We were lucky to catch up with Sophia Rivera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In the first year I started making jewelry and running a small business I was simultaneously working as a manager at a jewelry store and going to school full time to get my bachelor’s degree in animal science. Truthfully, I struggled a lot with academics throughout my youth, especially in conjunction with maintaining my mental health. I realized halfway through college that I was not only in an unhealthy environment but that I wasn’t nearly as passionate about the sciences as I once was. Starting my career in the jewelry industry as the manager of a small town, small business, I never would have assumed that that’s where life would take me. My love for fashion and using it as a form of self-expression has always been all consuming, yet I never expected it to be more than a job or hobby. Once I started making jewelry, I realized that I had found the one thing that gave me drive in my life, the one thing that I could not only make an income with, but helped me to be happy and healthy. At first, it was just a side hustle, something I saw as a life long hobby. But, as I neared the end of undergrad, I didn’t want to pursue animal science, it didn’t make my life worth living like being an artist did. I was caught up on the fact that I had spent four years pursuing a stable career, it didn’t seem plausible to drop it all to do what I love. But, I took the risk and did just that. For the last two and half years, my life has revolved around working in fine jewelry and making jewelry for my brand. Every now and then I wonder if this was the right decision, but I couldn’t be happier with my choice to make fashion and jewelry my life.

Sophia, 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?

My jewelry making journey started in 2020, pre pandemic. I had the pleasure of taking a metal smithing class on my college campus. There I learned the basics of metal smithing and my designs slowly started to gain some traction through my instagram. Prior to starting my business, I sold my signature metal smithed earrings at the time to friends and friends of friends, word of mouth is huge on a college campus. Once the pandemic hit, I recreated a miniature version of the school studio in my garage and started my business Piezas Únicas with my best friend who made resin/polymer clay jewelry. We hosted a number of craft sales and garnered a decent following in our college town. From there I moved to LA, away from my bestie and decided to pursue jewelry on my own, rebranding to Golden Comet Jewelry.

I create sterling silver metal smithed pieces as well as hand wire wrapped brass and silver jewelry. I think what sets me apart is my long time mission of creating one of a kind pieces. Although there are replicated pieces that are important to sustain the business, I thrive on creating products for the customers that are not only one of a kind in relation to other creators, but even in relation to other pieces I have created myself.

I am most proud of my leap into the jewelry industry after having pursued animal science for four years, as well as my self taught methods. Despite the original metal smithing class teaching me the basics of the craft, I have collected a multitude of skills within metal smithing and wire wrapping by myself. I am also very proud to know that this business is solely mine, a representation of me.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Other individual small business owners know that it is a true feat running an artistic business from the ground up. From designing, to sourcing ethical stones and sustainable materials, to production, to social media marketing /website design/photography, to customer service, it is all me. This is a one person show and it can be a lot harder than it appears online. Metal smithing is an intense, multifaceted craft. I like to describe it as, gluing metal with fire, something I don’t really think the masses understand sometimes.

I think because of of the intensity of the craft and the multitude of tasks I need to complete in order for my art to be seen by the world, there is an extreme pressure to create. I time and time again have struggled with work life balance and creative block, there’s no blueprint for this path in life, it’s hard going it alone sometimes. But at the end of the day my happiness and that of my customers is what pushes me to fight for this path.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love making jewelry not only because of the flame it ignites within me but the pure joy it brings to those who wear my art. Fashion is one of the truest forms of self expression and it makes me beyond ecstatic knowing that my pieces can aid in making someone feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Contact Info:

• Website: goldencometjewelry.com
• Instagram: goldencometjewelry