I am Evi Nelissen, born and raised in Diepenbeek, now residing in Tongeren. My life’s journey has traversed many landscapes — from a career as a teacher of mathematics and economics to a warm, colorful period in Mexico, where I met the love of my life. Together, we returned to Belgium and built a family with three wonderful sons. One of them has autism, and though his path can be bumpy and challenging, he brings our family profound insights and moments of growth.
Amid the chaos that life sometimes brings, I found peace and solace in the presence of our dogs. Their unconditional love and calm demeanor helped me pause, breathe, and reorder my thoughts. It was in these quiet moments that the seeds of my creativity took root.
During the pandemic — a time when many sought new ways to connect and find meaning — I founded Yatzil.be. What began with crafting collars and accessories for dogs quickly blossomed into a passion for leatherworking. Initially focusing on belts and collars, I soon felt the allure of leather’s versatility and elegance calling me to go further. Handbags, accessories, and unique creations began to take shape in my hands and find their way to my small but proud workshop.
In search of a name that could reflect this newfound passion, I looked back to my time in Mexico. There, I discovered Nayeli, a name with deep and poetic meaning: “I love you” or “I am yours.” These words resonated deeply, embodying exactly what I strive to infuse into each piece: love, dedication, and the desire to create something precious and personal.
Nayeli Creations is more than just a brand. It reflects my journey — the hardships that strengthened me, the small wonders that inspire me daily, and the art of finding beauty in simplicity. Every piece I craft tells a story — a story of love, care, and the joy of creating with my own two hands.
I am Evi Nelissen, born and raised in Diepenbeek, now residing in Tongeren. My life’s journey has traversed many landscapes — from a career as a teacher of mathematics and economics to a warm, colorful period in Mexico, where I met the love of my life. Together, we returned to Belgium and built a family with three wonderful sons. One of them has autism, and though his path can be bumpy and challenging, he brings our family profound insights and moments of growth.
Amid the chaos that life sometimes brings, I found peace and solace in the presence of our dogs. Their unconditional love and calm demeanor helped me pause, breathe, and reorder my thoughts. It was in these quiet moments that the seeds of my creativity took root.
During the pandemic — a time when many sought new ways to connect and find meaning — I founded Yatzil.be. What began with crafting collars and accessories for dogs quickly blossomed into a passion for leatherworking. Initially focusing on belts and collars, I soon felt the allure of leather’s versatility and elegance calling me to go further. Handbags, accessories, and unique creations began to take shape in my hands and find their way to my small but proud workshop.
In search of a name that could reflect this newfound passion, I looked back to my time in Mexico. There, I discovered Nayeli, a name with deep and poetic meaning: “I love you” or “I am yours.” These words resonated deeply, embodying exactly what I strive to infuse into each piece: love, dedication, and the desire to create something precious and personal.
Nayeli Creations is more than just a brand. It reflects my journey — the hardships that strengthened me, the small wonders that inspire me daily, and the art of finding beauty in simplicity. Every piece I craft tells a story — a story of love, care, and the joy of creating with my own two hands.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
Thomas Merton
