We had the good fortune of connecting with Nohelia Machuca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nohelia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Because I understood many years ago that it is a gift from God and He always directs my path. I am the third generation of artists in my family. I grew up surrounded by art in my house. I always enjoyed being part of that environment and talk about designs with my mom makes me feel peaceful and motivated. Definitely, it’s my passion!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is Nohelia, an ordinary woman raised in the midst of a beautiful family with a wonderful father, mother and sister. My mother, always a hard working woman, has been my prime example of Faith, trust, and perseverance. Her ability for manual craftsmanship is incredible and I was blessed to inherit it. So in 2006, I graduated as a Goldsmith in Caracas, Venezuela. My life went well, under normal standards, but it wasn’t until the year 2010 that it all began to change when my beliefs were put to the test and I truly began to understand the real meaning of Faith. That year, my mother was diagnosed with cancer so I had to be strong and supportive in order to impart much needed strength unto her. The only way that became possible was through an unbreakable Faith proceeding from God, and an immense love for Him. Thanks be to the Lord, and for His glory, that my mother overcame her illness, joining the ranks of those who can be called cancer survivors. Later on, by the end of the year 2011, my Faith was tested again when I moved from my homeland, leaving behind everything to begin at ground zero in a wonderful country that opened its doors to me, The United States of America. Emigration is a hard process, especially when you do it alone. First of all, fear starts to settle in, roaming in your mind. Then, you feel that all your hard work is in vain. That can be very disheartening. It is at that point that God comes in to remind you that you are not alone, He is always with you. It wasn’t until August of 2017 that I decided to start my own business and opened a store in Etsy. Ever since opening day I have been working with consistency and perseverance, having Faith that I will become successful in this endeavor. I make each of my creations when I am truly inspired, expressing in each one of them all of my passion and love for what I am making. Once a work is finished I feel great satisfaction because I really enjoy what I do. I believe that as human beings we have infinite means to express our inner beauty, and wearing jewelry is one of them. I try to express in my designs a versatile, modern woman, full of glamour at any time of the day. My pieces are made with passion and love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As emblematic points of the city I would take them to: The Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove Coral Gables – To have dinner at one of the restaurants in the Miracle Mile Calle Ocho Walk of Fame Wynwood Walls Bayfront Park Bayside Marketplace

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My main recognition and thanks are to God. Then I want to recognize my parents because they have played a very important role in achieving my dreams, they have always supported me and motivated me to keep going, they have never criticized me, and they have always let me know how proud they are of me.

Website: http://nohemnbynohelia.com/
Instagram: @nohemnbynohelia
Twitter: @nohemnbynohelia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Jewelry-Watches/Nohemnbynohelia-1677263719235252/
Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/nohemnbynohelia/