In my planning, I knew that every destination had to have a specific purpose, something that would ignite my passions, enhance my abilities and delight my senses. After a much-needed visit to some good friends in Israel to celebrate Passover, I was off! 14 countries in 3 months. When I look back, the amount of life-changing experiences I was able to pack into a relatively short amount of time is almost unfathomable, and many of them I hope to write about in much greater detail later, but here’s are the Cliff’s Notes:

I watched the Northern Lights in Iceland, took in street art in England, sampled every dish imaginable in Portugal, made pasta in Tuscany, sky-dived in Mauritius, saw elephants in Sri Lanka and visited orangutans in Borneo. I also made sure to visit some of the world’s most beautiful monuments of human achievement, like Christ the Redeemer in Brazil and the Blue Mosque in Turkey. I don’t say this to (humble) brag about the exceptional places I’ve been lucky enough to visit, but to convey that it’s the places we go, the people we meet and the things we experience that make us truly who we are. Without this trip, who knows if I’d ever have followed my dream of crafting jewelry? But after seeing what the world has to offer—and realizing how much of it was still out there to see—I knew that I had to do what I felt in my soul.

For me, change is a constant, creativity is a calling and travel is a necessity. The memories I’ve made and moments I’ve shared with people across the globe are the fuel that goes into every every single piece I make. They are infused with raw beauty, cultural meaning and personal significance. Beyond that, they are informed by my knowledge that—however many miles you fly, however many borders you cross and however many roads you travel—humanity is universal. We are all connected, whether it’s culturally or cosmically, and my simple hope is to further that connection by telling stories through the pieces I create and share with the world.

Here’s to your next adventure, wherever it may be!

During my drive through the tranquil countryside, I had a moment of realization that, throughout my extensive travels, I rarely had what you’d call a “vacation.” Many of my trips were work-related and even if they weren’t, I spent my time flitting from place to place looking for inspiration, soaking in the culture, meeting people and not wanting to miss out on anything! I decided that The Cotswolds would be the perfect place to slow the pace a little and to immerse myself in the rich legacy of the region.

I was fortunate enough to stay at Thornbury Castle, a former fortress and Tudor country house dating back to 1511. Stepping inside, I wondered what these ornately-decorated walls had seen over the decades. I truly believe that a place retains some energy of the past and Thornbury is somewhere that it could be felt in my core.

Established as a home for Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, the castle occupied many pivotal figures in English history, including Jasper Tudor, and even King Henry III and his ill-fated wife Anne Boleyn. Halls were lined with tapestries, suits of armor and relics of years gone by. The extensive grounds, filled with finely trimmed hedges, manicured lawns and blooming floral beds felt completely closed off from the rest of the world.

As part of my stay, the castle hosted evening events where guests dressed in the traditional attire of the time period and enjoyed era-specific food, drinks and activities. During these moments, it was easy to forget that the modern world existed just outside the castle’s doors. They also reminded me how special it is that a place or object can house the memories of its history like a mini time capsule, furthering my obsession with sourcing authentic materials to use in my designs.

Sometimes, taking a moment to free yourself from the constraints of everyday life, clear your mind and be fully present—even if your present is the past—can spark revelations, both personal and professional. When I feel the need for this beautiful repose, I’ll be going back in time once again to The Cotswolds.

What immediately inspired me about Bali was not only the striking color and rich culture—a stunning mixture of Indian, Chinese and Hindu elements that can be seen (and touched, smelled and tasted) everywhere—but the visual depth and richness to everything around me. Greenery seemed to vibrate with energy, the sea awash with tranquility and the air thick with anticipation. In addition to the island’s natural wonders, I experienced the same with Bali’s man-made treasures. Hindu stone carvings spoke to their intricate creation, temples resonated with long-forgotten chants and ornate silverwork sparkled with sacred meaning.

In my mind, this has a lot to do with the spiritual intention behind the creation of these items. Everything in Bali, whether decorative or structural, whether grounded in necessity or spirituality, has a strong meaning behind it. Just as one example, the nine directional temples on the island were specifically designed—down to the most minor detail—to protect the island and its inhabitants from evil forces. This intent is something that can truly be felt, and likewise, is a vital part of my approach to life and philosophy of design.

For me, Bali is also about people—from the immensely talented artisans to dedicated surfers—who put all their time, energy and conviction into what they love and believe in. This mentality is so ingrained in Bali that it’s hard not to pick up some of that passion and bring it home with you. I last visited Bali in 1998 and I feel it calling my name again, to saturate my mind with color, renew and reinvigorate my creative energies, and as a place to hone more techniques and collaborate with local creators.

With its national identity immersed in Buddhism—and due to its relative isolation from the rest of the world—Bhutan has managed to keep its culture intact and relatively unaffected by outside forces. Religion is infused into every element of the country’s culture and traditions. From national dress to architecture and, of course, jewelry.

Bhutanese jewelry is rich in bronze (Lugzo is the traditional name assigned to bronzework) and often takes the form of heavy bracelets, loop earrings and clothing adornments set with turquoise, coral and the zhi stone—said to have special protective powers. During my visit, I was inspired to create my Tiger’s Nest Necklace for the cliffside monastery that has become an icon of Bhutanese beauty, culture and spirituality. Whenever I think of that bracelet, I dream of returning to my favorite place, the place that feels like nowhere else on earth.

Despite being a relatively short trip from Tanzania, the Seychelles was truly a world of its own. Flying in, I almost felt like I was entering an unseen protective bubble. Uninhabited throughout most of recorded history and once thought to be The Garden of Eden, the islands retain a calming sense of isolation and independence that I’ve rarely experienced anywhere else on my travels.

Basking in an endless summer, indigenous wildlife also thrives in this environment, the air quietly humming with the activity of sea birds, giant tortoises and marine life. Likewise, the people of the Seychelles are blessed with the kind of relaxed energy and hospitable nature that makes you feel instantly at home. European, African, and Asian influences can be seen and heard everywhere, enhancing the aura that everyone is welcome here.

Sinking my toes into the sand of Anse Source D’Argent—the most beautiful beach I have ever set my eyes upon—the ocean breeze filling my senses and the sun’s rays filling me with warmth, I knew that in this moment I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Brushing by spice plants on the island’s innumerable wild hiking trails, I was rewarded with scents of cinnamon, ylang-ylang and lemon grass. This is a was place where getting lost is a valid pastime, and in getting lost, you might just find yourself.

Beyond the natural artistry of its surroundings, fine art plays a major role in Seychellois society and culture. As I explored, I encountered numerous small studios, hidden in the landscape and embedded in the jungle, where creators of all types celebrate their craft. Much of their work—whether watercolor or pastel, etching or silk-printing—was inspired by the landscape of their environment with vibrant colors and soft strokes echoing the paradise that exists just on their doorstep.

My time in the Seychelles was akin to a creative nirvana. My mind calmed, my body warmed and my soul nourished by the place and its people. Every color, scent and shape filed away into my consciousness as fuel for future work. I felt physically relaxed and spiritually reinvigorated in the knowledge that I was in the right place and on the right path. And that’s the true magic of the Seychelles.

These early memories were coupled with a deep yearning to experience Morocco first hand, to take in its wealth of cultural and spiritual inspiration, to let it take over my senses with its visual gems, exotic sounds, rich textures and alluring scents. My desire came to fruition first when I was a teenager and again as an adult when I returned to source materials, scour antiques and soak up inspiration for my business. While most people immediately think of the liveliness and glamour of Marrakech or the serene Kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains, the city that truly defines Morocco for me is Fez.

Situated at the crossroads of the preeminent cities within the region—Tangier to the northwest, Casablanca and Rabat to the west and Marrakesh to the southwest—Fez has been called the cultural capital of Morocco, infused with important elements of each of these surrounding cities. Truly three distinct cities in one, Fez encapsulates Fes el Bali (the ancient walled city), Fes-Jdid (the Jewish quarter), and the Ville Nouvelle (Fez’s newest, French area). Wandering through these areas is truly intoxicating and I found myself wanting to soak in every sight and store it away for future use.

Within the ancient city is the Medina, the world’s largest market and also the world’s largest urban car-free area. A Medieval labyrinth of narrow streets, lanes, and alleys, the Medina is where you might stumble across stalls selling vibrantly pigmented silks, sweet stuffed dates, expertly tanned leathers and aromatic teas. You’re just as likely to find yourself in the lavishly decorated courtyard of a mosque or madrasa, or a charming café serving up pastries and mint tea. As a tourist you’re required to go through the souk with a guide to ensure your safety and ease of navigation, but there’s something truly charming about imagining getting lost in this world that it feels as if time forgot.

Bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia is a country with a turbulent and troubled past that details violent power struggles, most famously the Cambodian Genocide under the Khmer Rouge. For these reasons, many visitors prefer to focus on a very specific vision of Cambodia, that of stunning ancient temples, charming villages and picturesque treks, but for me, it’s impossible to experience and truly understand a place without understanding its struggles, both past and present.

While I checked many of the expected things off my bucket list in Cambodia, notably taking in the unbelievable Angkor Wat temple complex, collecting treasures in Siem Reep and sampling the unique local cuisine, what really spoke to me (and stayed with me long after I left) was the essence and spirit of the Cambodian people.

An experience that I often recall is visiting several restaurants and striking up conversations with the young people working there, only to find out that they had been rescued from human trafficking or life on the streets. Many restaurants throughout Cambodia not only provide jobs, but also help in the fight to provide a better life for children and teenagers throughout the country. Again, while this may not be the Cambodia that tourists choose to see, it speaks to the strength, resilience and humanity of its people, something that I felt first-hand everywhere I went. A major influence in my craft is being able to give back, so hearing these stories only made my convictions stronger..

Visitors may also choose to pass on visiting the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh as it stands as an eternal reminder of the devastating impact the Khmer Rouge had on this country and its citizens. Personally, I knew that I had to visit, not only to understand the country’s history but also its epic recovery. Within the city, palaces, monuments and memorials combine Asian and French colonial influences to beautiful effect. Once known as “The Pearl of Asia,” the city has emerged from its dark past more dazzling than ever. In my mind, this is a direct result of the unique mindset of the Cambodian people, at once proud of their history yet incredibly forward-thinking.

The city grew up around the River Avon and, as such, has a small coastline with a charming waterfront dotted with art galleries, restaurants, pubs and artisan stores. Venture away from the shore and there’s a cornucopia to discover—fairytale cobbled streets, secret gin bars, vibrant music venues and even woodland trails. There’s a sense of imagination and optimism that permeates absolutely everything, perhaps in part due to the fact that Bristol is incredibly youth-oriented and has the reputation of being incredibly welcoming and inclusive on all fronts.

One of my reasons for wanting to visit Bristol was to see the works of one of my favorite street artists, Banksy. Like many people, I’d seen his work before, but never in the context of the city where it was created, always in the somewhat sterile environment of an art gallery. Since the semi-anonymous and now world-famous artist was born in Bristol in 1974, there’s nowhere better on earth to see his work than in the setting he intended it to be seen!

As part of the wave of street art that took place in Bristol in the ‘80s, Banksy was prolific around the city, so much so that walking tours are dedicated to visiting his most famous works. Wandering around, it’s staggering to see the scope and scale of street art and graffiti in Bristol, some old, some new, some illegal, some commissioned.

As I took in Banksy’s Grim Reaper, The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum, Paint-Pot Angel, Masked Gorilla and more, I found myself contemplating the place of creativity within our culture, in particular why certain artwork is perceived as more valuable than others. Street art, by its very nature, is defiant and transitory, it represents a very specific moment in time and, when preserved, can act as a time capsule back into the mentality of an era.

One of the reasons why I love to infuse different forms of artwork into my own life, and indeed when photographing my jewelry, is to play on the contrast and cohesion between them. To me, an image of an antique bracelet set on a tattooed arm against a graffitied backdrop speaks volumes about the values we place on different types of creativity and the extent to which we see them as trendy or timeless.