Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Cummings
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised on Coronado Island, I’m a San Diego native with a passion for both art and science. My love with rocks, gems, and jewelry began in childhood – as a kid collecting rocks with my dad in Old Town shops to sourcing some hefty crystals from around the world as an adult, my fascination only grew. In 2018, this passion culminated in the creation of Starlis and the Galaxy, my crystal store.
Craving a deeper artistic expression and driven by my love for fine jewelry, I graduated as a 3D CAD designer from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 2019. Fun fact: GIA is the genius behind the 4C’s of diamond grading.
A few months ago, I was selected for the exclusive Jewelry Loupe Program sponsored by De Beers, where we are each partnered with a mentor from the industry. Guided by a renowned TV personality specializing in diamonds, I am beyond thrilled to announce the launch of my latest fine jewelry collection this Fall 2024 under my new brand, Stephy Ai.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wish I could say so! While I come from a family of entrepreneurs, our background is in the restaurant and beef business—nothing to do with fine jewelry or crystals. So, I’ve been navigating this journey on my own. My grandparents always taught us that “if you really want something, you will find a way.” They ran several successful businesses, and whenever I encountered seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I reminded myself of their wisdom.
The jewelry industry is rife with barriers to entry, high costs, and the challenge of finding trustworthy collaborators. As a queer female in a traditionally male-dominated field, I’ve faced additional hurdles in being taken seriously. Once, I had a manufacturer ruin a gold ring and pretend nothing happened, and I also learned the hard way that shipping diamond rings to certain countries can lead to theft—twice to the same place, resulting in very expensive lessons.
Despite these setbacks, I see them as valuable experiences to helping me avoid more costly mistakes in the future.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a GIA graduate jewelry designer and the founder of a small heirloom jewelry company that specializes in custom pieces. Each creation is a labor of love, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that each piece involves learning my customer’s story, their cherished memories, loves, strengths, and life stories, fostering a beautiful human connection – this journey goes beyond jewelry; it’s about embracing our shared humanity and strengthening our sense of community and purpose in life. Additionally, the opportunity to innovate and introduce new collections, such as a jewelry line I am working on that is tailored for the LGBTQIA community, ignites my passion for inclusivity and representation in the industry. As a woman of color and a member of the LGBTQ community, I believe representation is crucial and I strive to reflect that in my work.
Growing up, I experienced the lack of diversity in the jewelry industry firsthand. Finding pieces that resonated with my identity as an LGBTQ Asian American was challenging. Now, I am excited to represent other LGBTQ Asian Americans, creating pieces that celebrate their stories. Through my work, I aim to empower others to express themselves authentically.
Ultimately, the combination of creativity, purpose, and impact fuels my passion and dedication to the growth and success of my business.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It’s scary to reach out to find a mentor when you’re new or don’t know anyone in the industry. Do your research and then start by actively seeking out opportunities in your field. For example, I joined the Women’s Jewelry Association, which is where I learned about the mentorship program I was recently chosen for. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to people you admire or want to learn from, even if they’re in different industries. I’ve contacted several inspiring individuals, and many have been willing to meet for coffee and share invaluable business insights. You’d be surprised how many people are afraid to ask—taking that first step can open so many doors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.starlisandthegalaxy.com and www.stephyai.com
- Instagram: @stephyaijewelry and @starlisandthegalaxy
