Ilona is a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran, having turned an early fascination with aviation into a position as a helicopter pilot at one of Canada’s Tactical Helicopter Squadrons. After thirteen years in the CAF, Ilona was released following an injury. She continued in aviation for several years as a civilian helicopter flight instructor.

Before & throughout her career in aviation, creativity & craft always played a large role in Ilona’s life, cultivated at an early age when she was encouraged to learn by creating – from sewing & knitting to building & painting. As an adult, Ilona learned the art of wire-wrap jewellery through evening classes, while posted to Comox, BC. This particular craft quickly became the focus of her creative energy.

Now residing in Halifax, NS, Ilona took skills from both her career in aviation & instruction, and her creative practice into entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Mable & Rose Handmade, a creative costume jewellery repair & upcycling business that values secondhand materials, hands-on experiences and community.

Check her out @mable_and_rose