As we round out 2019, it means we're inching ever closer to the ten year anniversary of AGJ. And looking back, what a long way I've come.
Over the years, I've been lucky to connect with so many of my loyal, gorgeous customers, partner with some marquee retailers, collaborate with other brands and founders I've long admired, and build a team that I'm lucky to work with day in and day out.Â
Long gone are the days of soldering jewelry at my dining room table in my apartment in Santa Monica. Instead, these days I'm back and forth between my (newish) home in Piedmont to my studio in DTLA, with my two young kids (Luca and Mia) each under one arm, growing my team, building the business, and intently focused on where I see AGJ in the years to come.
One of our first and most iconic designs, the Love Knot was featured in the illustrious pages of Lucky Magazine (RIP), once the celebrated shopping bible. The coveted placement helped put AGJ on the map and that style into the AGJ hall of fame.
In 2014, Luca was born, bringing new meaning to the term #momboss and keeping me busier—and more tired—than ever. I debuted the Medallion Signet at the same time, as a subtle nod to the more masculine look I was in search of since having a baby boy. The ladies (and Rosie Huntington-Whitely) were into it, too.
At that point, we were growing so fast it was hard to keep up—outgrowing 3 offices in just 3 years. So we found bigger digs downtown, right in the heart of the LA Jewelry District. I enlisted the help of my close friend Krista Ewart to make the place chic, and the result was rad. Just ask The Coveteur.
I next debuted another all-time bestseller, The Imperial Disc, which allowed me to fit both kiddos name onto one hand-engraved gold disc. To this day, it's still a top choice for mamas—and ladies—everywhere.Â
For something a little different, we segued into the beauty biz, creating a collection of 7-free nail polishes, that we happen to think look pretty chic with our signature stacks. People go wild for our Candy Crush glitter.
I find my stride on panels and podcasts. Took work, and patience, but the chance to connect with customers (and potential customers) in this way is such a win-win.
Too many moments to count, but grateful for every last one of them that got me to where we are today. As I say, humbled, excited, and onward...together.
See the full timeline of (the first) ten years of AGJ here.
