A little about me:
Growing up along the sun-drenched East African coast of Tanzania, some of my fondest childhood memories are of accompanying my father, a medical doctor, to visit our local goldsmith. Together we would commission special pieces for my mother and sisters, and I'd watch in wonder as gold was shaped and fabricated into treasured family heirlooms. Those early experiences planted the seeds of what would become not just my career, but my life's passion.
Today, from my studio in Seattle, I create jewelry that tells stories – pieces that connect my multicultural journey with the unique stories of the women who wear them. Each design carries whispers of my travels, my love of global arts and languages, and the joy I find in unexpected beauty. When I work with gems and precious metals, I'm guided by both tradition and innovation, always seeking that perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary spirit.
My approach to jewelry making is deeply personal. I source unusual gems from sustainable, family-owned mines, hand-selecting stones that others might overlook, but whose unique character captures my imagination. Whether it's a custom-faceted gem with an unexpected play of light or a signature metal finish that feels like silk against the skin, every detail is considered with the wearer in mind. I believe jewelry should feel as though it was made just for you – like Cinderella finding that perfect glass slipper.
My path has been shaped by both formal education and heartfelt passion. Growing up multilingual laid the foundation for my lifelong fascination with different ways of expressing beauty and meaning. This journey continued at the University of British Columbia, where I studied Cultural Anthropology and International Affairs, adding French to my repertoire. After college, my love affair with languages flourished as I immersed myself in Spanish and Italian. Though I'm primarily self-taught as a designer, I've sought out opportunities to deepen my craft, including a transformative apprenticeship with master goldsmiths in Istanbul in 2009. This experience inspired my Lokum Lale Luxe collection, which debuted at New York Fashion Week and traveled to galleries across Europe.
Over the years, my work has resonated with a discerning audience, from creating exclusive collections for prestigious institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and The Seattle Art Museum, to designing special pieces that have graced the red carpets of the Emmys, Oscars, and Grammys. Yet what brings me the greatest joy is connecting directly with my clients, understanding their stories, and creating pieces that become part of their legacy. While my work has found its way to collectors across the globe, I maintain a deeply personal approach to each creation. I invite you to explore my collections at Shamila.com or, better yet, visit me at one of my events where we can discover together which piece speaks to your story.
Shamila donates to a range of causes each year.
