PRECIOUS PASSION

How A Childhood Fascination Led To LVNA, DRAKE DUSTIN IBAY’s Homegrown Jewelry Label

- MICA TORRES CRUZ

While some of our interests when we were young are now long-lost memories, Drake Dustin Ibay used his childhood affinity for precious stones to launch the fine jewelry brand LVNA.

“My love for jewelry started from a very young age. It started with my love for crystals and gemstones, and its metaphysical properties. It’s been a passion of mine to this day,” he shares.

Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that examines the relationship between mind and matter. Some of the metaphysical properties of gemstones are said to include healing, protection, and manifestation—influences that flourish through Ibay’s brand.

The jeweler was prompted to start his venture in 2016 when he decided on a path that would secure him and his family’s future. Fortunately, he acquired entrepreneurial and creative skills from running his family’s business and working at MEGA magazine as an artist and photographer.

Beauty under pressure Running a business as the pandemic persists might feel like an overwhelming challenge. Ibay sometimes feels like he’s re-building LVNA from scratch.

“There was so much uncertainty for all of us. But what this crisis brought upon us is strength, and the patchwork we did to our brand made it stronger than ever,” he says. Another factor that encourages the brand’s resilience is the stability seen in the gold and diamond industries. “In fact, the value of diamonds and gold rose more than ever, giving us a boost in sales and increased demand from our clients.”