Lawyer Moonlights as Accessories Designer with Pretty Afrika

Sandra Aya Emil, the founder behind Pretty Afrika launched was not always an accessories designer. Educated at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (undergraduate), the University of Ghana (master’s) and the University of Illinois (law school), she first entered the jewellery market when she partnered with her mother to launch Nubian Creations  (the purses in the left picture are from this collection) in 2006. A year later, the Pretty Afrika made its debut. Influenced by Sandra’s experiences in Ghana, each of Sandra’s necklaces, earrings and bracelets are in turquoises, bright reds, whites, greens. In addition, the pieces are created from feathers and semi-precious stones, including long bone beads and turquoise and gold coral. Everything is created by Sandra in her home studio. Sandra also works a regular 9-5 job as a lawyer. Here are some examples of Sandra’s work:

Currently, Pretty Afrika can be purchased at these fine Chicago area stores and will be available for sale online soon.