OUR STORY
Motherhood.
It makes you reconsider the work-life balance and parenting beliefs.
Before giving birth to my twin boys, I was working as a CPA in public accounting and spending most of my nights and weekends at the office during the tax season.
I went back to public accounting after my maternity leave, but one day I reached a point where I want to be with my kids and grow together.
If I can share one of my beliefs with the boys, that would be "Sharing is caring". I decided to set up a business, hoping by giving back to our community through donations and charitable causes, they will also find a value in sharing, and I immediately thought of doing something with Japanese Akoya Pearls.
My grandfather used to own a small pearl business called "Nakanishi Shinju" back in Kobe, Japan.
My grandfather used to own a small pearl business called "Nakanishi Shinju" back in Kobe, Japan.
I wanted to learn more about his business as well as pearl cultivation, but I did not have the chance to do so before he passed away. Although I didn't officially inherit his business, I wanted to carry on his legacy and love for Akoya Pearls, so I borrowed "Nishi" which means West from Nakanishi Shinju and started my business as West Pearl.
One biggest difference between Nakanishi Shinju and West Pearl is my grandfather focused on AAA graded Akoya Pearls called "Hanadama", and he also preferred to use precious metals such as solid gold and platinum when creating Jewelry pieces.
We, West Pearl, celebrate each Akoya Pearl's individuality. We use Akoya Pearls that are not bleached or reshaped so that they maintain their natural color and shapes, and we turn them into Jewelry pieces. We also use materials like gold-filled and 925 Silver to make our Jewelry more affordable and accessible.
I believe that although our approach is a little different, as long as we treat Akoya Pearls with love and respect, my grandfather would approve of borrowing "Nishi" from his business.
Currently, a portion of our sales are used to donate toys and books to children's hospitals in Los Angeles, but we are open to explore and expand our option of donations in the future!