I have been following this brand of jewelry that I really like on social media for a while now, and when I found out that the designer is originally from Tijuana, I fell in love even more. Gala is Love is incredibly well designed. Michelle Galindo, the designer, has really done a fine job of representing the name of her brand with pure love.

It all started as a hobby, her mom gave her a piece of quartz and she fashioned it into a ring with a piece of a wire clothes hanger. It was so unique, and received so many compliments from friends, that she started making more. She later met a jeweler who taught her technique, and she created her first collection.

Michelle is one of those people that loves what she does. With the idea that "spreading happiness attracts happiness" she gave up her 9 to 5 job and moved to Mexico City to set up a shop. The project is driven by talent, including Mexican crafters and home sourced materials.

The first collection revolved around a necklace of The Little Prince, her favorite book. The book inspired the entire collection, like the owl necklace and the crown necklace. This collection is more fantasifull and the whole brand in general is very feminine.

Her style changed when she move to Mexico, and so did her whole way of life and life itself too. The brand changed and became more mature.

She just launched her "Bubbles" collection, which is a line of silver ball based jewelry; and the "Full of Grace" collection, which is a more modern line based on pearls, but "not your typical grandmother's pearls", according to Michelle.

Pearls float on your fingers and ears. One day, while working in her office, she was inspired by a paperclip and started playing with it and bending it, and put it on her ear. The result is an amazing earring.

Michelle currently lives in Mexico City, but she will soon be moving to Los Angeles. Although Gala in Love ships to everywhere in the world (visit galaislove.com), she wants to reach more and more countries. Her designs have been showcased by Vogue Mexico, Elle Mexico, Nylon Mexico, and elsewhere. Many famous people have also worn her pieces.

The thing she likes most about Tijuana: "First, my family. This is where my family lives,followed by my friends, and thirdly, Tijuana's sunsets , which are spectacular. You also can eat and drink like no where else here. The truth is that Tijuana holds a special place in my heart, so much so that many of my pieces have been inspired by Tijuana."

One Tijuana inspired piece is the "Tijuana Makes Me Happy" necklace, which is not yet for sale. Michelle has been giving them to people who have done great things for Tijuana, like Julieta Venegas and Chef Marcela Valladolid, and the guys from Nortec, among others.

The one that is for sale is the "664" (for those that aren't from around here, 664 is Tijuana's area code). I loved the idea of being able to represent something that only locals would get, and to give this sense of belonging to the city.

The online store ships to anywhere in the world, and even includes personalized pieces or engagement rings. In Tijuana, they can be purchased in Object Showroom (appointment required), located on the corner of Coahuila and Revolucion. Gala is Love is also available via many other designers throughout Mexico, including furniture and bags.

These photos are all part of Gala is Love's summer sale on August 14 at the Caza Club. Check out the photo gallery here.

*For more news about Tijuana and Tourism, visit "Bienvenida a Tijuana"

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