We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cameo Cruz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cameo below.

Cameo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally during the pandemic in 2020. After losing my job and being immunocompromised, I needed a way to earn income from home, so with the push from my husband I started a small business focused on makeup bags and tote bags inspired by my Chicana culture.
Six months later, while designing a pair of earrings for myself, I took a chance to do something different with my brand and designed a dozen pairs of heart-shaped door knocker earrings with “Tucson” on them. To my surprise, they sold out in an hour. That moment gave me the confidence to shift my focus to jewelry—creating pieces inspired by my culture and passion for social justice.
In November 2022, my husband and I merged our brands. A brand that represents who we are and the values we hold close. He manages the merchandise side while I focus on jewelry, and together, we built Lower Arizona.

Cameo, 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?

I’m a mother to two daughters and two bonus kids, running the jewelry side of Lower Arizona, a brand my husband and I built together as proud Tucson natives. Lower Arizona was inspired by our culture, passion for social justice, and a love for creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind items. Our designs reflect those values, and while our brand may not resonate with everyone, it’s for those who share similar passions and want to express themselves through thoughtful, statement-making pieces.

We offer hypoallergenic, tarnish-free jewelry that’s gold or platinum-plated, including custom designs that allow us to create truly unique pieces for our customers. My passion for creating custom items stems from my own experience growing up with a unique name. I could never find personalized items for myself, so I started making them—and that passion is now at the heart of what we do at Lower Arizona.

What sets us apart is the authenticity behind everything we create. Lower Arizona isn’t just a business; it’s an extension of who we are as individuals and as a family. We’re proud of how our pieces empower others to feel connected to their culture and identity.
When you shop with Lower Arizona, you’re supporting a small, family-run business dedicated to high-quality, meaningful products created with purpose and heart.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The mission driving my creative journey is to provide affordable, high-quality jewelry. We aim to fill a gap in the market by offering pieces that are both meaningful and accessible, allowing individuals to wear their identity and values with pride. Putting a literal meaning behind “statement piece” one hoop at a time!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is hearing how my jewelry makes my customers feel. Knowing that something I’ve designed helps someone feel beautiful, empowered, and connected to their culture or values is incredibly fulfilling. Creating jewelry that resonates emotionally and helps people express who they are is what drives me, and that’s the greatest reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lowerarizona.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowerarizonajewelry
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/lower_az