Some souvenirs collect dust on a shelf. Others become part of your story.
For Justyna Kaminska Cabbad, the most meaningful reminder of a journey has never been a postcard or a trinket. It's the handcrafted necklace that recalls an unforgettable sunset, the beaded handbag that brings back memories of wandering through a hidden seaside boutique or the woven hat that instantly transports you to your favorite beach.
That belief became the foundation of Palmilla Love, a luxury resort lifestyle brand inspired by one simple philosophy: Wear the journey. Live the escape.
For more than two decades, Kaminska has lived and breathed the world of jewelry and accessories. Her journey has taken her from her roots in Poland and Australia to the vibrant energy of New York City before eventually bringing her to Bergen County, where she and her husband are raising their two children.
Long before Palmilla Love, she built a successful career designing collections for television shopping networks and cruise lines, producing jewelry on a large scale while traveling constantly. But when her daughter, Gabby, was born, her definition of success began to change.
"I wanted to continue pursuing my passion, but I also wanted to be present as a mother," Kaminska says.
Like many women, she found herself asking whether it was possible to build a meaningful career without sacrificing the moments that matter most.
The answer became clear during the quiet reflection of the pandemic.
As travel paused and life slowed down, Kaminska realized time had become life's greatest luxury. She no longer wanted to chase airports, hotel rooms and production schedules. Instead, she wanted to build something that reflected the pace she wanted for herself and her family.
Then came a family trip that changed everything.
While vacationing in the Palmilla area of Cabo, Mexico, she fell in love with the destination's effortless beauty, coastal charm and peaceful rhythm.
"It completely stole my heart," she says. "It wasn't just the scenery. It was the feeling."
That feeling became Palmilla Love.
Rather than creating another fashion label, Kaminska set out to build a brand that captures the emotion of beautiful destinations and allows women to carry that feeling home long after their vacation ends.
Today, Palmilla Love offers handcrafted jewelry made with gemstones, semi-precious stones, sterling silver, brass and 18-karat gold-plated metals, along with beaded handbags, clutches, shoulder bags, hats, coverups and resort accessories created through collaborations with talented artisans in Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador and India.
Every collection reflects what Kaminska calls her "Sun and Sand" philosophy, where refined craftsmanship meets the effortless serenity of the world's most beautiful coastal destinations.
"We don't chase trends," she says. "We chase destinations."
That philosophy shapes every decision she makes.
Rather than mass-producing collections, Palmilla Love embraces slow, meaningful luxury. Many pieces are handcrafted in small batches, allowing each artisan's skill and creativity to shine. The result is a collection that feels less like fashion and more like wearable art, thoughtfully created to be treasured for years rather than seasons.
For Kaminska, true luxury isn't about excess. It's about authenticity, craftsmanship and the stories each piece carries.
"My mission is to help people wear the journey and live the escape," she says. "I want every piece to remind someone of a destination they loved, a beautiful memory or a moment when they felt completely at peace."
Her inspiration comes not only from the places she visits but also from the people she meets along the way.
Working closely with master craftswomen around the world has become one of the most rewarding parts of her business. As both a woman and a mother, Kaminska feels deeply connected to the artisans whose skills have often been passed from one generation to the next.
"My vision is always to translate that feeling of discovery into something special," she says.
Those collaborations also create something larger than fashion. Every Palmilla Love purchase supports talented women whose craftsmanship deserves a global audience, connecting one woman's artistry with another woman's wardrobe.
While Palmilla Love celebrates destinations around the world, its heart remains firmly rooted in Bergen County.
Kaminska intentionally built a business that allows her to be present for volleyball matches, soccer games and the everyday moments with her family that once seemed impossible during years of constant travel.
For her, that balance represents her greatest success.
"I've learned that you don't have to choose between your career and your life," she says. "Growth isn't measured by the speed of our climb, but by the depth of our roots."
Looking ahead, Kaminska sees Palmilla Love exactly where its philosophy belongs. She plans to continue expanding Palmilla Love's presence in the luxury resort and boutique hotel market, where the brand's Sun and Sand philosophy naturally comes to life. Already found in select destination boutiques, she hopes to introduce the collection to even more high-end resorts.
Fortunately, Bergen County residents don't have to book a flight to experience Palmilla Love.
The collection is also available locally at Suite 201 Boutique in Ridgewood, where shoppers can discover globally inspired accessories that embody the same spirit of coastal escape found in some of the world's most beautiful destinations.
After more than 20 years in the industry, Kaminska says she feels like she's just getting started.
Palmilla Love is more than a jewelry and accessories brand. It's an invitation to slow down, celebrate craftsmanship, support women around the world and embrace the memories that shape our lives.
Because the best souvenirs aren't the ones left behind on a shelf.
They're the ones that allow you to wear the journey and live the escape.
"My mission is to help people wear the journey and live the escape. I want every piece to remind someone of a destination they loved, a beautiful memory or a moment when they felt completely at peace." - Justyna Kaminska Cabbad
"We don't chase trends, we chase destinations." - Justyna Kaminska Cabbad
For more information about Palmilla Love's handcrafted jewelry and resort-inspired accessories, visit palmillalove.com, or follow @palmillalove on Instagram and Facebook.
Behind the Shoot: This feature was photographed at Suite 201 Boutique in downtown Ridgewood, where shoppers can find the Palmilla Love collection alongside thoughtfully curated fashion. Styling and wardrobe were provided by Suite 201, with photography by Clara Wang Photography.