I’m Alicia Skehan, a designer based in New York City and founder of IMA BY ALICIA. For years, my life had a different path, but I was given the unexpected gift of rediscovery and the courage to start over.

I loved two things as a child— making jewelry and language study. In 2020, I suddenly had the space again to pursue both. I started studying Japanese—which was rather unexpected— I just had a curiosity and willingness. Japanese also demanded patience, presence and humility. I also began taking wax carving lessons, which immediately satisfied my childhood curiosities about the intricacies of jewelry making beyond beads. For both practices, when I looked back at where I started, I understood something meaningful— patience and presence are their own reward. And it showed in my progress.

IMA 今 means “now” in Japanese. I carve each jewelry piece by hand in wax, working through a shape until it becomes something permanent. The shape of metal is the foundation. Gemstones, when they appear, are an elevation.

IMA BY ALICIA is about creating in the present. And wherever that may lead next..