About the Designer
Nanichi means ‘my heart/soul’ and explains what art and craft means to Anguillian native Ilka Harrigan. The name recently changed from Empress Designz to Nanichi due to the significant expansion of the jewelry line. Each of Nanichi’s five collections is inspired by Caribbean culture, nature and scenery.
Ilka is currently a student at the University of the District of Columbia, majoring in Dietary Nutrition and Food Science. When she's not busy turning the pages of science books, you can find her digging in bags of beads, or constructing clay pots/vases by hand. As the saying goes “necessity is the mother of invention,” and thus Nanichi bloomed out of creative hands that were busy searching for a specific type of jewelry. Having grown up on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, she has always demonstrated a passion for the arts and cultures of the region. It is therefore no surprise that when wearing any of the many pieces of Nanichi, you’ll embark upon a journey of the island life and history.
Ilka’s sense of creativity and ability to work with her hands was realized at a tender age. She entered several art competitions and participated in several art & craft summer camps; excelling in that field all of her life. It is with no question that she was born into a family of artist; as she compares herself to her father who is an architect, wood work artist and tailor. Upon moving to the Nation’s Capital in 2005, Ilka found her fate in jewelry designing and crafting; it began as a mere hobby and the rest is history.
Nanichi's largest and most vibrant line Nitou is inspired by the Caribbean culture; from the materials used, to the shapes, sizes and colours. Nitou, a word derived from the Garifuna’s, descendants of the Caribs, Arawaks and African people means "my sister."
The Mother of Pearl Collection is an exclusive collection that brings the classic elegance of white sand and shells into your realm.
The Reggae Music Collection embraces and celebrates one of the most popular cultural music styles of the Caribbean known worldwide as Reggae. A music genre most often associated with the island of Jamaica and the RasTafari culture.
The Anhan Collection focuses on the creation of beautiful pieces made from healing stones. Emphasizing and embracing the metaphysical properties of special healing stones. The birth of this collection began when Ilka decided to mesh her study in the field of Nutrition and natural healing with her love for arts and craft.
The Nora Collection is Nanichi’s newest collection "Nora means “my skin” I chose Nora because it is very personal to me. This collection inspired by Africa in many ways.
Ilka is currently a student at the University of the District of Columbia, majoring in Dietary Nutrition and Food Science. When she's not busy turning the pages of science books, you can find her digging in bags of beads, or constructing clay pots/vases by hand. As the saying goes “necessity is the mother of invention,” and thus Nanichi bloomed out of creative hands that were busy searching for a specific type of jewelry. Having grown up on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, she has always demonstrated a passion for the arts and cultures of the region. It is therefore no surprise that when wearing any of the many pieces of Nanichi, you’ll embark upon a journey of the island life and history.
Ilka’s sense of creativity and ability to work with her hands was realized at a tender age. She entered several art competitions and participated in several art & craft summer camps; excelling in that field all of her life. It is with no question that she was born into a family of artist; as she compares herself to her father who is an architect, wood work artist and tailor. Upon moving to the Nation’s Capital in 2005, Ilka found her fate in jewelry designing and crafting; it began as a mere hobby and the rest is history.
Nanichi's largest and most vibrant line Nitou is inspired by the Caribbean culture; from the materials used, to the shapes, sizes and colours. Nitou, a word derived from the Garifuna’s, descendants of the Caribs, Arawaks and African people means "my sister."
The Mother of Pearl Collection is an exclusive collection that brings the classic elegance of white sand and shells into your realm.
The Reggae Music Collection embraces and celebrates one of the most popular cultural music styles of the Caribbean known worldwide as Reggae. A music genre most often associated with the island of Jamaica and the RasTafari culture.
The Anhan Collection focuses on the creation of beautiful pieces made from healing stones. Emphasizing and embracing the metaphysical properties of special healing stones. The birth of this collection began when Ilka decided to mesh her study in the field of Nutrition and natural healing with her love for arts and craft.
The Nora Collection is Nanichi’s newest collection "Nora means “my skin” I chose Nora because it is very personal to me. This collection inspired by Africa in many ways.
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Copyright 2012 NANICHI/ All Rights Reserved by Ilka Harrigan
Copyright 2012 NANICHI/ All Rights Reserved by Ilka Harrigan
