Three year old Ilze Heider on her immigraion I.D. card.
I came to this country from Latvia when I was three years old. This picture is from my I.D. card when we entered this country.
I love the roosters on it.
My heritage has been a big influence in my life. As a result I draw on traditional Latvian design for inspiration.
Ilze Heider in her booth at the Winter Glory Fine Art Fair
I love what I do. I've been at it a long time and still find it fulfilling and satisfying. Working in the Studio or going out to shows, I enjoy my customers. Many of them have become friends over the years.
Ilze Heider models a leather dress she made.
Growing up on the south side of Milwaukee, I graduated from high school and after some office jobs, went to work at the old Leather Shop on Brady Street in Milwaukee. When it closed I struck out on my own and have built a successful business. That’s me in an outfit I made back in those days.