Haley is one of Hunter’s friends from college and I had the privilege of meeting her a few years ago.  She makes beautiful jewelry and I’ve even been gifted some pieces by the Huz.  Haley was the perfect entrepreneur to finish my local gift spotlight for Valentine’s Day, and this one is for anyone looking for a special something for their lady.

What’s your company’s story?

I started making jewelry when I was 12 years old after inheriting a large box of costume jewelry.  I have always been intrigued with how things work and putting things together.  My mom started taking me to the local bead store to purchase beads and materials that I could combine with the vintage costume jewelry.  I began gifting my designs to my friends and as I got older, I caught the attention of the ladies at the law firm I worked at after school.  One of the lawyers had a jewelry show for me when I was 15 and that is where I realized that I could make money from a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed.   I started working at a bead store and continued selling my designs through high school and college.  My senior year at the University of South Carolina, I won acceptance into the USC Technology Incubator, where I received funding and resources to grow my company.  That is when I knew, this was going to be my job after college.

I renamed my company from Designs by Haley to Hermosa Jewelry in 2009 after receiving my grant from USC.  I wanted to create a brand and it was time to upgrade my logo and name.  “Hermosa” means beautiful in Spanish which is just what you feel when you wear my unique designs.  I studied International Business, Marketing, and Spanish and studied abroad in Seville, Spain for a semester.  I wanted to incorporate my Spanish influences and Hermosa ended up being the perfect name and appropriate meaning.

What style of jewelry is your favorite?

My favorite styles that I make are the one of a kind large statement necklaces.  I don’t like to dress like everyone else, and so I use my jewelry to express my own individual style.  I also love my Convertible necklaces made with magnets that you can connect to wear different ways and lengths.  I love creating pieces that are versatile and multifunctional.

Where can people buy your jewelry?

I sell my products at my studio and showroom in Mt. Pleasant (1304 Erckmann Drive, Suite D Mt Pleasant, SC 29464), local and regional events and home shows, select boutiques and specialty shops, and online at hermosajewelry.com.  You can also find Hermosa Jewelry at these retailers or come to an upcoming event.

If you’re looking for the right piece, Haley has put together some suggestions for every woman…

For the classic girl: Pearls

For the minimalistic girl: Delicate necklaces

For the fun and outgoing girl: Tassels

For the outdoorsy girl: Horns

Want to learn more? Find Hermosa Jewelry on Facebook, Instagram or email Haley!  Plus you can use the code KELDER15 for 15% off until midnight on February 13th!  Now you have no excuse not to spoil your lady…