22/09/2026
ILONA 5 YEARS
This summer ILONA turned 5 years and it has reminded me of all things I have to be grateful for.
I was lucky to spend a celebratory evening wining and dining in Marseille with some of my favorite people on this earth.
A few days before this celebration I received my very first complaint about a piece of work I made. The complaint was one of technical matter. Something that I simply had to say I couldn’t succeed to do and the sole reason behind it being: I am no machine. I am no factory. I am no robot. I am a craftsman and I work with my hands.
Normally I am rarely one to turn down an assignment or one to admit that some things can’t be done. Because, in spirit, I believe myself to be quite the optimist and one who never fears a challenge. However this time around it was different. Different because I actually did challenge myself, but however the result was still unsatisfactory to the client.
And even though this was tough lesson to learn I am grateful for every step of this very process, because this reminded me of what’s really important about my work.
Because in a world where ai, technology and machinery is more intelligent and powerful by the minute, I too am evolving. And while I might not have succeeded to create factory made pieces I have created numerous unique ones which is a rather rare value at this day in age. And while they might be one of a kind, imperfect or visibly handmade, you guys still trusted my hands with assignments of great importance to you. I’ve had the honor of making custom pieces in various styles, whether it was for engagements, weddings, siblings, motherhood or simply as a symbol of your essence of style. And for that I am forever grateful.
I want to thank every single one of you for supporting my dream through the years. Thank you for seeing value in craftsmanship and for making me believe in a future where we continue to celebrate the beauty in that which is one of a kind.
“There’s always a reason to celebrate” and I cannot wait to explore what’s next in the adventure of ILONA.
All the love,
Josephine Ilona,
ILONA
