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

Christina , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

Christina Greene LLC is very active in charitable endeavors, with a particular focus on supporting organizations such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the American Lung Association, and the Houston SPCA. These charities are highlighted as being especially significant to Christina Greene, underscoring her commitment to contributing to community well-being and supporting causes related to health, animal welfare, and local cultural events. Christina Greene donates pieces of jewelry and more to a myriad of auctions and non-profit organizations in the Houston area and beyond. You can usually find a piece of CG jewelry at an event!

Christina Greene created the Texas Strong Necklace as a way to support her community in Houston, the home to her family, friends, and coworkers, following Hurricane Harvey. The necklace features an 18K gold-plated, nickel-free hypoallergenic brass with an Arizona Kingman Turquoise, symbolizing strength and resilience. It was designed to encourage, stand in solidarity, and provide monetary support under the #TexasStrong initiative.

Additionally, Christina Greene’s approach to her jewelry collection reflects a broader commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Beyond her charitable activities, her work is characterized by a strong Southwestern influence, with a focus on creating pieces that are both stylish and socially conscious. This is evident in her regular participation in community events like the Rodeo and the Houston Ballet Nutcracker market, which not only serve as platforms for showcasing her designs but also as opportunities for engagement and support within the local community. These activities demonstrate Christina Greene LLC’s dedication to making a positive impact through both direct charitable contributions and community involvement, reflecting a holistic approach to social responsibility within the fashion and jewelry industry.

Christina , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Christina Greene, a native Houstonian, Texas Christian University and Parsons School of Design alumna, founded her jewelry brand in her hometown of Houston in 2011 following a tenure in New York City where she worked in jewelry. Christina Greene jewelry collections, inspired by southern roots, world travels, and a love of art, stands out for its unique blend of modern elements and classic styles. Each piece showcases the beauty of natural stones, making it not just a fashion statement but a timeless addition to any wardrobe. Greene’s journey began when her own design was purchased off her neck, signaling the potential of her creations. She emphasizes quality, using genuine semi-precious stones and 18K gold-plated hypoallergenic brass, with pieces crafted by skilled artisans in Jaipur, India, who have become pseudo-family members of Greene’s over the years.

The brand caters to a wide audience, who value individuality and quality. Christina Greene’s jewelry is a testament to her belief that jewelry should not only complement an outfit but also be a conversation starter. With over 18 collections and a fine jewelry line set in 14k gold, her brand has grown from a local favorite to an internationally recognized name, maintaining a commitment to high-quality, unique, and eye-catching designs that empower women (and men) to feel confident and beautiful.

Further enhancing the brand’s allure is Greene’s commitment to community and philanthropic efforts. Inspired by personal experiences and societal needs, she has designed specific jewelry pieces for charitable causes, notably raising significant funds through sales for organizations like the American Lung Association.

The brand’s identity is rooted in its Western style, combined with modern elements and a focus on natural stones and high-quality metals. Its messaging revolves around empowering women to feel good, confident, and unique. The Christina Greene brand stands as a testament to Greene’s vision of creating jewelry that not only elevates an outfit but becomes a focal point of conversation and admiration.

Christina Greene’s journey is not just about creating jewelry; it’s about crafting pieces that resonate with individual stories, making each design not just an accessory, but a personal statement of style and elegance.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I will never forget waking up in March of 2020 one morning to text messages that Rodeo would be shutting down. I immediately jumped out of bed, got dressed as fast as I could, and got to my booth. It was then that everybody sat around not sure what was going on. I kept receiving messages that we were closing, but was instructed not say anything. I, along with everyone else, stood around in shock, which quickly turned to sadness, as the reality of the pandemic began to set-in.

After two days of packing up inventory at the booth, I immediately realized I had to do something. At this time, I started focusing on online sales, which before 2020 was not a top business priority to me or the brand. I started doing Lives on Social Media, posting photos, and even having flash sales. There were Facebook groups that were designated to shopping Rodeo vendors and I would post to those groups every single day. Sometimes, I wish that was still around. The support Rodeo gave me, even via a computer, was truly amazing. The entire CG team really came together to think of creative, strategic, out-of-the-box ways for the brand to recoup financially from the loss of Rodeo.

At the time, I was devastated that my biggest show of the year was gone; however, fast forward to now, we have grown both our online and social media presence exponentially and that definitely would not have happened if it wasn’t for the pandemic. Albeit a wildly challenging time, both personally and professionally, I do look back and see all the positives that came out of a (global) negative.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I’ve had to unlearn, which transparently is still something I have to remind myself of on a daily basis is that saying NO is okay. I’m a people pleaser and very much a YES person; however, when you’re running a business that is directly B2C, you have to learn how to say no or politely decline certain opportunities or requests. Again, I’m a work in progress with this one, but I implore any business-owner, especially female and small business owners, to set firm boundaries. By communicating those NO’s, polite declines, or lines in the sand from the beginning is something I wish I could go back and teach my younger self that you don’t, and shouldn’t, agree to everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christina-greene.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinagreenejewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinagreenejewelry

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of Christina Greene