Ami Tsoi: Freedom, Shimmery and Creativity

In conversation with the founder of a jewelry design brand, explore how to break out of your comfort zone and find your own creativity and freedom from God.

I. What does "Deror" means to you?

The word "Deror" comes from Hebrew, it means freedom. The first time I heard of the word "deror" was in a sermon. Back then I was still working in a corporate company, and I always felt me being where I was involuntarily. And I hope one day I can have a taste of this freedom.

During the pandemic, I started my brand DEROR JEWELLERY. And because of the unconditional love and acceptance from God, I was able to let go of the success and expectations defined by the outside world, and also able to rediscover how God intended to create me, as well as the passion in creating jewelry. For me, finding myself in the love of God is what it means by the true "freedom".

II. What moves you the most during the creative process?

The most touching thing is to know that creativity comes from God and the love He created us with. In the early stage, whenever I reached the bottleneck, I often fell into self-doubt. Until the time when I learned in the sermon that creativity comes from God, since He is the Creator of heaven and earth, why should I try to find creativity without asking Him?

Because of creating, I communicate with Him more, and He would respond to every inspiration, scripture vision, and even a blueprint. During the process, I began to see my work from the perspective as a creator, and I was satisfied with the details of each creation. I am now better understand what the Bible told us about "God know how many hair we have." (Luke 12:17) It is not just a metaphor but it literally means what it is. How God share his love as a creator really moves me.

III. What does a good creation means to you?

I think good creation does not only pursue beauty itself, but more importantly, it can also speak to our live, touches people's hearts, and bring out the blessings and encouragement behind the works to our lives.

I hope that through the stories behind DEROR JEWELLERY's work, I can encourage our fellow sisters to embrace God and be blessed whenever the face different challenges in their lives.

IV. How do you experience the relationship with God in your creation?

It's almost been 2 years since I first started this brand, I think creating has brought me and God into a more vivid and deeper intimate relationship. In the process of creation, God is my art director. Every design starts with a prayer until it is completed. I let Him guide me step by step. Sometimes, He is my partner, and I consult Him for everything big and small; sometimes, He is my heavenly father who comforts me in a unique way when I am frustrated; and sometimes, He is with me when and I am experience happiness and grief with customers that I encountered.

V. What is the gift God has given you?

God's has "gif-ven" me many fellow sisters doing similar things as I do. Through experinecing pop-up stores, God has allowed me to know and hear stories from many sisters in christ, making them not only being my customers but also people who pray with and walk alongside with each other. Maybe I don’t see them often, but every time when I saw and listened the testimony of God touching their lives, I feel grateful for them and I'm also blessed.

VI. What was the turning point of starting your own brand?

The reason it changed from only an interest to becoming a faith jewelry brand is because of a promise in Joshua 1:9 --"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Not only are there many difficulties in the process of starting a brand, but giving up a stable and comfortable life to develop a brand full-time is a great challenge to my self-identity and value recognition. Often it is necessary to make unreasonable and seemingly crazy decisions. The last step to overcome fear and have faith is to have God encouraged me with the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land. His intention was to release them from their slavery and gain real freedom. I can trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God as I embark on this new journey as He is with me.

Images courtesy of: Ami Tsoi
Learn more at: https://derorjewellery.com/