Ana Cristina Zuluaga has bagged Outstanding Achievements For Differently Abled Designers

Ana Cristina Zuluaga has bagged Outstanding Achievements For Differently Abled Designers

• June 29, 2022

OUR  PERSONAL BACKGROUND

We have been into gemology for many years. Dani got his when he was living and working in Africa and one of his bosses got him hooked on gems while in Tanzania. He was lucky enough to see the mountain where the Tanzanite is mined and was also able to purchase some of the highest grade tanzanite directly from the company that facets the raw tanzanite into gemstones.

I, Cristina aka The Blind Designer, on the other hand, do have a more diverse background which reflects on my prolific styles. Prior to designing jewelry, I designed learning & organization development, designed quality control processes, and somewhere along the way, I started to design jewelry for friends and members of the English High Society.

I have a genetic condition called Stargardt's Disease. a macular disorder that affects central vision. I cannot read on my own, see faces and expressions. I have but one little corner in my left eye that allows me to work on designing pieces. Other than being blind,I am also deaf and this is attributed to a very rare autoimmune disorder called Neuro Behcet's Disease. Both diseases are progressive and have zero cure. Which is why I am so ecstatic about bagging 5 Awards,most especially bagging the “The Inspiring Personality” , “Excellence in Innovative Thinking” and “Outstanding Achievement s for Differently Abled Designers” all from Women Icon powered by Times Women.

OUR MISSION

The Blind Designer will continue to push the boundaries of jewelry design. This leads us to provide our clients with more options in the selection process.

Bespoke jewelry is our main thrust. Jewelry isn't just something pretty, it's a reflection of oneself that was captured by The Blind Designer through getting to know our clients on a personal level. This is what makes our brand different from others, we take the time to get it right therefore all of our pieces have soul, and certain emotional elements that stirs from within.

What personally drove me to specialize in bespoke design was when each time I wanted a piece of jewelry made, every local smith would reject the idea “impossible to make” is the typical answer. Everyone wears the same pieces, engagement rings are ala Princess Diana. Something needed to be done, aND just like that. I started to learn and create more designs.

Which makes me extremely pleased of bagging the “Game Changer Award” from Women Icon Awards powered by Times Women.

OUR ADVOCACIES

As we raise awareness of bespoke jewelry here in the Philippines, we also raise awareness of natural conflict-free gems and reliable laboratories that grow top-quality stones as alternative options over blood diamonds.

We also aim to raise awareness for 2 of the rarest diseases known to man which unfortunately my wife, The Blind Designer suffers from. Stargardt's Disease which is a genetic condition that degenerates the macula and Behcet's Disease, a very rare autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels.

OUR VISION

The Blind Designer OPC  is a premium luxury jewelry brand made by Filipinos to propel the local jewelry industry forward.

We challenge the norms in terms of traditional jewelry making, the public perception of jewelry, and the growing frustration of perpetual unavailability of raw materials in the local market.

We hope that through our contribution on elevating the local jewelry industry, a ripple effect causes a shift in the mindset of local suppliers who have been losing their market share to overseas suppliers who offer the latest products and are not limited with technology.

Bagging the “Difference Maker Award” from Women Icon powered by Times Women acknowledges the fact that I have made a difference not just because of talent and the will to have a voice but because of my relentless passion to reach out; educate and to continuously learn.

PRESIDENT AND CEO: Daniel Bautista Biography 

I have been very privileged to grow up the son of a career diplomat. My father is a retired Philippine Ambassador. I, therefore, grew up constantly moving every few years. I got to see more of the world in my childhood than most people get to see in their entire lives. I also got to see things that most people don’t get to see in official tours that I was invited to go along with.

I’ve spent most of my career working for large corporations around the world and now I find myself working for myself and my family. This is the most fun I’ve had professionally in a long time as it feels like I’m just doing my two hobbies together.

My two hobbies that have intersected in this business are photography and gemology. I became interested and deeply involved in Photography in 2008 and I’ve been photographing virtually everything since then. (https://www.viewbug.com/member/danibau).

I was introduced to gemology by my former boss in Tanzania. There I was able to see raw gemstones as well as purchase cut gems. My most fun acquisition there was Tanzanite. I was able to purchase Tanzanite directly from the company that cuts raw Tanzanite into gemstones and that is an experience that I will always remember.

Ana Cristina Zuluaga aka The Blind Designer Biography       

Hi, I am the blind designer behind the beautiful pieces you love and I am deaf and blind.

I am sharing this because I want the world to know that disability does not devalue the worth of a person.

I have gotten myself into a business that requires vision. It’s never easy but what keeps  me going is the support system that I have.

I hope my story serves as an inspiration for those who feel that they have lost their sense of purpose because of an illness or disability. It isn’t the end and you will find your way if, and when you want to.

Iman Espanola aka The Angry Spawn: Apprentice Designer

The next generation designer that already wows me with proposed ideas and future projects. Both sugar and spice, along with clean lines assures me that The Angry Spawn will be a force to reckon with.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anacristina.bautista.589

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_blind_designer?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=