Aila is someone I love deeply—vibrant, curious, smart, full of color and warmth. So it might surprise people that the design I named after her is not loud at all. It’s calm. Structured. Minimal.

The pattern was born from a single phone call that grounded me in the middle of stress and chaos. Her words brought such a sense of peace that I immediately began designing after we hung up. Each dot represents a wave of calm she gave me that day.

Conversation with Aila

BRIE: When I think of you, I think of color—energy, vibrance, that Brazilian sass! Funny, because the pattern I named after you is totally not that. It came from a phone call we had when I was spiraling. You said things that made me feel grounded again. Designing this pattern helped me process the calm you brought me in that moment. Serenity!

AILA: It’s actually really funny that you think I bring serenity to your life.

BRIE (laughing): YOU DO!

AILA: Are we talking about the same person?

BRIE: Yes, girl—YOU! You’re fire. Vivacious. You live loud, you're colorful—you literally ooze color. But you’re also one of the most grounding, encouraging people in my life. I mean… oh my god… I’m gonna cry… (Trying to hold back tears, but failing.) You’ve been such a constant cheerleader for me—and I’m just so, so grateful.

AILA: Aww… I love you so much.

What Aila Sees in the Pattern

BRIE: So when you look at the pattern, what do you see?

AILA: Structure. Which is funny, because I don’t think of myself as a “structured” person. But I also see calm and zen with the dots. I love it in the navy—it reminds me of something you could see in a Japanese garden. Very serene with simplicity. I think of a Japanese aesthetic when I see it.

What Inspires Aila

BRIE: Well... you’re clearly the inspiration behind this design, but I'm curious to know what inspires you?

AILA: I get inspired from people. I definitely get inspired by conversations, and aesthetics. Beauty! Beauty in everything— it could be a flower, a plant, or a skyscraper in NYC... I see the beauty and extraordinary even in the things that might be considered mundane. Peeling vegetables in my kitchen for example—I don't just see the peels... I see colors, patterns, and textures in everything.

On Perspective, Travel, and Humanity

BRIE: Do you have a quote that’s stuck with you?

AILA: Yes! “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” — The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I think that really captures how I see things.

BRIE: Do you have a personal philosophy you live by? Is there something you deeply believe in?

AILA: Yeah, I think because I've lived in so many different parts of the world- it has influenced my perspective. It allowed me to open my mind and broaden my understanding of life. I think it has taught me to be more empathetic and less judgmental towards others, and let me approach life with an open mind, to see things from different viewpoints, and to try to put myself in someone else's shoes before forming any judgments.

BRIE: Yeah, it's important to remember everyone is living their own journey. You may not understand some of their journey, but you also don't have to judge them for it. 

AILA: Exactly, I believe that everyone is going through something. That’s my quote! "Everyone is going through something." It's also the core message of my brand, Under Pressure. We’re all under pressure in our own ways, right? Everybody is going through something, and at times feels pressure.

BRIE: When did you start your brand, and what led you to want to do jewelry?

AILA: After moving back to the U.S. from Asia in 2020, I wanted to create something meaningful. COVID made me reflect more deeply—how to create beyond appearances, something that resonates on a deeper level and fueled my passion.

On Creativity and Self-Doubt

BRIE: As a creative, do you ever experience impostor syndrome?

AILA: Not impostor syndrome, but self-doubt. Am I enough? Is it enough? But then I realize my drive is unique. I work hard and take pride in my creations—I’m my own toughest critic.

Dream Collaborations

BRIE: Is there anyone you dream of collaborating with?

AILA: Oh my god, so many! Giovanna Engelbert. I would love to collaborate with her. Michelle Obama, I admire her so much, a collab with her would be amazing! Sarah Jessica Parker… who wouldn't want to do a collaboration with Carrie Bradshaw? Anyone working toward a cause greater than themselves. I love being inspired by people, their stories, struggles, and joys.

BRIE: Do you see yourself making the move to reach out to any of these people?

AILA: Absolutely! I know I could fall into a place of self-doubt and wonder if my business is big enough to reach out to these people. But you know, once I finish popping out babies and can refocus, I will definitely reach out! I've even thought about reaching out to Meghan Markle regarding issues such as bullying. There are a lot of people I would love to collaborate with because I discuss various topics in my brand, like cancer, suicide prevention, and bullying. I would love to partner with anyone working toward a cause greater than themselves. That’s what fuels my passion- people, their stories, their struggles, and their joys. I find inspiration in seeing how people go about their lives.

Life, Unexpected

BRIE: Is your life today what you imagined 5 or 10 years ago?

AILA (laughing): Hell no! I’ve lived five lives already. I’m in Florida with two babies and a postpartum belly. Life is layered—sometimes unpredictable—but every experience shapes your journey.

BRIE: I remember how we met—total strangers in NYC, and within minutes we were in a photo booth acting like lifelong friends.

AILA: Zach still doesn’t believe that! "You? In a photo booth with a stranger?" But it happened. Pure NYC magic. Right place, right time. 

How Aila Sees Herself

BRIE: How would you describe yourself?

AILA: I think I’m firm-minded and curious. I explore, examine, and form my own conclusions. I don’t just accept things at face value—I want to understand them fully. I don't just accept things- I want to explore them on my own and make up my own mind.

BRIE: That’s what I love about you. You don’t just hear people—you seek to understand them.

Final Words

BRIE: My dear Aila, your way of seeing the world, your warmth, curiosity, and friendship are so inspiring. Thank you for letting me interview you—it was fun, and I love you beyond.

AILA: I love you too, anytime, girl! If all interviews were this loving and fun, I’d do one every day.