In this picture, I find myself immersed within the embrace of the Namibian Desert, experiencing the poetic unity of the desert and ocean, a timeless enchantment.
my path of self discovery
Before Jewellery…
Born and raised in Guinea-Bissau, I spent my formative years studying in Portugal, carving out my own path forward and dreaming big. Little did I know that my brief venture into the world of modelling would lead me to the mystical industry of high jewellery.
Once I discovered the world of fine jewellery, fuelled by my determination and grit, I set out on an extensive journey of exploring gemmology and jewellery houses, delving into their mystery. As an outsider, this very generational world that is high jewellery was a mystery to me so I fully immersed myself in its depths.
With relentless focus, hard work and passion, I wholeheartedly devoted myself to my studies and research, ultimately achieving the status of a certified gemmologist at Gemological Institute of America.
While modelling…
…I stumbled upon the world of fine jewellery during a New York photoshoot.
Coming from one of the world’s poorest countries and growing up in a humble and strict family, all the resources my family had were invested in education. Modelling was my opportunity to travel and get to know the world.
I will always hold those years in great esteem because they led me to the world of fine jewellery.
My first years in the high jewellery industry
Upon completing my studies at the Gemological Institute of America, I quit modelling and faced the world of high jewellery with the same determination and unwavering passion that led me to it.
The offer of a staff position from GRAFF, a renowned brand in the close-knit industry of high jewellery, filled me with a deep sense of honour. My time there proved instrumental in shaping my path and catapulting my aspirations forward. I then went on to work for DeBeers and at Sotheby’s in the jewellery department.
Taking the leap and founding VANLELES in 2012
After working in the industry for ten years, it was in 2012 that my dream came to fruition, and I proudly established my very own brand.
I started out by creating bespoke pieces and classic timeless diamond jewellery. Then, in 2015 I received a small investment into the business, which helped me create my first collections and branding, and enabled me to open my flagship showroom in London’s Bond Street. The showroom was right opposite GRAFF, overlooking the very first office, where I had started my career in jewellery a decade earlier. It was a full-circle moment, as they call it.
Ever since, I have been driven by courage, honesty, grit, and resilience as I navigate my company towards success.
Raising three kids between London and Lisbon
I embrace with serenity the role of being a woman and a high jewellery brand owner, while raising three children between London and Lisbon alongside my dear husband, and travelling the world to showcase VANLELES’ creations, ethos and core values.
Throughout my journey as a perpetual student, I have experienced constant evolution. Along this path, I have expanded my horizons and eagerly embraced new experiences, gaining valuable knowledge and broadening my perspective. I channel these diverse experiences into the essence of VANLELES, infusing my brand with a sense of uniqueness and artistry.
Mindful of my humble background and the educational limitations I faced, I am acutely conscious of the privilege my children have been granted. Therefore, I am deeply committed to instilling in them core values such as grit, perseverance, diligence, honesty, empathy, and kindness, emphasising the significance of personal growth and adaptability as they navigate their own journeys in life.