Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandy Rubin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sandy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Being a small business owner, there is no shortage of risks. If you own a business, I’m sure you can agree that all the decisions made both large and small, can really affect your business overall. The risks you do take but also the ones you don’t.

From the very first big risk of taking metal smithing classes on my $24k salary in NYC to shifting into engagement jewelry in the early 2010’s to the more recent risk of taking out a PPP loan to build our very special Collection of Time & Space. There have been actual hundreds of smaller risks that have ultimately shaped my experience and SRJ today.

Personally, I have found that each one of thoughtful decisions is an investment in myself and will always be a worthwhile risk. Even if it leads down an unknown path, I will still be further on my journey than where I previously stood.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

When I moved up to NYC in 2008, I was in search of myself and who I wanted to be in a professional setting. I tried a slew of industries and I made jewelry on the side to keep me creatively in balance.

Fueling my hobby, I dove into metal-smithing classes and soon became a regular in NYC’s Diamond District. It was a subtle shift where I had this side jewelry business to fund my hobby and gently became my dream and focus.

I would accept any commission that came my way to help me hone my craft. Then, in 2015 and after feeling at a loss in direction, I decided to quit my corporate job and dive into the jewelry industry full-time. From that point, I fully submerged myself in the industry and worked multiple jobs, often as many as 4 at once. My experience spanned from high end and vintage jewelry stores, to Diamond District jewelers and fine jewelry designers.

In 2019, I decided to take a much needed break from SRJ and moved back to Orlando, FL while continuing to work remotely for another designer before being furloughed in early 2020.

This break was the best thing I could have done for myself and for SRJ. By time I was furloughed, I was ready. I began to build my business back up and this time it felt different. It felt so intentional and right.

I had found a connection with myself that I was ready to share through fine jewelry and in early 2021 while recovering from donating a kidney to my dad (he’s doing great) and in recovery, I finally put pen to paper. As soon as I was cleared to drive, I went down to Miami for several weeks to produce what is now our very special Collection of Time & Space.

As an artist, we share deep and personal parts of ourselves in our medium. For me, this collection was born of the balance found in opposition. The Collection of Time & Space is an Art Deco retro-futuristic collection that explores duality of femininity and masculinity through curved and linear silhouettes, the continuity and stillness of time through continuous lines and negative space.

Our jewelry resonates most with individuals that connect with the nostalgia for the past and the nostalgia felt towards the future and for people who want an engagement or commitment ring that feels unique and special.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative business is when we see clients that really connect with the collection and how their treasure comes to mean something deeply personal. Especially considering the meaning in an engagement ring for both an individual and a couple as they make the choice to move forward, together, into their future.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Shopping small, sharing on social media, and referrals are the absolute best way society can support artists, creatives, and small businesses.

By shopping small, you are helping that artist keep doing what they are doing and you become part of their growth and their story You are also more likely to end up with a product that has heart and meaning behind it.

If you connect with an artist or creative, help others find their way to them. Social media is a full-time job in itself and many artists struggle with expanding their reach or simply don’t have the funds to invest in marketing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sandyrubin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandyrubinjewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandyrubinjewelry
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sandy-rubin-jewelry-orlando

Image Credits
Photos by: @airamdphoto, @doecreativeco, @unlucky.rabbits Models: @anamonetofficial, @angejoliebellemodel, @simplyxbianca, @jennyfromtha_b