As I was waiting in line for my morning cup of coffee at West Hollywood’s bustling Urth Cafe, I literally bumped into a striking young woman and immediately recognized the necklace she was wearing–it was the new Starfish Necklace from Elephant Heart!

In my pre-caffinated state I blurted out, “hey, that’s my necklace!”  A bit taken aback and rushing to pick up her own order she said, “oh, you know the designer?”  To which I replied, “I am the designer.”

Both of us (now with coffee firmly in hand and eyes a little more open) finally able to grasp the situation, recognized one another.  It was actress Tava Smiley, host of HGTV’s I Want That! Kitchens and star of The Human Contract, written and directed by Jada Pinkett.

Although my new Elephant Heart collection has not yet officially been released to the public, I have donated several pieces to different charity auctions including an event for the show How to Look Good Naked where Tava bid on and won the Starfish Necklace.

Tava gave me a great big hug, told me how much she enjoys the necklace, and that she is stopped all the time by people asking her where the necklace is from (in fact, she’s already sent me several customers requesting the piece).

It was great to finally meet Tava in person and thrilling to see my jewelry being enjoyed out there in the world…I should go out for my coffee more often!