ERIKA PEÑA: CRAFTING JEWELRY AND FASHION FOR THE EVERYDAY GODDESS
Erika Peña’s journey from a young girl with dreams to a renowned jewelry and fashion designer is a testament to her ambition, innovative spirit, and passion for connecting with women. Born in Puerto Rico to Dominican parents and raised in Florida, Erika absorbed the influence of many cultures, which she seamlessly weaves into her unique designs. From humble beginnings with handmade earrings to launching a global empire, Erika’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to empowering women.
Erika’s multicultural upbringing played a significant role in shaping her design aesthetic. Growing up in Florida, she was exposed to a blend of Latin-inspired styles and American culture. This rich tapestry of influences is evident in her bold and innovative designs that have captivated fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Erika’s formal education in fashion design was under the tutelage of prestigious labels like Donna Karan and Josie Natori, where she honed her skills and developed a keen eye for detail and quality.
In 2006, armed with only her ambition and the remnants of a shell lamp, Erika designed her first piece—handmade earrings. This marked the beginning of Erika Peña Designs, a brand that has since become synonymous with elegance, innovation, and empowerment. Erika’s journey from crafting earrings to launching a global brand is a remarkable story of dedication and vision.
Her designs have graced the pages of esteemed fashion magazines such as VOGUE, ELLE, and the New York Times. Style icons like Beyonce, Jessica Alba, and Kim Kardashian have embraced Erika’s couture creations, further cementing her status in the fashion world. Erika’s ability to blend Latin-inspired style with bold innovation has set her apart, making her a sought-after designer in the industry.
Erika’s brand has achieved significant milestones over the years. Her designs are sold in over 700 stores worldwide, including prestigious retailers like Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Selfridges, and Harvey Nichols. Her work has been featured in top magazines globally, such as Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE, IN Style, and ELLE.
One of Erika’s notable collaborations was with Beyonce, with whom she worked for several years. Additionally, Erika created the iconic Obama earrings for the Obama campaign, showcasing her ability to blend fashion with meaningful messages.
Today, Erika lives in Bali with her husband and daughter, where she continues to innovate and design from her headquarters. Bali’s serene environment and vibrant culture provide the perfect backdrop for Erika’s creative process. She works closely with her team to deliver cutting-edge designs that inspire and empower women to feel like goddesses.
For Erika, intuition is the guiding light in a woman’s life. It is what leads one toward their destiny. However, when stress and doubt cloud one’s mind, this light dims. Erika believes in the importance of encouraging and supporting each other to reset and center oneself, ensuring that intuition remains strong.
Her passion for design is deeply rooted in her desire to connect with women and encourage them to embrace their inner goddesses. Erika’s work is not just about creating beautiful pieces but about fostering self-love and confidence in the women who wear her designs. “I’m passionate about my design work because it helps me connect with women and encourage them to feel like goddesses and love themselves,” she says.
Erika’s zone of genius lies in her ability to create and market her designs effectively. She has a knack for guiding designers and helping them realize their strengths. Her expertise in these areas has been instrumental in building her brand and mentoring others in the industry.
Erika is a staunch advocate for women’s self-love and confidence. She believes in the importance of growth and mentoring, helping women pursue their passions and achieve their dreams. Her advocacy extends to fostering a positive relationship with money, transforming her mindset from one of lack to one of abundance.
One of the hardest challenges Erika has overcome is her relationship with money. Raised with an immigrant mindset that emphasized scarcity, she has worked hard to shift to an abundance mindset through healing and personal growth. This transformation has been crucial in her journey as an entrepreneur and designer.
A significant influence in Erika’s life is the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. “I learned that only you and your mindset is what truly can make anything possible,” she shares. This philosophy has guided her throughout her career, reinforcing her belief in the power of one’s mindset to achieve greatness.
Erika’s upcoming projects reflect her continuous drive for innovation and excellence. She is preparing for her first fashion show in Bali in April 2022, an event that promises to showcase her latest creations in a spectacular setting. Additionally, her brand will be featured in Revolve in February, and she is set to launch her first-ever bridal collection with BLHN this year.
Erika Peña’s journey from a young girl with dreams to a celebrated jewelry and fashion designer is a narrative of passion, resilience, and empowerment. Her unique blend of Latin-inspired style and bold innovation has captivated the fashion world, making her designs a symbol of elegance and strength. Through her work, Erika continues to inspire women to embrace their inner goddesses and love themselves, reinforcing the power of intuition and self-confidence. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion and staying true to oneself.