MADE IN LA - BAYLEE ZWART, OWNER AT AZLEE JEWELRY

Name and Title:  Baylee Zwart, Owner & Designer at AZLEE Jewelry in the Billie top

Neighborhood:  Venice/SM

Years in LA:  3

Tell us about Azlee Jewelry.

AZLEE was born from my fascination with nature’s geometric landscapes and man’s harsh cityscapes. Reflecting an independent spirit and worldly vibe, we strive to make fine jewelry for cool girls that want something effortless, interesting, and different. Each piece is made and hand finished in LA using precious metals, custom-cut stones and diamond accents. As a true CA girl, surfer, and scuba diver, I am a huge fan of the ocean so it was important to me to give back to what I love. Each piece sold helps benefit ocean-related causes and this season we are working with the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA to help their efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals.

What LA spots do you go to for inspiration when you're designing?

The ocean, the surf, the water. I am most inspired bobbing up and down on my surfboard, even more so when dolphins cruise by.

What's your favorite piece from your collection?

The Pana Piece Mini Studs are my fave. They are so easy to wear and pile on, I love wearing 2 at a time for a bit of a more dramatic effect.

What are your favorite LA spots to relax on the weekend?

I love Café Gratitude in Venice. I walk over there, sit, and have a green tea latte and pancakes. It gives me time to just chill and sometimes even journal, if I can get my head into it.

What's the best meal you've had in LA?

Maybe overused, but the Tasting Kitchen. I did the whole 5 course thing, and WOW. I was as happy as a clam.

What's on your playlist right now?

I am still obsessed with Alt-J’s An Awesome Wave, it just gets my creative juices flowing every time I hear it. And it makes me think of movement which is something I try to capture in my jewelry.

What was the last text you sent/got sent?

“Just have smothering Friday night” …meant to say “something”, smothering people is usually not on my list…at least not on Fridays.

When was the last time you took public transportation?

NY last week. All week long baby. Probably 40 times.

What was the last movie you saw in the theater?

Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I went to a movie. I saw Her the other day on TV though, and found that interesting.

Favorite Farmer's Market?

Santa Monica on Main St., walkable from my place, and people are just so happy!

West or East of the 405?

West side! To stay sane I have to keep close to the water.

Yoga or Hiking?

Both at the same time sounds nice!

Palm Springs or Ojai?

Haven’t been to either much, but love Malibu or Arrowhead! Both feel like I’m really escaping.

Fresh Flowers or Succulents?

I love succulents these days. I just think they are so cool looking and they are harder to kill.

Beach or Pool?

Beach, always.

Juice or Coffee?

Juice. I can’t get enough juice these days. I just had one at Pressed Juicery the other day with vanilla bean, kale, nuts, dates, and sea salt. It was amazing!