Our Origin
I have a humble beginning. I guess that is the story of many no matter where you were born or raised.​
​
I am a first generation American who was born and raised on the streets of Queens, NY. My Eastern European dad crossed over legally to the U.S. from Italy with the help of a Church Charity group. My mother shortly followed suit. They were probably no older than 20 years old when they were fleeing a war torn nation under a communist regime. That former communist regime was the Former Republic of Yugoslavia.
​
While growing up, I saw first hand the low and highs of immigrant life. Through these ups and downs, I noticed they, and by they, I mean my family, friends and neighbors, shared a lot of similarities. They worked long hours, saved every penny so their children can have a better future and encouraged us to get an education so we can work in an "office." I guess to them, it was better to work with your head than hands.
​
As I write this, I can feel my eyes watering up. Through the struggle, there was a lot of beauty. Many achieved their own versions of American Dream and were so thankful to be on American soil to have all the opportunities they had, even if they weren't perfect. After all, this is the only country in the world where you can come to and call yourself an American no matter your background. It really is a blessing.
​
In the past few years, across mainstream media and social media, people have sounded the alarm and called this amazing land all kinds of names. She, America, does not deserve it. She, like us, is not perfect and there is always room for improvement. Have you ever met anyone who got better after continually being bashed? I haven't. I see dark becomes light in the midst of love, openness and good faith dialogue. The extremes, whether in people or a country, is never the right answer. We must meet in the middle through a more common sense approach.
​
While the collections on this website should not be taken seriously, it is our hope that they foster dialogue, community and a second thought to how grateful we should be to call America home.
​
It is my genuine hope that as Americans we find common ground because I know we can continue to build on previous generations' hard work and strong will. Secondly, I wish for you to enjoy the pieces in our collections as much as we did putting them together. I mean, consumerism is a part of who we are so, buy, buy, buy.
​
Regardless of where you lie on the political spectrum or an issue, I am not here to tell you to think one way or the other. Like any good future, it starts with pure intentions and good 'ole fashion critical thinking.
​
Keep on lovin' your fellow American!