Sitting at a cafe by the riverfront in San Antonio I felt torn between two countries. Having met so many welcoming women in Texas, it made me feel nourished and fulfilled in a very deep way. So many of our amazing customers are in America, should I move back?
The last week of May was super emotional because of our first ever Couture trade show. It was exhausting and humbling. When you create something that you love and put them infront of your peers and critics, it’s kind of like being naked. In our eleventh year in the jewelry business, this is probably the biggest presentation of the brand. There were moments that made us want to cry and moments that really affirmed why we do what we do. By we, I mean me and Liga, my old assistant from my styling days in Shanghai. Thank god for the women that surround us that lift us up. Without my incredible logistics team in Shanghai, this would have been a disaster.
What’s the main take away from this rollercoaster experience? People are the most significant jewels in our lives.
Right after the trade show, I traveled to Houston and San Antonio to do a trunk show with Sloan Hall, one of our retail partners in Texas. I got to meet some truly kind and charming women of all ages. I seriously did not know that I have a collector of the brand who’s in her 80’s! Rosemary was wearing over five pieces from the collection and I was just floored by her vitality and appreciation of my aesthetic. I wish we had taken a photo together. I only have a photo of Ollie the owner’s cute dog.
When I first started the brand, I imagined young women in their 20’s & 30’s rocking our chain rings around town. I’m certain there are plenty of those women lifting weights at the gym and going about their busy days with a little sparkling happiness on their fingers from us. What really surprised me was meeting the women in their 50’s, 60, 70’s and even 80’s rocking Yi Collection. I did not know that my pieces could be enjoyed by women of those age groups. How closed minded of me! All women want to feel youthful and beautiful. All women want joy and magic! No matter what color, age, or ethnicity we are, appreciation of beauty and joyful gemstones is universal. I am truly humbled by all the women that collect and support the brand. It really makes me and the rest of the team want to do better and dream bigger!
America, I can’t wait to spend more time with all your charming, generous and beautiful women!