An added “Zest” to your jewelry

This month, we’re on a quest to discover Belizean handicrafts and artists whose work embodies resilience and inspiration. This week’s feature on The Bright Side highlights just that: a tale of self-belief, breaking the mold—or even creating one’s own—and embracing the zest for life. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Aesha Garel, the creative mind behind Zest Handcrafted Jewelry, to share her inspiring journey. Here’s more.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

When we think of “Zest,” we imagine that special ingredient that infuses vibrancy and flavor into everything it touches. It’s the extra spark, the perfect finishing touch that brings a concept to life. This is the essence of Zest Handcraft—a jewelry line meticulously crafted by a talented local artisan in Belize. Each piece embodies artistry, elegance, and the authentic soul of Belize. At the heart of this handcrafted line is Aesha Garel, the visionary owner whose creativity and passion shine through every design.

 

Aesha Garel, Owner, Zest Handcrafted Jewelry

“I think it just, you just add an extra little zest to your outfit and, and that’s, and the zest is something we don’t use very often and it’s mostly used for food, I know, but it’s that extra, extra something that is missing that will add your personality or your statement to your day and your outfit, but your outlook and what you want to project.”

 

Her entrepreneurial journey began nearly five years ago, blossoming from what started as a college hobby—a creative lifeline during her student years. What was once a pastime has now flourished into a thriving business, showcasing her passion and dedication. As she pursued her goal of becoming a forensic scientist, she found herself drawn down a path she hadn’t anticipated, one that led her to the world of business and artistry.

Aesha Garel

“This is definitely not what I thought I would be doing with my life. It started just basically, I would look at earrings and go like, Hmm, I wonder if I could make that. Hmm, I wonder if I could make that. And then I started to make jewelry for myself. And then my mom would tell her friends, and then her friends would order earrings. And it really started as a hobby and a side, like a side job. And I did enjoy the science aspect of everything, and I love forensic science. But I am super grateful that I get to do this every day because I never thought that I could do something wake up and create And use my artistic side of myself to be able to make a living.”

 

Zest Handcraft Jewelry has blossomed into a celebrated community-based business, known for its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The artist behind this success, Aesha Garel, is acclaimed for her meticulous handwork and unique, one-of-a-kind creations. Garel emphasizes that this distinctiveness is no accident—each piece is thoughtfully crafted with intention and purpose, reflecting her dedication to artistry and authenticity.

Aesha Garel

“I really liked the medium, the freedom that resin gives me, and now I create my own molds. I sketch what the seasonal earrings will be and then I get them laser cut from acrylic so that I can make my own molds. And so my designs are completely unique to zest. Um, so that creative freedom and then the colors and you can show the movement with the different colors. So I really fell in love with resin being my medium.”

 

Like most entrepreneurs, the journey is filled with highs and lows. One universal challenge is understanding and asserting the value of both product and self. Garel acknowledges that this has been a significant hurdle, but one from which she has experienced tremendous personal and professional growth.

Aesha Garel
“It was really hard for me to just believe and push and really sell my products. And it was really hard for me to price my products, because I don’t know if you’ve noticed all the little details. Those are done by hand and I live in a constant state of carpal tunnel. So it’s really important to price your time right and you are worth what your time, what you, how much time you spend on your pieces. I kind of sold myself short a lot and said, Oh, but this is just a tiny little thing. And, Oh, you know, people won’t pay that much for earrings or, and there was a lot of self doubt and it just, I guess it comes with time. And, um, Um, growth, but just looking back at it now, you know I’m very grateful to Zest for forcing me to grow as much as I have, you know, in the spotlight, out of the spotlight, but also showing me my self worth.”

 

The true value of these pieces lies in their exquisite craftsmanship. Each creation is a testament to the skill and dedication poured into every detail, making them not just accessories, but works of art. Each one is distinct, shaped by its own character. Zest jewelry isn’t only for personal enjoyment; the seasonal pieces make thoughtful gifts too. Halloween, a favorite time for the creator, brings out her creativity in unique ways. Customers are drawn to these pieces for the way they express individuality, whether to share with others or keep as a personal statement.

Aesha Garel
“A lot of people say that putting on their earrings is such an important part of their day because the earrings kind of help the outfit and the outfit helps the mood and then they get in the mood to go outside. And I never thought about that, but it’s true, even me. I never wear earrings in the house, but when I’m going out, I have to put everything together. And I’d say, I have my cute Halloween earrings. Let me put that in. And then you’re in the mood to go out and conquer whatever is out there. There’s a lot out there that sometimes we need a little extra Zest to help you get through it.”

 Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.