After winter, spring and summer are sure to follow.

It’s been a long winter, and the freezing temperatures as well as the world and national events have made it hard for me to work consistently in the studio. As I watched the snow pile up outside my window, I hung onto memories of a gorgeous summer day in upstate New York. After winter, spring and summer are sure to follow.

I’m an immigrant and a naturalized citizen. I spent my first 11 years living under an authoritarian regime, my family fled as refugees. We came to this country with hope for a peaceful life rooted in dignity and rights.

I love this country, and I am devastated by the detention and murders of immigrants and US citizens exercising their constitutional rights. I’ve seen what it looks like when power is abused and there’s no accountability.

I believe in the goodness of my fellow Americans to stand up for democracy and accountability. After dark times, I believe light will come.

Gleena is made by my hands, an immigrant, an American. I believe it brings joy to many, and joy is a form of resistance.

After a few months of feeling despondent and unmotivated, a new spring collection is in the works.