Story & Lesson Highlights with Elena Vitiazeva of Mountain View

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elena Vitiazeva. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Elena, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Hello, thank you so much for inviting me and a great opportunity to share my experience.
As a jewelry designer, I’m chasing meaning — in small, tangible forms. Each piece I create begins with a feeling: a memory, a mood, a moment I want to honor. I’m constantly trying to turn that emotion into something you can hold in your hands, wear close to your skin, and maybe even pass down to someone you love. My jewelry isn’t just decoration — it’s intention made visible.
I’m chasing connection — between materials and memory, between hands and heart, between me and the person who chooses to wear a piece of my story as their own. There’s something incredibly intimate about that exchange. It’s not mass-produced or trend-driven. It’s deeply personal. I often think of my work as wearable storytelling — quiet, symbolic, and meaningful.
If I stopped, I think I’d feel unanchored. Making jewelry isn’t just what I do; it’s how I process life. It’s the way I find stillness in chaos, clarity in confusion. When I’m at my desk, with tools in hand and time falling away, it feels like I’m stitching myself back together. It’s my meditation. My rebellion against disposable culture. My love language for the world.
There are days when I question everything — when I’m tired, overwhelmed, or unsure if any of it matters. And then I get a message from someone who says a piece helped them feel confident walking into a job interview, or reminded them of their grandmother, or made them feel beautiful again after a hard season. Those moments bring me right back to why I started: to create with heart, not just with my hands.
Stopping wouldn’t just mean pausing a business. It would mean silencing a part of me that believes — wholeheartedly — in the power of small, beautiful things to make life feel a little more magical, more meaningful. And I’m not ready to give that up. In fact, I don’t think I ever will.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure, I would be happy to share my journey and maybe inspire others. I’m Elena, founder and designer behind Elena Vi Jewelry — a handcrafted jewelry where each piece is a handcrafted, wearable work of art.
My work sits at the intersection of emotion and elegance, where modern design meets ancient symbolism. I don’t follow trends. I craft intimate heirlooms — slow-made, deeply intentional, and designed to resonate with the wearer on a soulful level. Every piece I create is one-of-a-kind or made in extremely limited quantities, because I believe luxury should be personal, not mass-produced.
My journey into jewelry design began not with a business plan, but with a need to express something deeper — to turn silence, struggle, and transformation into form and texture. What started as a personal ritual became a purpose: to create meaningful adornment for those who seek more than just beauty — they seek connection, significance, and story.
Each creation begins with a spark — a stone that speaks, a moment remembered, a symbol that lingers. I work with fine metals, natural stones, and ethically sourced materials, blending organic textures with sculptural shapes. Each and every piece is carefully hand picked and selected by me. The result? Jewelry that feels ancient and modern, bold yet intimate — timeless in the truest sense.
At ElenaVi Jewelry, I’m not just offering jewelry. I’m offering art you can wear, energy you can feel, and a piece of the story you’re here to live.
Currently, I’m working on a private capsule winter collection inspired by protection, rebirth, and personal power — talismanic pieces designed to serve as anchors through life’s most pivotal transitions. Each design will be entirely unique, made by hand, and accompanied by a written story or blessing.
Jewelry is not fast fashion for me. This is slow magic — crafted by hand, made to last, and meant to matter. I hope you will have a chance to feel it.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Great question. My greatest lessons have come from the journey of experimentation and persistence. As a jewelry designer, I’ve never shied away from trying new techniques, even if it meant failing along the way. Those moments of trial and error have been invaluable—they’ve pushed me to refine my craft and discover innovative ways to bring my visions to life.
What truly fuels my growth, however, are the custom orders. Each one is a unique challenge that invites me to step outside my comfort zone and tailor my work to someone’s personal story and style. This creative dialogue with my clients not only inspires me but also sharpens my skills, teaching me to balance artistry with wearability.
In essence, my work has been taught by experience itself—through the courage to explore, the resilience to learn from setbacks, and the passion to continuously challenge myself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Hmm, this is a very interesting question. If I could speak to my younger self, I’d tell her to never give up, no matter how tough the path may seem. Believe in your own strength and the unique light you bring to the world. Life is meant to be lived fully—with boldness, curiosity, and an open heart.
I’d encourage her to experiment fearlessly—try new techniques, explore new ideas, and don’t be afraid to fail. Each stumble is not a setback but a stepping stone toward growth and mastery. It’s through those challenges that you’ll discover your true creative voice.
And most importantly, I’d remind her to savor the people she meets along the way. Every conversation, every connection is an opportunity to learn, to inspire, and to be inspired. Those interactions are as valuable as the craft itself, fueling the passion and perspective that shape your work and your life.
Embracing this mindset would make the journey not only more rewarding but truly joyful.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe the public version of me is a reflection of my true self—but perhaps a more polished and curated one. As a jewelry designer, my work naturally becomes an extension of who I am. Every piece I create holds a bit of my personality, my emotions, and my experiences. So, in that sense, what people see through my designs is very real—it’s my heart translated into metal, stones, and form.
However, like everyone, I have layers that don’t always show in public. The quiet moments in my studio, the times of doubt or experimentation, the long nights spent perfecting a single detail—those are the unseen parts that shape the person behind the brand.
I try to stay as authentic as possible, whether I’m speaking with clients, sharing my creative process, or posting on social media. I want people to feel that what they see is genuine—a woman who is passionate, curious, sometimes imperfect, but always true to herself.
The “public me” is real, but it’s the version of me that has learned how to balance vulnerability with strength, creativity with purpose, and artistry with authenticity.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who dared to be brave and authentic—a creator who infused every piece of jewelry with passion and meaning. I want my work to be seen not just as beautiful adornments, but as symbols of individuality and strength for those who wear them.
Beyond the craft, I hope my story is one of resilience and kindness—someone who faced challenges with grace, never gave up on her dreams, and inspired others to embrace their uniqueness. Most of all, I want to be remembered as a person who lived fully, loved deeply, and used her creativity to connect and uplift others.
If my legacy encourages even one person to be brave, to be themselves, and to chase their passions fearlessly, then I will have lived a meaningful life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elenavijewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenavi_jewelry