Miranda Leigh Pildes

Miranda Leigh Pildes is a visionary artist, designer, and maker known for her interdisciplinary approach that merges conceptual and technical prowess with social impact. As Founder and Creative Director of Joyaux Marisol, Miranda harnesses her expertise and dedication to social justice to lead initiatives that empower and protect women through ethical artistry. She collaborates with survivors of sexualized violence to design and produce artwork that inspires original prints for the Marisol Umbrella™ and other instruments of power and virtue. A percentage of profits is donated back to the women, creating an international circular economy that transcends linguistic, cultural, and geographic boundaries.

Born in New York City in 1973, Miranda was deeply influenced by her Abstract Expressionist grandmother Sara Pildes. Her rich cultural heritage—Jewish, Christian, British, French, German, Greek, Latvian, and Russian—has profoundly shaped her artistic and entrepreneurial vision. Demonstrating exceptional talent from a young age, she pursued a passion for mythology and classical studies.

Miranda earned an M.A. in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture from The Bard Graduate Center, where her research on historical regalia and gemstone lore, including a significant discovery about Mary’s bridal crown in the Ghent altarpiece, marked a milestone in her career. After obtaining her G.G. certification from The Gemological Institute of America, Miranda refined her expertise at Sotheby’s and The National Jewelry Institute before founding Joyaux Marisol in 2006.

Joyaux Marisol collaborates with artisans, corporations, and nonprofits to support survivors of gender-based violence through healing arts workshops. Miranda’s exploration of sacred practices and nonverbal healing modalities includes chakra meditation, mandala therapy, and Indian Face & Head Massage. Her innovative program NatureDance™ synthesizes her lifelong love of dance and holistics.

Miranda’s work is supported by a network of mentors and educators who have enriched her journey. Miranda’s unique blend of artistic skill, cultural sensitivity, and social activism positions her as a transformative force in both the art world and educational landscape, fostering awareness, resilience, compassion, creativity, gender equality, and global cultural exchange.