Life no longer felt like a dream, and the challenges of immigrating to a new country weighed on us. We made our first go-with-everything earring using sugarloaf cabochons and diamonds, but we felt the pain of low sales.

With a family to feed and an overwhelming financial burden, we had felt crushed by the pressure of it all. But with another child on the way, we decided to stay and hoped for the best. 

In February 2005, we were granted a new beginning that reinvigorated our hope and motivation. Not only did we get our green cards the day Nysa was born, but we also received a substantial order from Bulgari for one of our amethyst earrings.

Our sales began to increase, especially now that our jewelry had gained recognition. In addition, we collaborated with Tiffany & Co. on private-label projects, including unusual bead necklaces, 100-carat drops, and the iconic Sugar Stacks.

With major private-label productions in full swing, we could sense our potential. Known for our drops and stackable rings, we earned an excellent reputation in the industry. Life felt perfect, as if anything we touched could turn to gold. We worked tirelessly, creating many new designs - and seeing those designs get snatched up by brands.

Gemstones took center stage in everything we did then. We loved playing with colored gems to create unusual stories of shades. Like kids in a candy store, we missed no opportunity to mix-match and create innumerable color combinations.

We had found our momentum with large orders and consistent production. Then, the 2008 Financial Crisis descended like a dark cloud, and we knew immediately that we'd need to pivot our business. With so much experience working with the best brands, we felt confident that it was time to start building our own.

Finally ready to present Syna to the world, we debuted at The Couture Show, one of the most prestigious fine jewelry trade shows in the United States. We had gained comfort from our private label business, but now we were facing the world in a new and different way. 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...

One retailer at a time, we were growing and learning. With events all over the country, we were meeting new people in the industry, growing our sales, and moving forward.

Some days were easy and exciting, while others were difficult and tiresome. Many times, we'd have to wake up at 3 am to board long flights and sometimes visit multiple states in one day.

During this special year, we received our first industry recognition: the Centurion Design Award. To delight ourselves, we created a whimsical mixed-metal owl pendant, which won the prize. Our accomplishment gave us the confidence and the encouragement to experiment with our designs. Most importantly, it inspired us to have more fun.

With our newfound confidence, we were ready to experiment with new styles, explore new materials and techniques, and market ourselves in new ways. Syna was not only about beautiful colored gemstones; we were driven by the endless possibilities of our imaginations.

In 2016, we won another award for our oxidized sterling silver dragon snake bracelet. We had so much fun merging two powerful animals - one imaginary and one real - with a long, green tsavorite tongue.

When you're having fun, good things come your way!

This was the time we collaborated and built deeper connections all across, which provided a substantial growth in the way Syna is being run today as a company. Forming life-long relationships not only built strength but also enabled us to grow personally the most in these two years.

We earned the recognition we had always dreamt of - the Couture Design Award. After being members of the Couture community for a decade, we were honored for our 18K yellow gold and oxidized silver coral reef earrings with champagne diamonds. Our gratitude for this award knows no bounds.

When you give your heart out, it returns ten-fold.

No one can forget 2020, a year of uncertainty and fear. With all its complexities, it did simplify our lives in many ways.

It gave us the opportunity to reflect and realign nearly every aspect of our business. This was our time to unlearn, learn and re-learn to cope with the "new normal". We can't wait to see what 2021 will bring, and we're looking forward to exploring our new-found passions - food, cocktails, karaoke, and more.