Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Patricia Moses. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Patricia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The story of how I came up with the idea for my business, Starilized, is deeply personal and intertwined with my cultural upbringing and my love for jewelry. Growing up in a home that valued our Igbo culture, my parents made sure we connected to our roots, especially during our visits to Nigeria. Those trips were crucial in shaping my identity. I wasn’t just a tourist; I was truly immersed in the food, lifestyle, and traditions that made Igbo culture so rich. As I got older, I developed a strong desire to contribute to preserving and celebrating our culture, particularly through fashion and jewelry, which had always been something special in our family. I have vivid memories of playing dress-up as a child, wearing my mom’s gold jewelry from the 80s and 90s. Her vintage pieces, alongside the beaded jewelry she brought back from Nigeria, left a lasting impression on me. The significance behind certain pieces, like the coral beads, which represent social status and wealth in Igbo culture, fascinated me. There was nothing random about how people dressed or the jewelry they wore—it was meaningful, intentional, and rich with tradition. I loved learning about the symbolism behind each piece, and I would always try on my mom’s jewelry, with her constantly reminding me, “Make sure you bring my jewelry back!” It was in middle school when my interest in jewelry first took root. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was developing a deep connection to something that would later become a huge part of my life. By the time I reached college, I had cultivated a real passion for jewelry. I started collecting unique pieces, and it wasn’t long before my friends began asking me, “What are you wearing?” and “Where did you get that from?” My style was distinct, and it felt amazing to share my love for jewelry with others. But there was a problem—finding pieces I truly liked in stores became increasingly difficult. I had developed a taste for custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and I didn’t want to settle for mass-produced items. That’s when the idea clicked. One day, during my sophomore year of college, I asked myself, “Why don’t you make your own pieces?” It was a lightbulb moment. I started with a simple project: making fabric button earrings out of Ankara fabric. They were an instant hit, but deep down, I knew that wasn’t the direction I wanted to take. My true goal was to create gold-plated jewelry that reflected the timeless beauty of Igbo culture—just like the pieces I’d seen my mom wear. I began experimenting with materials, collecting supplies, and making custom pieces just for myself. However, as I wore my creations, people kept asking where I got them. Some even wanted to buy them, but I wasn’t ready to start a business just yet. I was scared. The idea of turning a hobby into a business felt overwhelming. But that didn’t stop me from continuing to make jewelry for myself, and eventually, I started selling custom pieces at local events and markets. In 2012, I got an incredible opportunity to vend at the African Marketplace hosted by the Sankofa organization at my university. That was my first taste of selling my jewelry creations with the world. But it wasn’t until the summer before my senior year in 2013 that I finally committed to turning my passion into a business. The turning point came after modeling in Africa Fashion Week NY, where I met makeup artists, photographers, and models. I connected with one of the makeup artists and one of the models who was also a photographer, and put a shoot together with my custom jewelry. The feedback from the shoot was overwhelming. People loved my pieces, and they wanted to know how to buy them. That experience ignited something in me, but I still hesitated to take the plunge. Finally, during the first week of my senior year, I created a website to showcase my jewelry, using the photos from the collaborative shoot. I spent time thinking about the name, and the word “Starilized” came to my mind. Stars are symbolic of light, and I wanted my jewelry to help people shine and stand out—just like the star-shaped pieces I loved. I began sharing my website on social media and started vending at more events. Slowly but surely, Starilized began to grow. Each year, I released new collections, and the brand continued to build momentum. In 2016, I hosted a sip-and-shop event, and in 2017, I participated in a New York Fashion Week event. Last year in 2023, Starilized turned 10. I threw a birthday celebration to mark the milestone. As my brand grew, I realized I could use my platform for more than just business—it became an opportunity to give back. When my brand turned 5, I started raising funds for charities like the Atide Project and donated a portion of proceeds from sales to causes I believed in. Looking back, I can see how my love for jewelry, combined with my cultural heritage, shaped the foundation of Starilized. It wasn’t just about creating beautiful pieces—it was about telling a story, preserving a legacy, and helping others express their light through my designs. What excites me most about my brand is that it’s not only about jewelry; it’s about empowerment, connection to culture, and the ability to shine in a unique way. And that’s the core of what Starilized represents.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve always been drawn to art and craftsmanship, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with jewelry. Growing up, I loved playing with my mother’s jewelry from the 80s and 90s. My journey into jewelry design began when I struggled to find pieces that reflected my taste, so I created my own. What started as a hobby turned into an unplanned business. I decided to listen to people requesting a place for me to sell my jewelry creations after they saw my creations in a photoshoot I collaborated in. As a jewelry designer, I specialize in creating handmade pieces that blend tribal inspiration with timeless elegance. What I believe sets my work apart is my commitment to craftsmanship and ensuring wearers of my jewelry stand out without doing too much. Jewelry is not just about adornment; it’s about meaning and emotion. I take great pride in creating pieces that resonate with my clients and become cherished heirlooms. Whether I’m designing a piece from scratch or creating a custom design, I take the time to get to know my clients, understand their style, and make sure the final piece feels truly authentic to them
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has been a combination of word of mouth and social media. Word of mouth has been incredibly effective because satisfied clients often refer others, which creates a strong sense of trust and credibility. Social media, on the other hand, has allowed me to reach a broader audience and engage directly with potential clients. By sharing my creations and how they can be styled, I’ve been able to build a community and foster relationships that translate into new business. Both these channels complement each other, creating a sustainable flow of referrals and leads.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to have everything figured out before I could begin. Early on, I never wanted to have a business. I was a business minor in college and believed that I needed to have all my systems, processes, and plans perfectly in place before I could launch. I quickly realized after starting that perfection is often a moving target, and the real growth comes from simply taking action, learning as you go, and being flexible. For me, that shift came when I started to embrace the messy, evolving process of building my business, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. Once I allowed myself to start, even when things weren’t fully “together,” I found that I could learn on the go and improve with more confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.starilized.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starilized
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Starilized
- Twitter: https://x.com/starilized
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@starilized
Image Credits
Steve E. ( @steve__e )