From the ashes of political upheaval, the Valladares family emerged not just unscathed, but triumphant, facing adversity with resilience and determination. Their story is that of a dazzling journey from forced exile and loss in Cuba to a place of luxury and light at Casa Leon Jewelers in Lake Mary, Florida.
Ivette Valladares-Barrios – heir and co-owner of the jewelry store – was just 5 years old when her world turned upside down. In 1960, the Cuban Revolution seized everything the family had built – including Casa Leon, a flourishing department store renowned for its exquisite jewelry.
Faced with grave danger, her father fled Cuba just ahead of military men who stormed their home demanding to know his whereabouts. But Ivette’s mother held her tongue, and he was able to escape undetected. Soon, Ivette and her pregnant mother followed her father and her 9-year-old sister to the United States, where they would begin their new life in Youngstown, Ohio.
Their new world brought countless challenges, including learning a new language and adapting to snow and ice in place of tropical breezes. But the Achkar-Valladares family pressed on, determined to rebuild their lives.
Ivette’s uncle, a master jeweler in Cuba, began selling jewelry out of his car in and around Youngstown. In 1961 the family opened their second store, bearing their grandfather’s name, Achkar Jewelers and Manufacturer. The business thrived in Boardman, Ohio, for over 40 years.
“We were known for creating unique pieces for celebrities and dignitaries,” Ivette says. One such piece was a gold belt buckle for the boxer Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini that was proudly showcased on the Johnny Carson show.
Meanwhile, at their parents’ urging to go to college, Ivette and her three sisters went to medical school and all four became doctors. Ivette, now 70, remained involved in the jewelry business even while practicing medicine. She left medicine when she married and became pregnant in her thirties.
Fast-forward to January 2020, when Ivette and her mother, the original co-founder Navija Achkar-Valladares, launched the third store with the original name of Casa Leon Jewelers, in Lake Mary, Florida. Just three months later, the world paused as the pandemic swept through.
But Casa Leon persevered, and the boutique flourished.
“We expanded to an opulent 4,400 square feet, and our curated collection ranges from $100 treasures to $500,000 statement pieces fit for royalty,” Ivette says.
One serendipitous encounter early on has set Casa Leon apart in the world of luxury. When Ohio native Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool & The Gang walked through their doors in 2020, a powerful synergy was born. This friendship blossomed into an exclusive partnership, with Casa Leon proudly showcasing Kool’s Accutron luxury watch collection. The collection debuted during an elegant evening celebrating his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
“That event cemented our store’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury, exclusivity, and unforgettable experiences,” Ivette says. “Casa Leon embodies a lifestyle – where sophistication meets warmth, and every customer is embraced as family.”
Beyond jewelry, Casa Leon offers exotic leather handbags and coveted Lladro figurines.
The store frequently hosts events supporting local law enforcement and empowering women’s causes. In 2024, Casa Leon crafted and donated gold pins for each player on the Lake Mary Little League team to honor their championship success.
“It’s something we hope will be cherished by each recipient and their families, as this was the first time ever that they had won,” Ivette says.
At the heart of Casa Leon’s allure is an atmosphere of joy and familial connection, she says.
“My husband of 38 years this month, Rene Barrios, is a brilliant businessman with high standards, which reflects in each aspect of Casa Leon.”
Ivette also credits her staff for the store’s magical combination of elegance and warmth.
“From our manager, who has been with us from day one, to our sales personnel, who truly care for the best of our clients, to our master jewelers, who seek perfection and attention to detail in every piece – we treat every client like family. And in return, we meet the most extraordinary people.”
Casa Leon is more than a jewelry store, she insists: “It’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the timeless beauty of dreams turned into reality. A place where every gem tells a story, and every visit feels like coming home.”
