Evelyn Brooks Designs (EBD) has a rich family and cultural heritage to preserve, and it all started with my parents in 1970. My father, who did not have many resources or an education, was able to build his now-thriving jewelry and manufacturing company. He also provided my mother the opportunity to run a successful fashion and accessories boutique in my native country of Peru. My parents worked very hard, long hours, weekends and holidays. I remember helping my father’s business while I was attending middle school and high school. My parents wanted to teach me that you can get anything in life but you need to work hard, be responsible, and be committed. They also wanted to give me and my two brothers better opportunities than they both had when they were children. When I finished high school I decided to study Tourism Management; soon after, I graduated and worked for United Airlines, which gave me the opportunity to travel and work around the world. The fatal events of September 11 of 2001 changed my life. I could have been aboard UA flight 93, the one that crashed outside of Pittsburgh. I was booked to travel UA flight 93 on September 11, but I was requested to return to my headquarters a day earlier; therefore I had to return on Flight 93 on September 10th instead. That was an epiphany regarding my career and in any personal decision I made thereafter. Following September 11, I returned back to Peru and remained there for a few months. I came for a vacation to the United States in March 2002 and I met my husband the first weekend I arrived. We got married eight months after we met, established our home in Virginia, and I took a job in the travel industry in Washington DC. During the Christmas of 2003, my father gave me a small box of rubies and sapphires to design something for myself. This grand gesture inspired my creative abilities, and that day I began my jewelry design career. With that, my husband and I decided to launch my company in 2004. Today, I feature handmade jewelry designs that inspire men and women to wear modern jewelry pieces with a fine touch of Peruvian and contemporary art. I design and assemble my jewelry line at my studio located in Alexandria, Virginia and now have two assistant designers. I also design corporate jewelry and have been teaching jewelry design since 2009. My classes are taught in both Spanish and English. I have also been invited as a motivational speaker to share with young adults and professionals my history and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Evelyn Brooks Designs has received international and national recognition since 2007 when I received the 1st award of The Outstanding Artist Achievement Award given by Empowered Women International. 2010 has been the most successful year thus far. Some of the rewards received by EBD during 2010: the Fashion Chamber Choice Award 2010 by the Fashion Chamber of Commerce; the Best of Peru in Washington DC by Washington Life Magazine; the Young Entrepreneur 2010 by Dialogue on Diversity; Proud to be Peruvian Award 2010; and the 2010 Anna Maria Arias Business Funds. My company’s journey has not been easy. It has had many obstacles, but each of them has made me a better person and a stronger business entrepreneur. I learn something new every day; and am always looking for new challenges and new goals to fulfill. I’d like my work to motivate others to believe that all things are possible, and that it does not matter if you came to this country five years ago or 20 years ago, you can do it. Remember to always work hard, study things related to your field and get certified. Envision yourself where you want to be. Things will come your way sooner or later through perseverance.