Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Vessey.
Hi Cassandra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Cassandra, creator and founder of CositasBella, and I’m deeply grateful for this journey and the community that has grown alongside it. Jewelry-making has always been more than a craft for me it’s a way of expressing love, resilience, and intention. Every time I see someone wearing one of my pieces, I’m reminded of why I started, and it still feels surreal. People often ask how I came up with the name Cositasbella. For me, it’s rooted in the idea of never taking the small things for granted. The little details, the quiet moments, the subtle beauty in everyday life those are the things that truly make the biggest difference. That belief has always guided me, so when I began creating jewelry, it felt natural to honor it through my work. Each piece is unique, made to be worn and loved by anyone and everyone. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I’ve always loved how beautiful Spanish sounds, and CositasBella, meaning “small beautiful things,” felt like the perfect reflection of that philosophy.
Creativity has been part of me for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would go to Nordstrom with my sister, buy fashion books, and dream up businesses we even named one “Fashion Is Our Passion.” I dressed her up, made jewelry and accessories, and filled journals with ideas about owning a business and selling at markets. At the time, I had no idea those dreams would one day become reality. Life didn’t unfold exactly how I planned. I graduated high school with hopes of joining the NROTC program to become a Navy nurse, but a few weeks before graduation, I found out I was pregnant. Sitting in the bleachers that day, quietly holding that truth, I remember thinking: I’m going to be a mom. From that moment on, my son became my motivation to never give up, to keep going, and to show him that it’s possible to pursue both a passion and a career. I want all my children’s successes to be greater than mine, and I hope that by watching me build something from the ground up, they know that if I can do it, they can too. I continued my education through community college during COVID, earned my associate degree, and transferred to California State University San Marcos. Halfway through college, I moved out on my own and worked through school as a travel CNA and physical therapist aide. No matter where I was working, I always brought my big blue IKEA bag filled with jewelry supplies, using any downtime I had to create. Making pieces wasn’t just something I did it was something I loved deeply. Creating became my constant, my outlet, and my reminder of what I was working toward. My son and I made a small sunroom in our home into a craft room, our little creative sanctuary. That’s where I continued designing and making jewelry, slowly posting pieces on Depop alongside thrifted clothing. When my jewelry began getting attention, I started gifting pieces to friends and family, simply sharing what I loved.Everything changed when a friend asked if I wanted to vend at a market at her church. I said yes terrified but excited. My younger sister helped me set up and organize, and the response was overwhelming. That moment gave me the confidence to keep going. I began applying to markets in Encinitas, bringing my son along, who proudly helped me sell. Consistency became everything. Over time, I no longer had to apply markets started reaching out to me. Today, CositasBella has grown into something I once only imagined. From markets reaching out to me, to launching my website, working private events, and introducing sterling silver collections, this brand has become my full-time focus and my proudest accomplishment. Above all, CositasBella represents perseverance, love, and staying true to what lights you up. My advice is simple: stay consistent, even when it feels hard. When you lead with passion and heart, everything eventually falls into place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were many moments of struggle, especially early on. At one point, I was working full-time night shifts as a CNA, attending school full time, and raising my son as a single mom. Finding time for myself let alone my dream, was incredibly difficult, but giving up was never an option. I also didn’t have a lot financially in the beginning, and committing to my jewelry when I lacked resources was a real challenge. What carried me through was believing in my vision before I had the means to fully support it. I stayed consistent, trusted the process, and kept creating. That belief, even during the hardest seasons, is what allowed everything else to grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create jewelry that blends statement design with versatility. I’m known for my curated displays, pearl-forward pieces, and bold statement designs that can be worn by any age or style. My collections aren’t tied to just one aesthetic they’re intentionally diverse, allowing people to find pieces that feel personal and expressive, whether their style is minimal, bold, vintage-inspired, or modern. What I’m most proud of is the range and depth of my inventory. Every piece is thoughtfully designed, and I focus on offering variety while maintaining quality and intention. What truly sets my work apart is that each piece is one of a kind. I only make one of each design, and once it sells, it’s never recreated, only reimagined through subtle variations. That approach makes every piece feel personal and special.
Recently, I introduced sterling silver pieces crafted from broken vintage porcelain, including heart-shaped designs made from a reclaimed horse porcelain plate. Transforming something broken into something beautiful is a process I deeply connect with, and it reflects the heart of my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What brings me the most joy is the people I meet along the way the returning customers, the familiar faces, and the moments when I see someone wearing my jewelry out in the world or posting about it. That feeling never gets old and still feels surreal every time. But what truly means the most to me is being able to work markets alongside my son. Watching him enjoy being there, helping me sell, and seeing how proud he is of me is incredibly special. Those moments remind me why I started and make every long day worth it.
Pricing:
- 45-200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cositasbellajewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cositasbella_jewelry?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/saltysocialstudios?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Sofia Anderson Photos
