Today we’d like to introduce you to Aminna Taylor
Hi Aminna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my dream job in 2018; unexpectedly became pregnant with my first son in 2019 and had my second shortly after and; got married somewhere in-between. Slowly, as I started taking on more roles and adding more “titles”, I began to lose what it meant to be me. Before I was a career scientist, “mom” or “Mrs. Taylor”, I was Aminna “Minna” – someone with a lot of confidence, high self-esteem, and who had their own personality and style.
Becoming a mom of two is when I really found myself battling a deep sense of loss. I went from being able to do whatever I wanted to barely having enough time for essential things like showering and sleeping, or simply eating my food while it was hot. After a while, I no longer enjoyed doing anything and was simply trying to survive from one day to the next. I was running on empty – always worrying about my job, my kids, and my husband – and not focusing on me and what I needed. One day, I reached my breaking point and finally realized I needed to start doing something for myself.
I needed to find a way to make myself enjoy the day and not just survive it. I had very little time to do the things I used to, but wearing something beautiful and getting dressed up made me feel like Aminna again. Many of my favorite clothes and shoes no longer fit, but I still had my jewelry. Jewelry had always been a way for me to express myself, my style, and my mood. But as a new mom, jewelry offered me something I had not expected – a way to reconnect with “me”.
My story, unfortunately, is not unique. So many moms have similar experiences, yet very few fashion or accessory brands cater to us or focus on making us feel seen, special, cared for, or appreciated. Being a mom and wife are important roles and I appreciate both titles, but it’s not all of me; I still have my own unique identity.
I started Twenty-Eight Minna – so named to immortalize when I reclaimed my identity as Aminna “Minna” – for all the moms who feel like they have lost themselves. Twenty-Eight Minna jewelry is a way for moms to rediscover who they are, embrace their individuality, and showcase their unique style with confidence. Each piece we deliver is more than just jewelry – it is a celebration of a mom’s multifaceted life, wrapped in a luxury unboxing experience.
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?
Believe it or not, starting my business was the easy part. I had great success at my debut pop-up, but continuing that success online, away from face-to-face contact, has been the biggest challenge. Brand awareness and getting noticed online is extremely difficult. So many people make it seem so easy – all you have to do is post on social and be consistent – but it really is not that simple. There is A LOT that goes into having and operating a business that I wish I knew before starting mine, just so I could be prepared.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Twenty-Eight Minna?
At Twenty-Eight Minna, “Jewelry For a Life Well-Lived” reflects our belief that living a fulfilling life starts with embracing and being confident in who you are. That is the essence of our brand and why our mission is to inspire confidence and self-expression in moms, and all busy women, by offering jewelry that seamlessly blends elegance with resilience. We specialize in curating and creating hypoallergenic, gold-plated jewelry pieces that are versatile and life-proof – perfect for women who embrace the many roles they play while maintaining their individuality.
What sets us apart is our dedication to the details, both in our jewelry and in the experience we deliver. I put a great deal of thought and effort into designing our packaging, ensuring that unboxing feels like a luxurious moment of self-care. This same care goes into each of our pieces, which are crafted to be not only beautiful but also practical and enduring.
We are most proud of how our brand empowers women to reconnect with their unique identities. Moms often lose themselves in the roles they take on, and Twenty-Eight Minna provides a way to express individuality and celebrate personal style through elegant, comfortable, and durable jewelry.
We want your readers to know that Twenty-Eight Minna is more than just jewelry; it is a celebration of self-expression and confidence. Whether rushing to school drop-offs, hitting the gym, handling business meetings, enjoying a well-deserved night out or celebrating milestones, our pieces and the experience they deliver are designed to support a life well-lived. Because we believe when you feel comfortable and true to yourself, you are not just living – you are living well.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
After officially registering my business, I spent two years doing research, creating my brand, finding and vetting my vendors, and getting my inventory together. Unfortunately, none of the early work I did helped me realize owning a business is more than just having a strong passion for something – it takes a lot of strategy and a ton of planning.
A majority of the research I did pushed social media as the major way to be successful. It was not until after I started my business that I found out you need to do more than just post on social and use hashtags; you need a marketing plan and an advertising strategy.
There are several free and reliable resources available online to help gain the knowledge you need to make your business successful! And sometimes, it pays to reach out and cold-contact other business owners in your industry; you may be surprised by how helpful the ones that respond will be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.28minna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/28minna/
Image Credits
McKenzie Kerry
Jodi Long of KCCI 8 News Iowa