About our Founder

AliMa was founded by a woman with a dream, Alice, whose journey was as intricate and beautiful as the pieces she now creates. Born in the small town of Maglie, in Puglia, Italy, Alice Mariano’s story begins amidst the sun-drenched yet deeply melancholic landscape of southern Italy. Growing up in a region steeped in tradition, Alice was no stranger to the weight of societal expectations, especially as the eldest daughter in a patriarchal household. There was an unspoken set of rules for women in her world—roles predetermined by generations before her. Yet, even as a young girl, Alice felt a quiet rebellion stirring within her, a desire to break free from the life that seemed laid out for her.

Her early years were marked by intense dedication to music and the arts, playing the pianoforte in national competitions and dancing with the disciplined grace of rhythmic gymnastics. She sought refuge in her studies, often waking before dawn to pour over books, finding solace in the quiet hours before the world around her stirred to life. At 15, Alice made the daring decision to leave Italy, seeking the freedom and opportunity she couldn’t find in her homeland. This marked the beginning of a journey that would take her across continents, from Europe to Asia to America, immersing herself in academic and professional pursuits. Despite fleeting moments of artistic expression, she repeatedly returned to the structures of corporate life, fighting the part of her that longed for something different, while an immigrant woman in a new continent. 

Despite her success, Alice found herself fighting to reclaim that lost part of herself. There were moments where she reconnected with her creativity—through music, design, and art—but time and again, the pull of her career and ‘societal structures’ led her back to the corporate grind. It wasn’t until she began exploring jewelry design that something deeper shifted. What started as a design project soon evolved into a calling, and Alice found herself reconnecting with the art of craftsmanship that had been in her blood all along.

Unbeknownst to her, Alice had been carrying a legacy of Italian design her entire life. For generations, her family had been one of the few in the world involved in the ancient tradition of Luminarie—the breathtaking light displays that illuminate Italian towns during religious festivals. Alice’s father, and those before him, dedicated their lives crafting these intricate designs, turning light into art. As a child, she watched her father create these masterpieces, though at the time, she couldn’t have known how deeply they would influence her own journey.

In founding Alima, Alice returned to her roots. The precision, the attention to detail, the boldness of design- Alice embraced her heritage, but with a twist: this brand is not just about tradition, but about breaking free from it, it’s a rebellion against the constraints that once sought to define her. 

Alima doesn’t just adorn you with beauty—it arms you with confidence and liberation. Each piece reflects the strength, elegance, and individuality that Alice herself has fought to claim. 

Alima is for those who dare to break free from the roles society assigns them. Inspired by Italian craftsmanship and born from a desire to empower, the brand is a celebration of boldness, both in design and spirit. Through her jewelry, Alice hopes to inspire you to embrace your power, your beauty, and your freedom—just as she has embraced her own.

Welcome to AliMa, where every piece tells a story, and every person is a work of art.

(Scorrano, in the province of Lecce, where Alice’s father is from. Scorrano is considered the world capital of Luminarie.)