Every brand has a story, and the name Across the Pond Products carries a piece of my journey, my adventures, and my dreams. It’s not just a name—it’s a representation of the places I’ve been, the lessons I’ve learned, and the life I’m building.

How It All Began

In 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to live in London, England, for four months. It was a transformative chapter in my life, filled with adventure, exploration, and inspiration. London’s vibrant culture, historical charm, and creative energy sparked something in me—a desire to create something meaningful that connected my experiences to the world around me.

When I returned home to Connecticut, USA, from this life-changing trip, I found myself wandering through a Michael’s craft store. Suddenly, everything clicked. I wanted to design jewelry that reflected the beauty, culture, and spirit of the adventures I had experienced. From that moment, Across the Pond Products was born.

Why “Across the Pond”?

The name is rooted in a phrase that describes the Atlantic Ocean, the vast expanse of water between my Connecticut home and the place where my adventure had unfolded. It symbolized the connection between two worlds: my life in the United States and my time in England.

But the story doesn’t stop there. Fast forward to today, and the name has taken on an even deeper meaning. I now live on the other side of that “pond,” in beautiful Portugal. What started as a dream inspired by a trip across the Atlantic has become a full-circle journey.

Full Circle: A Brand Elevated

Living in Portugal has been a dream come true—not just personally but professionally. Across the Pond Products has grown in ways I never imagined, including a collaboration with British Vogue, an opportunity that has elevated my brand to new heights.

As a girl who began her life on one side of the pond, I am ecstatic to now be living on the other side, building the life of my dreams while running the business of my dreams.

Jewelry Inspired by Adventure

Every piece of jewelry I create tells a story. The beads, stones, and designs reflect the cultures, landscapes, and emotions I’ve encountered on my journey. Across the Pond Products isn’t just about jewelry—it’s about celebrating the connections we make as we explore the world and ourselves.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve been with me from the beginning or are just joining in, your support means the world. Stay tuned for more stories, adventures, and the creativity that drives everything we do.

With love and gratitude,
Alexandra Zapatka
Founder, Traveler, and Designer
Across the Pond Products

What You Can Expect

This blog is more than just a peek into the brand—it’s a front-row seat to the adventures, creativity, and culture that inspire everything we do at Across the Pond Products. Here’s what you’ll find:

1. Adventures Across the Globe

Every piece of jewelry we create has a story, and it begins in the corners of the world we explore. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia in Turkey, to the stunning vistas of South Africa’s coastlines and wine regions, I’ll share the details of our travels—complete with tips for navigating these magical destinations and my travel itineraries to help you plan your own adventures.

2. Tips and Tricks

Travel and jewelry-making are both art forms, and we’re here to share the secrets we’ve learned along the way. You’ll find:

• Travel Tips: Packing hacks, recommended activities, and advice for making your trips unforgettable.
• Jewelry-Making Tutorials: Behind-the-scenes guides on crafting your own stunning pieces, from selecting the right materials to mastering techniques.

3. Behind the Scenes at Across the Pond Products

Peek into the heart of the brand! We’ll take you through the process of sourcing stones and beads, the inspiration behind our collections, and the steps that turn raw materials into wearable art. You’ll also get a closer look at our commitment to sustainability and why we only work with semiprecious stones.

Why We Started This Blog

Across the Pond Products has always been about celebrating the connection between culture, creativity, and personal expression. This blog is an extension of that mission—a way to share the stories, lessons, and inspirations that shape who we are.

Whether it’s the sparkle of a hand-picked gemstone or a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic, everything has a tale to tell. We can’t wait to bring you along for the ride.

Join the Conversation!

This is more than just a blog—it’s a community. We’d love to hear from you! What do you want to learn about? What destinations spark your curiosity? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Let’s dive into a world where travel meets artistry, where every bead holds a memory, and every story connects us across borders.

Thank you for being part of the Across the Pond Products journey. Stay tuned for our next post—it’s going to be incredible!

With love and wanderlust,

Alexandra Zapatka
Founder, Traveler, and Designer
Across the Pond Products