Everything changed the second I knew I was pregnant. But while I knew life would never be the same then, it wasn’t until Ezra was born that I felt like an entirely different person–and that’s how my blog came to be. I wanted to document the rediscovery of myself and the passing of time, even if I had no time to do it.

Years later, people ask why I write a blog and I’m self-aware enough to catch judgements or see the wrongful assumptions of others about where and when I find the time, away from work, away from family. This is the truth: I write this as I watch Ezra & Theo share goldfish and wreak havoc on the floor of the pantry on a Saturday morning because I’m inspired. These platforms have opened my world to a network of authentic creatives & moms across the globe, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. When making new interpersonal connections like this, I recognize who Leya Kaufman is through & beyond work or motherhood. I come back to who I am.

Hella Bigio grew up in Switzerland but lives in Tel Aviv. Like me, she’s a full-time working mom of two young boys and everything changed the second she knew she was pregnant. This is what she told me over a zoom call from halfway across the world.

The Story Behind Touti Bo

Q: When did you start designing jewelry? Specifically, Touti Bo? Where did the name came from?

A: Almost 5 years ago, when I was pregnant for the first time. I was studying marketing and taking jewelry classes at IDC. When I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to do something I was going to be passionate about.

Touti = little strawberry, which is what we called my first son when he was in my belly. Bo = from my last name.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration for designs? Talk to me about your muses!

A: My love for jewelry came from my own family, it all started in my grandmother’s jewelry box. I’ve been fascinated with heirlooms and the emotional value that makes them more than just pieces of jewelry. 

There isn’t one piece of jewelry that suits everyone. Everyone has a different style or goes through different moods, so I wanted to create something with so many options. That allows people to be part of the creative process and build collections that will be very meaningful to them. And that’s why I personalize my pieces.

The pieces themselves, I’ve named them after women I know and admire. The pieces that capture their character traits. The Sara ring is inspired by my grandmother. My grandmother was running a company with 70 employees before most women were even working (and although I’m not allowed to disclose her age, she is still running the same company today as a great grandmother). She’s the cornerstone of the impressive women that I’ve looked up to.

Self-Expression with Touti Bo

Q: What do you want women to feel like when they wear Touti bo? 

A: I want them to feel like themselves. The popular answer would be ‘empowered, creative,” but I want them to feel the way that they are…and to use the pieces as a form of self-expression. In Touti Bo, I want them to feel like their most true selves.

After an incredibly awful week in the world and a series of personal challenges at work (and in life), I found Hella’s comments so refreshing. Sometimes I am empowered, but in this moment, I’m not. I’m just me. And even when I’m grappling with self-doubt, I’ll never apologize for who I am. 

To learn more about Touti Bo and shop the full collection, visit Hella’s website here. Below are just a few of my favorite designs.