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
- 03.15.26 – Puesto Introduces “Girl Dinner” Wednesdays
- 03.13.26 – What to Know About Medicare Before 65—Signing Up for Medicare
- 03.11.26 – Pure Barre Orange County Celebrates 17 Years With Free Classes and Community Giveaways
- 03.11.26 – Sky Rock Sedona Makes an Easy Weekend Escape From Orange County
- 03.09.26 – Napa in Newport Expands to Three-Day Wine Weekend for CureDuchenne
- 03.09.26 – Two Upcoming Workshops at the Environmental Nature Center
- 03.08.26 – Palmetto Superfoods and Rylee + Cru Headed to River Street Marketplace
- 03.08.26 – A Big Year Ahead for Costa Mesa’s SoBECA District
- 03.08.26 – Luke’s Lobster Brings the Heat With Chili Crisp Crab Melt
- 03.05.26 – Paul Taylor Dance Company at Musco Center
- 03.04.26 – New Brunch Additions at CasaDami
- 03.01.26 – LA Opera Young Artists in Concert at Musco Center
- 02.27.26 – Brodard Restaurant Plans Long Beach Opening at 2ND & PCH
- 02.25.26 – Cheyenne Jackson Brings Mid Life Torso Tour to Musco Center
- 02.22.26 – Spring SplashFest Brings a Taste of Spring to Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove
- 02.20.26 – ABBA Comes to The Lido Theater for a Two-Night Celebration
- 02.19.26 – Los Angeles Is Having a Moment in 2026
- 02.18.26 – Caitlyn Minimalist Opens at The Shops at Mission Viejo
- 02.16.26 – Trail Runners Welcome Spring at Whiting Ranch
- 02.12.26 – A Valentine’s Night Inside the Films of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman
More Daily Doses
- 03.16.26 – Bubblefest Returns to Discovery Cube Orange County for Its 30th Anniversary
- 03.16.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Opens Its First Orange County Location
- 03.10.26 – A Newport Beach Landmark Turns 100: From The Arches to A Restaurant
- 03.10.26 – Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles
- 03.08.26 – Top of the V Unveils a Spanish-Inspired Steakhouse Experience
- 03.06.26 – Beyond A Dream Gala Supports Breakthrough T1D Research in Orange County
- 03.05.26 – Orange County Restaurant Week Returns March 8–14
- 02.28.26 – Spring Returns to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
- 02.26.26 – California Cool Art Auction Returns to Laguna Art Museum
- 02.25.26 – An Elevated Pastry Experience Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach
- 02.24.26 – Tomatomania Returns to Roger’s Gardens for Its 15th Year
- 02.22.26 – A Coastal Stop for Artful Finds at Crystal Cove
- 02.19.26 – World Ballet Company Brings ‘Swan Lake’ to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 02.17.26 – Festival Ballet Theatre Brings Don Quixote Back to the Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 02.11.26 – Cozy Earth Presidents Day Sale Brings Big Savings and New Toile Pajamas
- 02.11.26 – OCVIBE Unveils Six New Bar and Lounge Concepts Coming to Katella Commons
- 02.05.26 – A Valentine’s Day Dining Guide at South Coast Plaza
- 02.05.26 – Hands-On Science Takes Center Stage in 2026
- 02.01.26 – Ralph Lauren Brings Shopping and Ralph’s Coffee Together in Newport Beach
- 01.31.26 – What’s Next at The CAMP
