We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Silvana Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Silvana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful, I believe it takes unwavering discipline. Owning my handmade jewelry business has taught me that motivation can be fleeting, and you can’t rely on it to push you forward. Some days, the excitement isn’t there, and it feels like your hard work isn’t paying off, but success comes from showing up consistently, regardless of how you feel. I’ve learned that discipline means doing what needs to be done, whether it’s perfecting a new design or handling the day-to-day tasks.

There have been countless times when I’ve poured hours into creating jewelry pieces or preparing for events, and it felt like nothing was happening. But over time, I’ve realized that every small step, even the ones that seem insignificant, builds toward something greater. It’s about trusting the process and pushing forward even when the results aren’t immediately visible. This mindset has shaped my business and my approach to life, teaching me that success isn’t just about talent or passion—it’s about perseverance.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Silvana, and I run two businesses that are deeply personal to me: a coastal-inspired handmade jewelry line and a Catholic prayer candle brand called *Love Your Faith Catholic*. My journey into these industries was a natural evolution of my passions. I spent 15 years in fashion design before discovering a love for creating jewelry, which allowed me to express my creativity in a new way. My coastal jewelry collection is inspired by the beach and the elegance of natural gemstones, pearls, and seashells. My goal is to transport my clients to a place of serenity and beauty, as if they were on an unforgettable vacation. These pieces speak to women who appreciate elegance with a coastal, chic vibe.

*Love Your Faith Catholic* was born out of a personal need. I started making my own prayer candles during a difficult time when I needed a multisensory experience to help calm my anxiety through both prayer and soothing scents. I couldn’t find healthy candles with prayers on the market, so I began making them myself. Now, my Catholic candles offer customers a way to enhance their prayer lives while connecting with the rich traditions of our faith. Each candle is hand-poured with love, combining beeswax and coconut soy wax for a clean, natural burn. What sets my brand apart is the thought and care that go into each product—whether it’s jewelry or candles, everything is made by hand with faith and purpose.

What I’m most proud of is how both businesses serve my clients in unique ways. My jewelry helps women feel beautiful and confident, while my candles offer peace and spiritual nourishment. Both are rooted in my commitment to quality and in the belief that beauty and faith can transform everyday moments.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that everything I create is crafted with love, care, and intention. I’m deeply connected to my products, and my goal is to offer something meaningful—whether it’s a necklace that makes you feel special or a candle that brings peace to your prayer time. My work is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of my journey, my faith, and my desire to bring beauty and inspiration to others.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I always thought I would build a business in fashion. After all, I spent 15 years as a fashion designer and had dreams of expanding in that field. But when the pandemic hit, everything changed. Like many, I faced a year of uncertainty, not knowing what direction to take or how to move forward. That period forced me to reflect on what truly brought me joy and fulfillment.

During that time, I turned to jewelry-making as a creative outlet and hobby. It started as a way to cope, but over time, I realized how much I loved working with natural gemstones, pearls, and seashells, especially creating designs inspired by my love for the beach. What began as a hobby evolved into my coastal jewelry collection, and eventually, it became my new business.

At the same time, I started making Catholic prayer candles. I needed a calming practice and wanted a product that combined my faith with the healing power of scents. After a full year of experimenting with materials and prayers, I launched *Live Your Faith Catholic*, offering candles that provide peace, grounding, and a way to enhance prayer.

This pivot was unexpected but deeply rewarding. The jewelry and candles evolved from personal hobbies into a business that brings me joy and allows me to connect with others in meaningful ways. Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges of that year because they helped me rediscover my passions and create something that aligns with my heart and values.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There have been so many moments in my journey when I wanted to give up. I was exhausted, financially strained, and didn’t have the connections or resources that could make things easier. There were days when it felt like I wasn’t making any progress—doors kept closing, and it seemed like my efforts weren’t bearing any fruit.

During those hard times, I leaned on my faith and my husband. We prayed together, trusting that God would guide us through the difficulties. Even though I felt like giving up so many times, I kept reminding myself that resilience isn’t about instant success, but about staying the course even when it feels impossible.

What kept me going was the belief that even if I couldn’t see the results immediately, my hard work and persistence would pay off in God’s time. Walking by faith, rather than by sight, allowed me to push through the bad times and remain resilient to the setbacks. Each closed door was a reminder to trust the process and to keep moving forward.

Looking back now, I see how far I’ve come, and it’s a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and relying on the people who support you. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Https://jewelrybysilvana.etsy.com
• Instagram: @silvanahandmadejewelry
• Facebook: Silvanahandmadejewelry

Image Credits

Chelsea Barret