Jelena Clay is the daughter of Serbian immigrants and was raised in Saratoga, California. At 20 years old, she relocated to the islands and has called Hilo home since then. Since moving to the islands, she has had a fascination with fiber work and gourds, and the complicated techniques that Hawaiians use. She has taught in the islands and across the US for 30 almost years. She owns Banyan Gallery at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo town.
