Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristy Cali

Hi Cristy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My story begins with a deep connection to two vibrant cultures: Guatemala and New Orleans. I was born into a family of entrepreneurs who ran a jewelry business in the French Quarter, which gave me early exposure to the world of retail and design. My family had originally been involved in exporting handmade Guatemalan goods, and much of their inventory adorned the shelves of our French Quarter shop. Growing up in that environment, I had the privilege of traveling with my family on sourcing trips around the world. These experiences were invaluable, as they introduced me to artisan jewelry, the art of craftsmanship, and the personal stories behind each piece.

I started my journey into jewelry design through hand-beading gemstone necklaces and bracelets for the store, guided by my mother’s expertise. Over time, I began sketching my own designs, which she helped bring to life through her connections with jewelry casting houses. These early experiences planted the seed for what would eventually become Cristy Cali Jewelry.

After working for my family’s business for seven years, I realized I needed more creative freedom. The business was a blend of traditional values, and while I honored that legacy, my vision started to clash with the established way of doing things. I wanted to express my own creative voice, and I knew that to maintain the strength of my family relationships, I needed to step out on my own. So, in 2012, I founded Cristy Cali Jewelry.

My journey as a solo entrepreneur hasn’t been without challenges, but each obstacle pushed me to evolve both personally and professionally. A turning point was opening my brick-and-mortar store on Magazine Street in 2019, right before the pandemic hit. While the timing was far from ideal, it forced me to pivot and fully embrace e-commerce, which has become a key part of my business today. We later expanded our original distribution office and transitioned to a private showroom, allowing us to focus on personalized service and in-person visits while maintaining our online presence.

What drives me every day is my passion for creating jewelry that connects people to something deeper—whether it’s a cherished memory, a sense of heritage, or simply the feeling of wearing something beautiful. I’ve always been inspired by the rich cultures I come from, and I love sharing that with the world. My designs are a reflection of this duality: the vibrant, magical energy of New Orleans combined with the timeless traditions and elegance of Guatemalan craftsmanship.

Now, over a decade into my entrepreneurial journey, I’m grateful for every twist and turn. From launching my Cosmic Collection to being recognized with the Entrepreneurial Success Award from the SBA, it’s been a humbling and rewarding experience. But what I treasure most is the opportunity to connect with my customers and offer them pieces that hold meaning beyond just adornment. That’s what keeps me inspired to continue creating.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it! But I’ve come to realize that every challenge has been a lesson in disguise, pushing me to grow and adapt in ways I never imagined.

One of the biggest challenges came early on. I opened my first brick-and-mortar store on Magazine Street in late 2019, just months before the pandemic hit. The timing was tough. After pouring so much energy and resources into launching the store, we were hit with shutdowns, uncertainty, and a huge shift in how customers were shopping. Like many small businesses, I had to quickly pivot and rethink my entire business model. That’s when I decided to close the storefront and focus on creating a more private showroom experience, while doubling down on our online presence. Shifting gears so suddenly was stressful, but it was also an opportunity to evolve and strengthen my e-commerce strategy, which has since become a cornerstone of the brand.

Another major challenge has been navigating the dynamics of working in a family business. When I was with my family’s jewelry store, I eventually realized that while I loved the business, my creative vision was clashing with the traditional way things were done. It created tension, both personally and professionally. I had to make the difficult decision to branch out on my own, not just to preserve my own creative freedom, but also to keep my family relationships strong. It wasn’t easy to leave that safety net behind, but it was necessary for my growth. That experience taught me the importance of trusting my instincts and following my own path, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Beyond that, there are the typical challenges that come with entrepreneurship—learning to manage cash flow, scaling the business, balancing work and life, and keeping up with evolving trends. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience is key. Every hurdle has taught me to stay adaptable, and it’s those tough moments that make the successes even sweeter.

Despite the bumps in the road, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The struggles have shaped me into who I am today, and they continue to inspire me to push forward, create, and connect with my community on a deeper level.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

What do I do?
I’m a designer at heart, constantly envisioning new ways to bring creative ideas to life. While jewelry is my primary passion, I’m also expanding into apparel and merchandise for my brand, creating pieces that reflect the same intentionality and spirit as my jewelry designs.

What do I specialize in?
I specialize in demi-fine jewelry, primarily working with sterling silver and 18k gold vermeil, incorporating high-quality gemstones into each piece. My designs are heavily inspired by the two places that have shaped me: New Orleans, where I grew up, and Guatemala, my home country. Recently, I’ve begun integrating Guatemalan jade into my collections, honoring my heritage by working directly with artisans in Guatemala to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

What am I most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud that my jewelry has found its way to people around the world. Knowing that my designs resonate globally is humbling. I’m also proud of the membership program and the community we’ve cultivated—it’s more than just a customer base, it’s a tight-knit group that shares in our values and vision. Lastly, I’m proud of my team, whose passion and dedication have been key in growing and running the business.

What sets me apart?
There’s no brand quite like Cristy Cali Jewelry. We’re incredibly unique, not just in our designs, but in the strong, loyal following we’ve built. Our community is deeply engaged and enthusiastic, and we share a positive message that resonates through everything we do, including the merch we create. We’re not just a jewelry brand—we’re a movement of connection, creativity, and intention.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

What do I like best about New Orleans?
I absolutely love the rich history and culture that make New Orleans so unique. There’s this incredible blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences that you just don’t find anywhere else. The people here are another reason I love this city—there’s a strong sense of community, especially among the small businesses, entrepreneurs, and musicians who keep the spirit of New Orleans alive. And, of course, I can’t forget the culinary experiences. From traditional Creole dishes to innovative new restaurants, the food scene here is unbeatable.

What do I like least about New Orleans?
Like many locals, I get frustrated by the politics and the political divisiveness that often overshadow the city’s real potential. The potholes on the roads are another big issue—anyone who drives here knows how tough it can be! And unfortunately, violent crime is a concern that affects both residents and visitors, something we all hope will improve in the future.

Pricing:

• You Are Beloved Hoodie $75
• You Are Beloved Sweatshirt $65
• You Are Beloved Hat $35
• Please Return to New Orleans Necklace $125+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cristycali.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristycalijewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CristyCaliJewelry/