Meet the face behind the product
Isabella Dandy is the designer behind Isabella Ruth Irene Jewelry. Bella is no stranger to being an artist.
Growing up in both Yellowknife, NWT and Nelson, BC, she witnessed her mother, Naomi Bourque, create an amazing life being a full time artist, while successfully raising Bella and her younger brother Liam. Having this amazing mother as inspiration, following her heart in creating beautiful designs was not a challenge.
Her inspiration comes from her Gwich'in and Metis heritage. Immersing herself in her art has really connected her to her cultural heritage. Learning about her family history, the traditional indigenous clothing, art, and way of living, is always inspiring her to keep going and to create designs that she loves.
Role Models
Isabella has very strong, independent female role models in her life.
Her grandmother, Kristene Bourque, started her own business tailoring and sewing while raising her 4 children, and then eventually opened a fur shop after learning the fur trade. Isabella frequently spent time in her shop 'Just Furs' growing up as a child, and then later she visited every winter and summer, after moving to BC. Having her grandmother teach her retail and also the importance of close connections with customers has really helped her grow and maintain a successful jewelry business. Ever grateful for her grandma everyday.
Her mother Naomi Bourque started making jewelry when Bella was young. Naomi has many different accomplishments receiving various certificates and diplomas in silversmithing, textiles, and a few trades. Her mother's confidence in trying different skills, and excelling in them, has no doubt given bella the inspiration and confidence to be able to start her own business in the jewelry industry.
Her Life
Isabella is currently making jewelry full time; it is her passion, and dream job to create pieces everyday.
Isabella is also an electrician by trade. Currently she is a 4th year electrical apprentice living in Alberta. She is soon to go into her last year of school, becoming a red seal journeyman after successful completion. Isabella is most excited to finish her trade so she can then work side by side with her husband on future projects, for he will also be a journeyman plumber in the next couple months.
Isabella married the love of her life, Kade Dandy, April 20, 2025. They originally met when both of them still lived in BC. However, after Bella moved to Edmonton in late 2023, they reconnected and they went from friends to much more. Isabella is so excited to share the rest of her life with Kade and have an immense amount of adventures and stories to share with him.
Bella currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta with her husband. She takes as many roadtrips, camping trips, and ski trips to the mountains any chance she can get. Skiing is one of her greatest passions, along with hiking, camping, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Since growing up in the mountains, it is nearly impossible to get rid of her love for the mountains and all that they offer.
Photos depict some of Bella's passions and loved ones.
