A young woman with styled hair and earrings wearing a green oversized hoodie with 'Yankees' written on it, with customized safety pins  sitting on a black leather couch in front of a projected presentation or slide.

about

1 of 1 yankees koolkiy x designsbyelyse pin hoodie.(u never seen this made til me)

welcome, i am Saniyah Elyse
i am a self-taught designer and creative from South Central Los Angeles, building a jewelry & clothing brand rooted in craft, faith, and timeless style. God is at the center of everything i do, guiding my vision, my hands, and the path i walk.
Jewelry has always been more than adornment for me. it’s identity, energy, and a story. i only wear pieces i connect to, pieces that speak to my soul. Jewelry is fashion. Jewelry is art. Jewelry is legacy.
Since 2020, i have been sketching, experimenting, and discovering my voice in design. i taught myself to handcraft pieces, explored CAD design, and even reached out to Jesse Swingle — featured in Vogue — only to laugh at his quote for thousands of dollars, because i knew i wanted to create on my own terms. i wanted to craft each piece myself, from concept to finish, without shortcuts, without compromise.
My daughter, Ava, has always been my muse. She inspires the vision, the care, and the meaning behind every piece. my first collection in 2020 taught me everything. the triumphs, the obstacles, and the realities of being a young Black woman running a jewelry business. Sleepless nights, long hours, balancing life, motherhood, and ambition — this industry is not easy, but the love for my craft keeps me going.
i dream of sourcing and learning from jewelry traditions around the world, especially in Africa.  connecting with our people, our history, and our craft. Every piece i create carries that connection, that story, and that intention.
A hand holding a small piece of material, with the word 'love' handwritten on it, and a decorative ring with heart and other shapes attached.
my story

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Now, as i continue my studies at GIA in Diamonds, i am refining my skills to create pieces that are not just worn, but cherished, pieces that carry intention, artistry, and permanence. Each design is for those who know themselves, who move confidently between strength and elegance, subtlety and statement.
Designs by Elyse is about faith, individuality, and legacy. One day, this will be a family business, a craft passed down, evolving with the generations who wear it. Each design is part of that vision: unapologetically personal, rooted in authenticity, and made to last.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for sharing this journey. i can’t wait to create more — and to see these pieces live in the stories of those who wear them.
With faith and intention,
Saniyah Elyse