a designer. I knew my work could be more creative, refined, and intentional.

That realization led me to explore soldering, a more advanced technique that involves fusing metal components together. I fell in love with the process—it challenged me technically and pushed my creativity further. Still, I knew I was getting closer, but not quite there yet. The style I was creating hadn’t fully aligned with the vision I had for myself or my brand.

UCLA had always been my dream school, but with COVID and my intended major being dance, it didn’t feel like the smartest decision at the time. Instead, I enrolled at Santa Monica College as a dance major and completed all the requirements needed to transfer. To put it simply, SMC changed my life. I grew tremendously as a dancer and found inspiration in ways I never could have anticipated—both in dance and jewelry. While there, I enrolled in a jewelry-making class and learned the foundation of everything I know today. It was a completely different experience from teaching myself through YouTube in my bedroom. Being in a hands-on, studio-based environment pushed my skills further and helped me approach my craft with intention, discipline, and confidence.

That’s where I discovered soft soldering—a technique that spoke to me the moment I tried it. I wasted no time investing in the tools and materials needed to bring the designs from my notebook to life. I documented every step, filming my process, going live to connect with viewers, and promoting my work daily, all from my bedroom.

Then one of my TikTok videos went viral, reaching 2.8 million views and jump-starting my business overnight. Suddenly, I was receiving over 100 orders a day—and I was the only one fulfilling them. My days started at 6 a.m., working through orders until the evening, rushing to my night job until 1 a.m., then returning straight to my desk to keep going. It was exhausting, but the messages and support from my community made every sleepless night worth it.

It hasn’t slowed down since. Today, I’m a dance major at UCLA while continuing to grow my jewelry business as a designer and entrepreneur. I’m currently working on a new collection and expanding both my artistic vision and social media presence. Looking ahead to 2026, my goal is to grow my brand exponentially and continue evolving as a designer. I know my work can reach new levels, and I’m fully committed to pushing my creativity and my brand as far as it can go.

In the future, I hope to have my own workshop studio where I can work more efficiently and consistently. Having a dedicated space would allow me to organize my tools properly, invest in better equipment and materials, and create without the limitations of working from a small personal space. It would improve my workflow, support larger-scale production, and give me the structure I need to continue growing my craft and my business.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If you want to be on top, the road is never smooth—it’s more than just a few bumps; it’s a constant challenge. For me, one of the biggest struggles has been finding balance. Juggling dance, choreography, my jewelry business, work, and school is a daily challenge, and the word “balance” often feels like it’s floating just out of reach. Even now, I’m still learning how to navigate all of it.

On top of that, I’ve been going through a phase of uncertainty about which path to focus on as my career. Dance has been a part of my life for over ten years, and I love everything about it—the movement, the art, the creativity. I’ve also always dreamed of being a choreographer, and I’m grateful to now call myself a choreographer based in LA. At the same time, jewelry has become a huge part of my life and my identity as a creative entrepreneur. I want to grow my business and be a full-time designer, but figuring out how to prioritize between dance and jewelry has been difficult.

It’s not just a matter of passion—it’s also about practicality, sustainability, and planning for the future. I constantly ask myself: Which path allows me to grow, thrive, and build a life I’m proud of? How can I honor both passions without burning out? Those questions don’t have easy answers, and that struggle is something I navigate every day.

On top of that, there’s the simple, everyday challenge of answering the question, “What do you do?” I’ve never had a concrete reply. Depending on the moment, I might say “dance” or “jewelry designer,” and even then, it doesn’t feel fully accurate. I’m still figuring out which answer truly reflects who I am and what I’m building. That uncertainty can be frustrating, but it’s also part of the process of finding my balance and defining my path.

Recently, I’ve been reflecting and have come to terms with the fact that I can do both—and I will do both. I will continue to build my jewelry business, design new pieces, and grow alongside my supporters. At the same time, dance will always be a part of me. I truly believe the saying, “once a dancer, always a dancer.” While my skill level may change over the next ten years, my connection to dance and music will never fade.

From a practical standpoint, jewelry offers a more sustainable path for my future. I can see it growing into a long-term career that aligns with my goals, especially as I plan alongside my partner, Durell. At the same time, I don’t have to give up the art I love—dance will remain a source of inspiration and creative expression, fueling both my life and my work. Continuing finding this balance has been empowering, and it’s helped me embrace both sides of my creative journey.

Therefore, I really need to dedicate my time wisely and ensure that the decisions I make stay true to my goals and values. Every choice—from how I structure my day to which projects I take on—needs to align with both my creative passions and my long-term vision. Time is limited, and I’ve realized that being intentional with it is the only way to continue growing in both dance and jewelry without burning out. Staying disciplined, setting priorities, and being mindful of how I invest my energy are essential to keeping my path authentic and sustainable.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My art style is a blend of Cybersigilism and Modern jewelry—a combination that reflects both symbolism and contemporary aesthetics. Cybersigilism is all about creating personalized, meaningful symbols, often inspired by digital culture, mysticism, and intention-based design. In my jewelry, this translates into pieces that carry hidden meaning or personal significance, allowing the wearer to express individuality and intention through what they wear.

At the same time, my designs maintain a modern, minimalist sensibility—clean lines, layered structures, and wearable forms that feel both elegant and current. The fusion of these two approaches means each piece is more than just an accessory; it’s a statement, a wearable work of art that connects symbolism, storytelling, and contemporary style.

I specialized in Soft Soldering. Soft soldering is a jewelry-making technique used to join pieces of metal together using a low-melting-point solder. Unlike hard soldering or welding, soft soldering allows for precise connections without altering the integrity of the metal. It’s ideal for creating layered, intricate designs because it fuses components like wires, chains, or small metal shapes into a seamless piece. I tell others is like “painting with melted silver”

This technique requires patience and attention to detail, as each connection must be carefully heated and aligned. The result is durable, wearable jewelry that still carries the delicate, handcrafted look of artisanal work. Soft soldering allows designers like me to bring complex visions to life, creating pieces that are both elegant and structurally sound.

Each piece is carefully handmade, which means that no two are ever exactly alike. Because of this, every item I create is truly unique, carrying its own character, charm, and subtle differences that set it apart from the rest. When you receive one of my pieces, you’re not just getting a product—you’re receiving a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects the time, care, and craftsmanship that went into making it.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is honesty, balance, and consistency.

Honesty is central to everything I do—my feelings, my thoughts, my work, my art, and even how I show up as myself. I strive to stay true to who I am and to the energy I share with others, whether through my creations or my interactions. Being honest allows me to connect authentically with the world and to create work that genuinely reflects my voice and vision.

Balance is equally important because without it, I cannot maintain the mental and emotional clarity needed to live and create authentically. A balanced life gives me the space to reflect, recharge, and approach each day with intention. When I am balanced, I can be fully present, honest, and open—both with myself and with others. For me, honesty and balance are intertwined; without one, the other cannot truly move. Together, they guide me to live intentionally, create meaningfully, and contribute authentically to the world around me.

Consistency is equally important. My goals and vision for my life—and the life I want to build with my partner—require steady effort, dedication, and intentional habits. I have a specific lifestyle in mind, one that supports growth, creativity, and fulfillment, and consistency helps me shape that reality. Everything I do, whether in my art, my work, or my daily choices, is part of preparing for that future. I am not only creating for myself; I am laying the foundation for a life I can share with my partner and, eventually, my family—one built on honesty, balance, love, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LuxVirsi
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxvirsi_official/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/heatheryana?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=0fcf9be7-cb98-4181-ba02-5987c7db513b

Image Credits
Deleon Allen

Ben Hansen

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