Blog
Ilissa Michele Jewelry: Purpose-Driven, Handmade, and One-of-a-Kind
09.24.25
Looking for a unique gift? Ilissa Michele Jewelry creates handmade chains with matching clasps using one-of-a-kind gemstone beads. Each piece is designed to layer, mix, and personalize. The collection includes necklaces with pendants, layering necklaces, chokers, bracelets, and pendants. Mom-owned and purpose-driven, Ilissa Michele Jewelry makes every gift both beautiful and meaningful.
For 18 years, founder Ilissa Michele dedicated herself to raising her children, calling it the most important job in the world. As her children grew, she began to explore self-care and a new chapter of creativity. Drawn to working with her hands, she experimented with pottery, knitting, and painting before realizing her true passion.
That passion sparked the moment she walked into a bead store in New York City. Surrounded by stones and beads, she began designing and crafting jewelry. Self-taught, she learned to work with tools and materials, experimenting until she created her first sellable necklace.
The journey from hobby to business began on an airplane. While wearing one of her designs, a fellow passenger admired her necklace and asked where she could buy one. When Ilissa explained that it was her own creation, the woman purchased it right off her neck. That chance encounter inspired her to launch Ilissa Michele Jewelry, sharing her designs with the world.
Each piece reflects Ilissa’s personal style, blending boho chic with individuality and statement-making detail. Every necklace and bracelet tells a story, crafted with intention and care.
Explore the collection at ilissamichele.com
Blog
Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season With Free Block Party
09.19.25
Irvine Barclay Theatre is celebrating its 35th season with a free community Block Party on Sunday, Sept. 28. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., families can enjoy face painting, a caricature artist, balloon creations, a marionette puppet show, and music and dance in the plaza outside the theater.
The party wraps up with Phat Cat Swinger, the high-energy jazz and rockabilly group from Los Angeles known for their Disneyland Resort performances. They’ll play a free concert inside the Barclay from 3 to 4 p.m. General admission tickets are available online.
The Block Party also marks the start of a milestone season for the Barclay, which will feature Grammy-winning artists, world-class dance companies, and renowned speakers. Parking is $10 at Campus and Peltason, adjacent to UC Irvine.
Since 1990, the Barclay has welcomed more than 2.7 million patrons to its 750-seat auditorium, known for its intimate setting and superb acoustics. The nonprofit theater is a collaboration between the City of Irvine, UC Irvine, and private donors.
For details on the Block Party and the full 35th season, visit thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4646.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 07.17.26 – Voluspa Brings Luxury Home Fragrance to Irvine Spectrum Center
- 07.16.26 – Alisal Ranch Marks 80 Years with a Summer of Celebration
- 07.14.26 – VIII by Selanne Unveils Summer Tasting Menu
- 07.14.26 – VEA Newport Beach Debuts Chef Angelo Sosa Summer Menu
- 07.13.26 – One Night, Five Courses, and a Top Chef Canada Champion at Balboa Bay Resort
- 07.13.26 – Amorelia Cocina Artesanal Brings the Flavors of Michoacán to Laguna Beach
- 07.13.26 – Via Lido Plaza Hosts Stars, Stripes & Summer Celebration July 17-18
- 07.12.26 – Casa Romantica’s Summer Lineup Features Concerts, Movies and Family Fun
- 07.08.26 – A True Full-Circle Moment: Artist Brothers Use ChatGPT to Help Create Bonita Canyon’s 50th Anniversary Mural
- 07.07.26 – IVI Vision Pops Up at Rails in Fashion Island
- 07.06.26 – Join Me at the Costa Mesa Historical Society Speakers Program
- 07.06.26 – Books We Loved: Ocean Adventures and an Imaginative Princess
- 07.01.26 – Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season
- 06.30.26 – What’s New at VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza
- 06.29.26 – Selanne Steak Tavern Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Spectator Recognition
- 06.26.26 – Segerstrom Center’s Y2K-Inspired Movie Mondays Return This Summer
- 06.25.26 – Summer Nights on the Lawn at VEA Newport Beach
- 06.18.26 – Sushi Ii Pairs Up with Brooklyn Kura for a Sake-Focused Omakase Night
- 06.17.26 – Say “I Do” on a Working Avocado Farm in Temecula
- 06.16.26 – Willbo Opens at Lido Marina Village with a Summer Kick Off
More Daily Doses
- 07.16.26 – Good Together House: Laguna Beach’s Home for the Extraordinary and Unexpected
- 07.14.26 – Life Time Opens Resort-Style Athletic Club in Brea
- 07.14.26 – Flea Style Brings Its Hat Bar Concept Home to Laguna Beach
- 07.13.26 – Gordon Ramsay Opens The Carnaby at Downtown Disney
- 07.08.26 – Noble Ace Debuts in Laguna Beach’s Historic Heisler Building
- 07.05.26 – Pageant of the Masters Returns to Laguna Beach With ‘The Greatest of All Time’
- 07.05.26 – Earl of Sandwich Opens New Flagship at Downtown Disney
- 06.30.26 – A Blissful Japanese Head Spa Experience at Invita Costa Mesa
- 06.28.26 – Fourth of July in Orange County: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
- 06.26.26 – ‘Gala of the Stars’ Returns to Segerstrom for 17th Year
- 06.23.26 – Del Mar’s 2026 Summer Racing Season Opens July 17
- 06.19.26 – Sherman Library & Gardens Introduces Hazeltine’s and New Afternoon Tea Experience
- 06.17.26 – BURN Opens First OC Location in Newport Beach
- 06.14.26 – The Curated Life Brings French Charm to Laguna Beach
- 06.12.26 – Father’s Office Chef Sang Yoon Debuts Tiny’s Burger at South Coast Plaza
- 06.10.26 – Live on the Lawn Returns to Fashion Island This Summer
- 06.08.26 – SEASON Makes Dinner Planning Easy
- 06.07.26 – Wild Fork Hosts World Cuts Sampling Events in OC
- 06.03.26 – Shopbop Pop-Up Arrives at Lido Marina Village
- 05.28.26 – Orange County Brand LYNKS Brings Style and Comfort Together
