SENIOR DESIGNER AND CREATIVE LEAD

Hey there, I'm Taylor! My pronouns are she/her, and I’m the lead designer here at Baraka. Originally, I was an illustrator from New England, a hobbyist rock hound, and jewelry lover on the side. My Grams raised me with an appreciation and love of jewelry and gemstones by sharing her personal collection with me over the years. We still bond over our mutual fascination with the natural world. I adore learning the history & personal stories associated with really any antiques. I get such a kick out of seeing what people bring through our doors! Originally a biology student in undergrad, my passion for the environment deeply informs my creative process. In 2013, I moved to Bainbridge Island, Washington where I entered the industry as an apprentice wax carver, bench jeweler, and hopeful future gemologist. I was lucky to work and train in several wonderfully talented and creative small custom jewelry shops between the island and Seattle. In 2025 after a wonderful 12 years in the PNW, I made the decision to return to the northeast to be closer to my family & pursue future home options. To learn more about why I made such a big move, check out my blog chronicling my journey. After nearly 4 years of developing Baraka’s custom design department, in 2023, I approached business owner Jamie  Jockwig with my intentions to move in two years. Much to my complete surprise instead of planning to train my replacement, Jamie  proposed, "How could we make this work so we can still work together?” In no realm would I have imagined that coming up as a real possibility, so I was super grateful to see that our working relationship was seen as worth maintaining on both sides. Over the next two years we researched, scouted, & planned for extending Baraka to the East Coast where I would run a studio primarily focused on custom design & repurposing. If you're in the north east we would love to see you! I am in Seattle for a good couple of weeks of the year, so you might still see me in Phinneywood.