Brian Schaps is the owner and designer of Ananda Chicago. Born and raised in Chicago, Brian has always been an ardent traveler and enjoys learning about new cultures. His travels brought him to Thailand where he discovered his love of gemstones and crystals. This love turned into a passion and ultimately a very successful business retailing unique and luxurious jewelry pieces hand-crafted with gemstones, fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals.

When Brian is not traveling and showcasing his jewelry collection around the world, he is at home in Chicago designing exclusive jewelry pieces and spending time with his son Ananda Schaps, who is the inspiration behind the brand name. Ananda means "Happiness" in Thai and this is the essence of his brand - to bring joy and happiness to all who wear it.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the store temporarily closed as the world slowed down and priorities shifted. This period became a meaningful time of reflection, creativity, and reinvention for Brian. It allowed him to deepen his design vision, experiment with new inspirations, and further refine the identity of Ananda Chicago. Out of this chapter, the brand emerged even stronger, with a renewed commitment to crafting timeless, meaningful jewelry that connects beauty with emotion and storytelling.

Today, Brian continues to expand the brand internationally and is now exclusively selling his collections aboard luxury cruise ships around the world. This exclusive setting allows him to personally present his designs to a global clientele, offering a unique and intimate luxury experience at sea, where each piece becomes part of a journey filled with elegance, discovery, and connection.