The universe has brought my life Full Circle in so many ways, and I'm ecstatic to announce that CMD has welcomed Aryana back to the team!
For those of you who don't remember, "Ary" began working with me back in San Francisco. She started as my production assistant after she graduated from California College of the Arts (CCA) in 2012. Ary has a BFA in jewelry and metal arts and she's a true craftswoman. CMD was Aryana's first job out of school and I quickly noticed how talented she was, especially behind the hammer and flame. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and she's a true silver and goldsmith extraordinaire. Together we combined her metal arts background with my industrial design skills and began an incredible team.
Over the years, Ary went from being my assistant to becoming my right hand woman and production manager. We moved from our little space at Secession Art & Design to a larger store front with an adjoining production studio on Valencia Street. We thrived as a team and quite frankly, I don't think CMD would be where it is today without Aryana's hands and heart.
In 2015, Ary announced she was moving back to Ithaca, New York where she grew up. She was ready to settle down with her husband Mike. I was so sad to say goodbye but obviously supportive of her decision. A few months after she left CMD, I sent ary Ary a note to see how she was doing. At the time, CMD was busier than ever and I was definitely feeling her absence. She was less than jazzed on her new job so Aryana soon started working for me remotely. Slowly over time, we found her an assistant and she helped me to find our space in Trumansburg (about 15 minutes from Ithaca). From there we began hiring in "Tburg" and officially moved production out of San Francisco.
Running production in SF was no longer financially feasible as the cost of living was so high. Growing CMD in Upstate NY felt right and much more sustainable for the long term. Frequent trips there made it feel like my home away from home. If you've never been, I highly recommend making a visit. It's such a beautiful part of the country.
In 2017, Ary became pregnant and was so excited to become a mom. Her beautiful daughter, Sonya was born with chromosomal disorder known as Cri du Chat, or the clinical name is 5p- or 5p minus.
Watching Ary become a mom was amazing for all of us at CMD, she is a natural caregiver. It was hard to see the challenges that lie ahead for her family, but I knew that Ary would be able to take it on with grace and tenacity. Ary left CMD in 2019 to take care of Sonya and focus on her family. Ary's world had shifted in so many ways and now was the time that her daughter needed her the most.
Back in August of this year, I was in need of a production manager, someone to run the studio again. I decided to check in with Ary and see how things were going and somehow the stars realigned. I eagerly invited Aryana to join the team again and I was over the moon when she said yes. It's truly a gift it is to have her back.
Ary's return to CMD is just another example of how CMD is coming Full Circle. Our team is thriving and so in sync with one another. I can't remember the last time I felt this happy.
Welcome back, Ary! There are big and bright things ahead for CMD.
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