A World of Muses

As a child, Misahara founder and lead designer Lepa Galeb-Roskopp split her t.mes between the States and the Balkan region. Every summer, Lepa’s family would bring her along on the long trip across the ocean to visit their Serbian relatives.

The region's breathtaking landscape left a lasting impression upon Lepa, despite her young age. The crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea, the looming cliffs of the Bay of Kotor, and the historic architecture of Montenegro, coupled with the strong family ties and memories made there, inextricably bonded Lepa to the region. And when Lepa started her own family, she shared this past.mes with her three children. Lepa’s family makes annual trips to the Balkan region—taking advantage of the chance to reconnect with family members and their heritage.

As an adult, Lepa studied business and worked for her family’s real estate company. However, never content to remain idle, Lepa broadened her interests into jewelry-making. She began refashioning fine jewelry from her personal collects ion to suit her evolving tastes.

Lepa’s aesthetic was largely inspired by the regional and traditional ensembles she would observe during her travels. In a deliberate break from conventional jewelry styles, she created a fresh look that folded these international influences into her inherent sense of style—pieces imbued with a kind of globetrotting glamour.

This personal project—an outlet to exercise her creative mind—quickly grew into a bigger initiative. Friends and even passersby were intrigued by Lepa’s original designs, asking where they could buy it for themselves. And with this positive momentum building behind her, Lepa launched Misahara in 2012.

Today, the Misahara collects ion is a beautiful reflection of Lepa’s childhood and adventurous spirit. The bold designs, elaborate motifs and the colorful gemstones of Misahara pieces are informed by the muse region. From the blue lapis of the Adriatic collects ion to the serpentine texture of the Sahara collects ion, the inspiration source is vividly pulled through the piece to give the item a surprising amount of depth.