The Heart and Hands - Alex

Alex Sulikowski

Alex a Mano means “Alex by Hand,” and yes, that means I’m the one behind every single piece of jewelry you see here—crafted with love, a bit of fire, and occasionally, a deep breath and some “ohmms” when things get tricky. I’m thrilled to be on this journey as an artisan metalsmith, and it’s a joy to share my passion with you through my handmade creations.

Crafting my Story

I am Alex Sulikowski, the designer, fabricator, and chief hammer-wielder at Alex a Mano. Before this adventure, I ran Terra Nostra Jewelry out of a little storefront in Arlington, MA. Terra Nostra wasn’t just a business; it was "my baby" and a turning point in my life—think of it as a gift I gave myself, wrapped in self-discovery and tied with a bow of independence. After 10 amazing years, I closed the storefront in 2017 but kept Terra Nostra alive online.

Then came the move to Charlotte, NC, where I dove headfirst into metalsmithing. What started as a passion became Alex a Mano.

Transitioning from assembling pre-made parts to handcrafting each piece from scratch has been like growing up—challenging, rewarding, and, yes, occasionally painful, but absolutely worth it!

My Life Journey

I was born in the U.S., grew up in Córdoba, Argentina, and my parents hail from Poland and Croatia—so you could say I’ve got a bit of the world in my blood. My childhood was a tapestry of cultures, filled with family stories of immigration and a love for creativity. These diverse influences have shaped who I am and continue to inspire my designs.

In my family, learning is practically a sport, and I’ve taken that to heart in my craft. Launching Alex a Mano has been a direct result of my insatiable curiosity and desire to push my skills further. Moving from beading and assembling parts to metalsmithing has been a journey—one where I’ve occasionally questioned my sanity but always come out the other side with a deeper love for what I do.

My Design Philosophy

Nature is my muse—probably because it’s just as delightfully unpredictable as my creative process. I’m drawn to its irregular shapes and balanced asymmetry. Many of my pieces reflect this love for the imperfect perfection found in the world around us. By handcrafting each element, I’ve opened the door to endless possibilities. It’s daunting and liberating, and that’s exactly how I know I’m on the right path.

Thanks for joining me on this wild and wonderful journey. Every piece I create carries a piece of my heart (and maybe a tiny bit of solder), and I’m so excited to share it with you.