My story

"Your Ikigai is at the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for."

This Japanese philosophy transformed my life.

Several years ago, I made a decision that many would consider reasonable: abandoning my passion for fashion design, despite my extraordinary grades at the prestigious Richard Robinson Institute in Ottawa, for the security of a career in administration and accounting.

For years, I excelled in this field. From international development to SME financing, I had to carve out my place in a man's world, not always easy to navigate. I built a solid, atypical career that I'm proud of.

But something was missing.

One day, during a deep reflection on the meaning of my life, I realized that I had never really left design behind. That creative flame still burned within me, like lava dormant at the bottom of a volcano.

That's when I discovered lava stone.

Without being a geologist, this stone instantly fascinated me. Volcanoes spew fire from the depths of their core – exactly as I've always done professionally. This raw stone, born from strength and intense heat, transformed into something precious and unique, was my story.

That's how Bijoux LavaLife was born.

I didn't abandon my finance career – I found my Ikigai, that Japanese reason for being that combines what I love, what I'm good at, what the world needs, and what I can be paid for. I follow rules 1 and 7, and I live my Ikigai to the fullest. Retirement? Not for me!

For two years now, my team and I have been participating in the Women's Show to present these jewels, and the reception we receive encourages us to go even further. In 2024, I made this adventure official by filing my trademark with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

Bijoux LavaLife™ is now officially registered.

But beyond this administrative success, it's the story behind each piece of jewelry that matters. Each piece carries within it the strength of volcanoes, the resilience of a woman who never gave up on her dreams, and an invitation to live fully, without compromise.

Because your Ikigai awaits you, somewhere between your buried passions and your courage to reignite them.

That's the LavaLife difference.

Christiane Constantineau
Founder, Bijoux LavaLife™
Seasoned Manager | Jewelry Designer | Resilient Patient-Entrepreneur | Breast Cancer Survivor