Why did I do this?

I think I have too many ideas…

4/26/2025

I am beyond grateful to have a fulfilling full-time job that allows me to use my body and mind to do meaningful work. Even with this gift, something was creatively lacking that my music, painting, and poetry were not filling. After hearing my aunt’s story, which I describe in the about section, I was wearing my Bell & Ross BR05 and thought, “If they can do this, so can I.” This thought has gotten me into some pretty sticky situations, but I am proud to say that it’s never stopped me from trying, and when I get stuck, I always seem to find a way through the mud. Something deep down needed to make something so beautiful and unique that it will forever be recognized just by how it looks. Why? I ask myself the same question, but think I know the answer. I think it’s because art inspires me so much and has made my life so much better that I have a calling to give back and continue this tradition that, to me, makes life worth living.

So, anyway, after turning on my ADHD superpower, in only one month, this thought turned into an order of 25 watches from a renowned watchmaker in Switzerland. That process was wild, risky, and fun. That may be my next blog post. Speaking of blogs, they are weird…it is just written word of talking to yourself. Anyway, I initially aimed to give these watches to family and friends and try to sell a few at local markets, but something inside wanted more. After seeing my credit card bill, I realized that if I were going to pursue this and make different styles, I would have to get my hands dirty. What else is new… :)

So, I went back to the drawing board, and out came the Homemade Rhode Island Watch. Why Homemade? Well, growing up in an Italian-American family, everything is homemade, and you do everything yourself. And we love nothing more than sharing these homemade gifts with anyone who will accept them. When I think of this Italian culture of self-reliance and giving, I think back to my first trip to Italy when some distant relatives rolled up to the house with a hamper full of fresh-picked cherries, another hamper of fresh-picked apricots, some homemade wine, and some homemade olive oil. I don’t know who they thought was consuming all this as I was 15 years old, but hey, it’s the thought that counts :)

You are literally watching an iconic watch brand being built from day one. You will see the website change 1000 more times, failed designs in my shop, and typos in my writing. Yes, an iconic watch brand is a bold statement, but I know it’s true. How? Well, at this point in my life and art career, I have turned more thoughts than I could have ever imagined into tangible goods, and when it comes to these watches, there is something extra special that you have to see and feel to understand. I make them specifically for you, and I really do care about your experience with them. After all, it is homemade.

Thanks for reading. Until next time, be kind to yourself and each other.

-E