Candied Yams was born out of my passion for jewelry. The name, like the food, represents homemade, natural pieces with a sweet style. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a sweet tooth for accessories! It wasn’t long before I discovered my mother’s box of trinkets and started wearing them for fun. Growing up in New York City, I found that jewelry was more than an accessory. It represented our identity, paid homage to diverse cultures and it had the power to express our personality and style! I started designing my own “statement” pieces 13 years ago and haven’t stopped since then. When I am not designing jewelry, I enjoy spending time with my family and dog, Frida and being a champion for educational equity as a Principal in Evanston.