Meet Ana Marina Sanchez | Metalsmith and Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Marina Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana Marina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk taking isn’t just a trait, it’s a defining characteristic woven into the fabric of who I am. From a young age, I’ve embraced risk as a necessary catalyst for achieving my goals and dreams. Whether it was leaving my home country of Mexico to forge a new path in the U.S. or building a full time creative business from the ground up, I see risk as the spark that ignites the force leading us toward something greater.

At the close of 2019, I made a significant leap, stepping away from high paying jobs in television production to fully immerse myself in Ana Marina Studio, my artisan jewelry company. This was a substantial gamble, despite years of creating and selling jewelry, I lacked a formal business background to navigate the complexities of a full time creative venture. As the world entered the global pandemic in 2020, the stakes of my decision became far higher than I could have ever imagined. Uncertainty loomed, but my unwavering desire to bring my creative vision to life and work for my self fueled the reason I took the risk in the first place, I wasn’t going to give up.

As a creative person, I used all the time and resources I had at hand, I shifted from doing in person events to learning how to build a website and use social media to position my brand online. I did various online business training for marketing and design. I reached out to existing customers to let them know I had an online platform and worked tirelessly to craft my business and get it off the ground. It took several months for me to begin seeing traction but once I had found my brand voice and ways to communicate it to the world, the risk I had taken was beginning to pay off.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a jewelry artisan creating wearable art that elevates my collectors with pieces tied to my cultural heritage and the magic and beauty of Mexican culture. My designs aim to represent the grandiosity of Latin American culture and pre-Columbian architecture and design. I uniquely craft my designs using a combination of ancient and modern metalsmithing techniques that bridge the past and present, with each detail serving as a statement to celebrate and empower the wearer. With every piece, I intend to bring details to life that capture the eye of the wearer and those in their presence, always highlighting the uniqueness and vibrancy of each design.

My passion and love for jewelry were born when I was a young girl. I would watch my grandmother put on her jewelry, which made her outfits come alive and, in my eyes, activated a sort of magic that was felt more than seen. I began crafting jewelry as a self taught artisan over ten years ago, and in 2017, I decided to return to college for jewelry and metalsmithing school to become a professional in the trade.

I’m most proud that I launched Ana Marina Studio in 2020 as my full time endeavor, dedicating myself to establishing and growing a craft business amidst a global pandemic. I opened my studio and store in 2022 in the Westwood neighborhood of Denver. Over the past seven years, I’ve positioned my brand in various institutions such as the Denver Art Museum, The Latino Cultural Arts Center, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Discovery in Fort Collins, among others. It’s exciting to be running a business that has soul, heart, and community at the center of it. I see all the magic I pour in reflected in the support and love I receive from my collectors. Seeing my collectors’ eyes shine when they wear my pieces and hearing them say how beautiful and powerful they feel is one of the best rewards an artist can receive.

Running a business presents many daily challenges and things to navigate in order to stay thriving and afloat; each year can look different. In the current fluctuating economic system, I need to use my creativity to forge different streams of income, using my artwork as the base. Collaborating with communities and institutions that champion the arts has been a huge support as a solo entrepreneur.

The world needs to know Ana Marina Studio because I want everyone to understand the magic of Mexican culture and the essence embedded in each piece I craft. For me, jewelry is more than just an adornment, it’s a tangible link that bridges connections between two rich cultures like Mexico and the United States. My designs, like the intricate patterns you can see on Anamarinastudio.com tell a story, inviting conversations and fostering understanding between different backgrounds.

As an immigrant in this country, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of finding ways to express and honor my heritage. Wearing pieces that are deeply tied to my roots isn’t just about personal style, it’s about feeling celebrated, represented, and empowered. My jewelry allows wearers, particularly those who have also navigated different cultural landscapes, to carry a piece of their identity with pride, to feel seen, and to share the vibrant stories of Mexico and Latin American heritage with the world. Through my work, I aim to create not just beautiful art, but also meaningful connections and a sense of belonging for all who wear it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
During a week long trip with my bestie visiting me in Denver, I’d kick things off in the Westwood neighborhood. We’d walk along Morrison Road and visit Ana Marina Studio at 3800 Morrison Rd. Denver CO 80219 to explore unique jewelry and other Mexican crafts. We’d grab a coffee or chocolate drink at Cultura Chocolate and enjoy brunch on a Sunday at La Reyna del Sur’s pop-up Oaxacan restaurant inside Re:Vision Gallery.

For amazing authentic Mexican food, we’d also visit La Diabla and Borrego Negro. During the week, I’d take her to Red Rocks Amphitheater
for a hike and a climb of the iconic concert venue, ending the night at Meow Wolf to catch a show and experience.
I’d also take her on a day trip to Golden to cool down on the river and grab a drink at Golden Mills.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are multiple organizations that have supported me throughout my career such as
Latino Cultural Art Center
Revision Coop
Latino Leadership Institute
Mexican Cultural Center
Museo de Las Americas
Denver Art Museum
Among many others

Books:
The Dimond Cutter

Website: https://anamarinastudio.com/

Instagram: @anamarinastudio

Linkedin: Ana Marina Studio

Facebook: Ana Marina Studio