CLAUDIA ALLEYNE began her journey working with metal as a welder in the Midwest, fulfilling a lifelong fascination with shaping steel through fire. She went on to work as a production welder in both the Midwest and Berkeley, California.

Drawn by a dream of living in Africa, Claudia joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in Cape Verde, West Africa. There, she discovered her passion for jewelry. In the capital city, she met Hasime, a Mauritanian artisan whose shop showcased his handcrafted pieces alongside jewelry from Mauritania and Mali. Under his guidance, Claudia apprenticed and learned not only the techniques, but also the deeper spirit of adornment.

Claudia now lives and works in Berkeley, CA, where is an integral member of the SHIBUMI team and serves as the Design and Studio Coordinator.