Meet Jennifer Perez, the Founder of Ivo Angel

Jennifer Perez, Founder of Ivo Angel, at home in Cortona, Tuscany

Established in 2020, Ivo Angel may be a young brand, but it is one with heritage, tradition and deep family roots. Based in the historic hilltop town of Cortona in eastern Tuscany with its panoramic views over the Chiana Valley, its artisans create refined yet joyful tableware shaped by the rhythms of everyday life and the enduring craft traditions of the region.

Founded by Jennifer Perez, Ivo Angel reflects a life lived between cultures. Born in Canada with Italian and Spanish heritage, her upbringing fostered an early sensitivity to material, detail, and the small everyday rituals of the table. Beginning her career working in luxury fashion retail, a chance visit to Tuscany proved life-changing, leading her to make Cortona her home. It was here that Ivo Angel began to take shape.

Working with local artisans where knowledge is shared and refined through making, together they produce ceramics that are functional yet expressive, informed by Tuscan craft traditions and Jennifer's flair for design. From hand painted plates and decorative bowls to storage jars, platters and vases, each and every piece is a welcome addition to any kitchen or table.

Here, Jennifer tells us more…

Ivo Angel's Bud Vase Set, Braided Vase, Vines Jug and Vines Holiday Antipasto Plates

Artisan Benedetta freehand painting the Braided Vase. With a fine art degree and over 30 years' experience painting ceramics, her artistry brings each piece to life

Tell us the story behind Ivo Angel – how did the brand first come to life?

While working on my ceramic sculpture with our town’s local artisan, Giulio, I had the privilege of observing his process and the life of an artisan. Although I had often passed Giulio’s shop in Cortona, it was only through watching him that I truly understood the soul and passion required to create each piece.

In 2020, as the world came to a halt and the streets of Cortona sat empty, I questioned how he would continue to share his work without visitors, and with that our online shop came to life.

My son, Ivo Angel, was born during this time so it was also the beginning of something very special for my family.

The brand name is very personal – what does “Ivo Angel” represent to you?

The name 'Ivo Angel' is deeply personal and reflects the very essence of our brand.
Ivo was my partner Saverio's father and was the son of an Italian train conductor. He was a true visionary in Arezzo during the 1960s, bringing the Italian Tennis Foundation to the city and starting various business ventures that transformed the local landscape.

Angel is my father’s name. He emigrated from Spain to Canada at a time when very few Spaniards did. Despite the language barrier he had the courage to rely on his skills as an artisan. Growing up, I watched his passion for his craft and learned the patience and discipline required for such work.

My six-year-old son is named after his grandfathers.

(left) classic Italian-style lidded hourglass jar; (middle) part of bud vase set; (right) classic Italian-style lidded storage jar

Artisan Luca checking the ceramics at Ivo Angel's Cortona workshop

You have a background in luxury fashion – what drew you toward ceramics and tableware?

The fashion industry gave me the foundation in retail operations and management. To me, clothing has always been a form of art and expression.

In the period between my early career in fashion and launching my brand six years ago, I moved to Italy from Spain, opened a painting studio, began creating ceramics, and started a family. Ivo Angel represents the perfect balance of these experiences and everything I love.

How did your move to Tuscany shape the direction and identity of the brand?

I had been living in Tuscany for six years before the brand was born, which has shaped its identity profoundly. The Tuscan landscape, the food, family traditions around the table and the ‘slow living’ of a small town like Cortona has influenced my vision for Ivo Angel The brand is a reflection of the way we live.

All your pieces are handmade in Tuscany and Umbria – why was it important to keep production rooted there?

A part of the core values that define our brand is in production process. The craftsmanship involved in creating Italian ceramics, the sophistication and exquisiteness found in the construction of each piece, combined with the hands that paint them, represent the very essence of why our ceramics are so unique.

Because this level of quality and tradition cannot be replicated elsewhere, our production will always remain in Italy. We believe this commitment to authentic Italian artistry is what sets Ivo Angel apart and ensures the highest standards for our collections.

(left & right) Ribboned Footed Serving Bowls; (middle) Vines Fruit Bowl Stand

The Vines Fruit Bowl Stand in production

You work closely with local artisans – what do these collaborations bring to the collections?

The relationship I share with our artisans is fundamental to the work we do. It has always been part of my vision for the brand to create an environment where every piece is crafted through love, respect and collaboration.

As my grandmother used to say as she would serve me a plate of pasta, "le cose vanno fatte con amore", which means "everything you do, you must do with love." That care and intention are essential to the final result.

Can you walk us through the journey of a piece, from initial idea to finished ceramic?

While we prefer to keep a bit of mystery regarding our creative process, I can share that our design work is an ongoing and constant evolution. I can say that after many, many samples, I personally use it in my home to ensure its functionality and feel. Only after this do I know a piece is truly ready.

Ivo Angel's Italian Jar Set

Jennifer Perez at home, arranging flowers in Ivo Angel's bud vase set

Your collections feel deeply inspired by Italian life – what everyday moments or rituals most influence your designs?

For me, daily rituals are deeply enriching. I find great joy in life's simple pleasures: enjoying an espresso, using flour from a jar to whip up a "ciambella" cake, or arranging bud vases after a trip to the spring garden.

Setting the table before each meal is equally important to me, where items like the olive oil cruet and salt and pepper bowls are fundamental elements. Even keeping a bowl filled with candy on an entrance table for unexpected guest adds that lovely detail.

There’s a strong emphasis on “everyday use” in your pieces – why is that philosophy important to you?

I believe that everyday use is essential, as the objects we surround ourselves with should be seen and utilised – whether it is a quiet meal for one on a Monday night or a formal dinner setting. To me, keeping objects tucked away in a closet for a "special occasion" feels empty. I think each and every one of us deserves beauty and meaning in the things we use and share with others.

Why do you think people are increasingly drawn to handmade ceramics today?

The human touch is everything and even more so in an increasingly tech, fast lived and digital society. We need a story.