Meet Izzy Galler | Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Izzy Galler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Izzy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Izzy Atelier in 2020, but the idea of starting my own business began in 2014, when I was a student at Otis College of Art and Design. I have a bachelor’s degree in product design and created an entire line of silver jewelry for my senior show. After graduating, I worked at a few non-jewelry related design studios in LA and on the side created a line of solid silver and 10k gold jewelry. Fast forward a few years when my boyfriend, now husband, and I were talking about purchasing an engagement ring. I knew I wanted to design and create my own ring. So that’s exactly what I did. After I made the ring, I posted it on social media and mentioned that I had designed and created it myself. To my surprise and excitement, many of my friends inquired and asked me to make theirs, too! I felt incredibly honored to be a part of people’s engagement stories. One engagement ring led to another and before I knew it, I was running a small business. I am delighted at how the business started so organically.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I make custom engagement rings and fine jewelry. I am based in Santa Monica, but I work with people all over the world. I work with my clients one-on-one, which allows me to understand exactly what it is that my clients want. So, I think this is what sets me apart from others. I offer a design service that is bespoke and different than what you’d find in a store because I spend a lot of time understanding my client and sharing design suggestions. Each part of the process is highly collaborative and detail-oriented.

I love getting inquiries from people who are interested in a custom engagement ring. I think those projects get me excited because there is so much opportunity for creativity. I am thrilled knowing that my clients will be wearing a one-of-a kind piece that we designed together. Another special part of my job is observing the look on my my clients’ faces when they see the final product. For me, that moment is pure joy.

You asked me if it was easy getting to where I am professionally today. As I mentioned before, the business started organically but there were still many decisions to make – custom versus retail, marketing, suppliers, etc. Projects fall through, a client goes in a different direction – you just have to tell yourself at the end of the day to continue believing that what you are doing is worthwhile. Some things don’t go your way and the only thing that you have at the end of the day is to be your own advocate and keep on moving on. Get right back up and try again. I think if you have this mindset, you will lay the foundation for success. I know I am barely scratching the surface of what is possible for Izzy Atelier. I have so many ideas, I just want to do them all! I am learning that patience is key and baby steps are still steps.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week long?!! There’s not enough time to give my week long itinerary – there’s so much to do in LA! If we visit the West Side, I’d have to take them for wine at Ester’s, then dinner somewhere super West-Side-ey like Dudley Market, Rose, Fia, Cassia…there are too many options. A beach day would be necessary as well. My husband and I are obsessed with Southeast Asian food so we would definitely have to go to Blossom in Santa Monica or do a day trip to Pho Tasty in Artesia. I’d also have to take my guests to downtown Los Angeles for at least a day to experience that, too. I used to work downtown so I love it there. There’s a little bar called Crane’s that I used to frequent a lot with friends. Or Las Perlas for some margaritas and tacos. I could go on and on…

Besides food and drinks, I’d love to take my guests on an architectural tour of LA. We would visit the Eames house, the Huntington Library, Watts Towers, The Bradbury Building, and Greystone Mansion just to list a few. There are so many things to do, places to eat, and things to learn in LA! I love this city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Alright, let’s shout it out! I would be nowhere if it weren’t for the people who surround me. Specifically, the small team of people that I work with. They are simply the best. We work closely together on every project. If you were to add it up, we would have a cumulative work experience of 50+ years.

If I ever have a question, I can ask them and they will guide me with patience and support. Without their encouragement, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today regarding my business.

I also want a general shoutout to all of the skilled artisans who are behind the works of many great designers. The skilled artisans I work with have dedicated their entire lives to their craft. They deserve credit and recognition.

Website: https://www.izzyatelierjewelry.com/

Instagram: @izzy_atelier_