Alex was in love with fashion even before she could walk in stilettos…
Her mom, who has a keen eye for well-constructed outfits and a sophisticated
taste, was instrumental in Alex’s passion for clothes and accessories:
“I remember all the dresses my mom made for me and how she put it all
together. She would spend hours sewing and arranging amazing outfits for my
parties…they were all so rich in detail!”
Alex’s family was in the tourism business in Brazil, so the access to
international fashion was easy. As her mom traveled around the world for business,
she would bring back exquisite clothes and accessories that were fascinating
to Alex - and that’s how the love affair with fashion really begun: “Playing
dress up in my mom’s closet was my favorite pastime as a kid. Dresses,
jewelry, make up, perfume… Pure heaven!”
However, when it came to business, Alex’s professional focus was always
on Marketing and Management. With “workaholic” parents running their
own business, Alex grew up “in the office”, and accompanied her
parents in business trips. With the guidance of her father, she set out to pursue
a business career, graduating in the U.S., with a degree in Marketing and another
one in International Business.
Alex built a solid career in the market research industry, working for one
of the largest research companies in the world. But, her true love remained
in the pages of all the fashion magazines that she collected at home.
One day, Erica called, and said: “You know more about fashion than anyone
I know-what are you doing in research?? Come and work with me and help me continue
to build Nugaard Designs!!
And so, Alex accepted, and made the shift to her real passion: “And the
rest, is fashion history!” – says Alex.
Erica Pacey has been creating jewelry since she was a young girl. Her passion
began in her home country, Brazil, where she grew up surrounded by the diversity
of gems and natural elements that continue to inspire her designs until today,
"I get inspiration from a variety of things… from a leaf on a tree,
a Moroccan lamp, a Greek amulet, or just colors from different gems."
For the past 15 years, Erica has lived in the US, where she earned a degree
in Communications and Marketing. She then worked in the corporate world at emerging
“dot com” companies, which included Director of e-commerce for a
worldwide leading sports company.
However, Erica felt there was always something missing in her life. In her
spare time, she continued to make jewelry, and the pastime started catching
the eyes of her friends and family, so Erica started selling her pieces with
much success.
When a few Miami boutiques started calling for her pieces, Erica decided to
turn her passion for jewelry into her full time job, and Nugaard Designs was
born. “It took some courage, but at the same time, it made so much sense”.
With a diverse background, and unique sense of style, Erica's pieces have
been enchanting women from all backgrounds and nationalities.
"I love to create jewelry that is flattering to women, that makes them
feel special, and really stands out. I am fascinated by the diversity of colors
in gems and stones, and with the texture and shape of the materials that I can
use to create jewelry."
Erica has been studying design, drawing, art and jewelry for over 18 years,
with degrees from the First Institute of Gemology and Jewelry School of Florida,
special design and jewelry courses at Florida Atlantic University, and stringing
and beading courses in Brazil. Her technical expertise enhanced her natural
talent, giving Erica a creative edge with a unique sense of color and style.
Each piece designed by Erica is handcrafted to reflect a harmonious blend
of past and present, primitive and cosmopolitan, diversity and elegance.
"I think that a distinctive piece of jewelry can give any women a whole
new energy. It is about personal style, confidence, individuality..."
