Our Story
Hi, we are Daniel Van Waeyenberg, from Brussels, Belgium, and Carmen Bermel from Holland.  In 1993, we were in our early thirties and rather dissatisfied with our routinely life in Belgium.  Back then, Daniel worked  as a self employed translator and Carmen was a homemaker.  So we decided to buy a motorhome and hit the road with our two boys, Benno (who was 3 years old at that time) and Arno (16 months old). 
 

A new Lifestyle...

Our wanderings first led us in Europe, from Belgium all the way to Turkey and back to Belgium, after which we crossed the Atlantic and continued our journey in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  Like snowbirds, we followed the seasons and migrated up north during the summers and down south in the wintertime.  Discovering ever changing landscapes, and meeting a huge variety of people in their own unique environments was an absolutely fascinating experience.

Ajijic: Our new Home...

After four years of exciting travels, we discovered the Chapala Lakeside in Jalisco, Mexico.  It is a truly beautiful place with a year round near perfect climate, on the slopes of a gorgeous mountain range alongside Mexico's largest natural lake.  The astonishing natural beauty of the area and the genuine friendliness of the local people attract a growing expat retirement community, a thriving artist community, and a steady flow of tourists.   Opportunity knocked on our door and we decided to settle down.
 

A new Passion...

A new journey into the realm of creativity began, as we taught ourselves new skills like silversmithing, carving, lampworking and creating art jewelry.  What started as a mere passion (which it still is!) gradually became our main source of income, providing for our family of six by then, since we welcomed little Anika (age 6) and Elly (age 4) into our family.  Now work and play have become one!  Each of the creations you see on this web site is the fruit of an exploration, time spent as a meditation, designing new shapes, creating balance and harmony, unique objects of beauty to adorn unique human beings. 

Why 'Zebra'?

Just like the zebras, our jewelry pieces each have a unique design and no two are exactly alike.  Black and white also stands as a symbol of our husband-and-wife team.  Our shop also is decorated with zebra stripes all over, which makes us stand out in our colorful neighbourhood.  Last but not least, in dealing with our customers, we strive for honest and straightforward relationships, without gray areas!

What greater joy is there,
but to create art for people to wear as a personal adornment,
objects charged with fond memories of special occasions,
oftentimes acquiring a sentimental value,
when a piece moves on to be a love offering
to a close friend or beloved relative...

We have been blessed with fulfillment in many areas of our lives
and thank God for it.

We are grateful also to you, dear Visitor,
for taking the time to browse our web site.