My Journey to Jewelry: The Story Behind DEEBA

Ever since I was little, I knew I was an artist. I started with painting—you could always find me in every art class! At 13, I left my home country, Iran, and moved to Dubai for better education. Starting school in English—a language completely new to me—was incredibly challenging. But no matter how hard things got, art class always felt like home. It didn’t matter if my grammar or spelling was off; I could express myself through colors and shapes instead of words.

After high school, it was clear—I was going to study art. I began my Fine Arts degree right away, and in my second year, everything changed. I took a sculpture class, and for the first time, I felt truly connected to my work. I loved shaping materials with my hands, bringing life to three-dimensional forms. That’s when it hit me: I love sculpture, and I love wearing jewelry—what if I made wearable sculptures?

I knew I had to study jewelry design. The only problem? No university in Dubai offered it, and—unsurprisingly—my Persian father wasn’t exactly thrilled about me leaving the country at such a young age. But I was determined. After months of daily conversations (and arguments), applying to schools, and earning a scholarship, he finally said yes.

I moved to Boston to pursue my Bachelor’s in Jewelry and Metalsmithing. I was 20, arriving in a country I’d never been to, knowing no one. I had to start from scratch. It was hard. The winters were freezing, the nights were sleepless—but I grew more than ever during those years.

After graduation, I moved to Washington, D.C., to be closer to family and, during the pandemic, chose to continue my education with a Master’s in Fashion and Luxury Business Management. I also worked as a jewelry consultant, learning the business side of what I love.

Eventually, it was time. Time to start building my dream. I moved to Los Angeles—both for my jewelry brand and for my own happiness. The sun, the beach, the energy—it all made me feel alive again. LA feels the closest to “home” that I’ve had in a long time.

Years later, after many ups and downs, I relaunched my jewelry line with new strength and clarity. And I started this blog—to finally tell the story I came here to write, ten years ago.

As an immigrant, you’re always searching for a sense of belonging. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully find it again—but this brand, this jewelry, is my home.

Thank you for being here. From this post on, it’s all about the jewelry.