We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sara Patino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I’m from St. Louis and travel back to Colombia, South America to visit my extended family. Speaking spanish and staying in the remote ultra-green farm country of central Colombia has been my normal. Even as a kid, at the end of my trips I’d come home with handmade purses, belts and jewelry from artisans. It planted an appreciation for handmade accessories, nature, cultures and love of travel.
This was my first hands on understanding of accessories we enjoy; they come from the earth and made with intention by actual people. Watching a piece come to life was inspiring and has shaped my journey of who I am today.
I worked as a designer in the jewelry fast fashion industry, travelled overseas and came to discover that much of the jewelry metal and gem mining industry treats the earth and it’s people poorly. Not all jewelry factories, but many. It’s disappointing, unfair and didn’t sit well with me so I know it wouldn’t for you either.
You deserve a timeless collection you can feel truly proud of. Jewelry is the story of the materials, the process, the maker and YOU. It can lift your spirit, celebrate your style and still be kind to the earth.
Sara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
SPJ is a collection of jewelry for women who love to wear timelessly modern design so they can look, feel and do good.
LOOK
The look is elevated and minimal for everyday life. You don’t think about having to change your jewelry to go to work, yoga or happy hour.
FEEL
It feel is comfortable. All pieces are light and effortless. Just put it on and enjoy.
DO GOOD
Each piece is made with recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. I only partner with raw material suppliers that carry the SCS or RJC Certification which proves they are sourced in the most sustainable earth and people friendly way.
Also, I’m currently partnering with Women’s Earth Alliance. and donate net proceeds go towards WEA.
Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) is on a mission to protect our environment, end climate crisis, and ensure a thriving world by empowering women’s leadership.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I started Sara Patino Jewelry in November of 2019. My website became live on black Friday, and was able to finish the year with several in person events. For 2020, I had big plans to focus on wholesale. It turned out the world had a different plan for me. Covid struck, and growing the wholesale side of the business was not feasible. Stores were closed, and even going out of business, there were no tradeshows, and you know the rest of the story. It was a painful time for brick and mortars. I decided to focus on my online business, which was the best thing I could do at the time. I positioned myself well, so people could find me on Google, and partnered with several online marketplaces. I had to rethink what would work best for my lifestyle, and the life I want to build. I had my son in May of 2021, and have been able to enjoy my work, run my business and be present as a mother.
I do offer my jewelry through a few local shops. It’s important for me to have a presence in my town. It’s possible in the future I expand into more wholesale and travel the tradeshow circuit, but for now things are going very well.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
People find me through in person events, other marketplaces, Google search, Instagram, Facebook and word of mouth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarapatinojewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarapatinojewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarapatinojewelry
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SaraPatinoJewelry/