We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tia White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tia, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The idea for Sun Moon Rising Gems wasn’t something I planned, it came to me during a really difficult chapter of my life. I had recently lost a job at a jewelry store due to a toxic work environment, and honestly, I felt lost. I knew I loved jewelry, but I was emotionally drained and unsure of my next step. That’s when I leaned deeper into my spiritual journey. Crystals, meditation, and energy healing became part of my daily life, not just as practices, but as survival tools.

One day, while sitting with my crystals and journaling, the name “Sun Moon Rising Gems” came to me. It felt like a message from Spirit… a reminder of the balance I was trying to find: my light, my darkness, and my growth. I realized I could combine my passion for jewelry with my love for healing. That was the spark.

From there, I started slowly. I began handcrafting pieces for myself and close friends using stones that had helped me on my own healing path. I didn’t have a big budget, but I used what I had. I bought basic tools, stocked up on beads and stones, and started creating in my spare time while still working a 9–5 to support myself.

The next challenge was structure, figuring out how to turn this into a business. I started researching how to form an LLC, reading up on crystal metaphysical properties, setting up a consultation process, and learning how to price my work. I created a name, designed my own logo, and slowly started showing up online, even when I was nervous. I officially launched my LLC in June 2024, and every step since then has been a learning experience, from writing policies, applying for grants, and building a website, to making my first few sales.

Starting this business wasn’t about having everything figured out. It was about trusting my purpose, healing through creativity, and building something sacred, not just for me, but for every soul that connects with my work.

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

Hi, I’m Tia White! The founder, spiritual jeweler, and creative force behind Sun Moon Rising Gems. I’m based in Delaware and I create handmade jewelry using semi-precious to precious gemstones that are selected for their spiritual and metaphysical properties. But more than that, I offer energetic consultations and custom pieces that are tailored to each client’s needs. My work is rooted in spirituality, healing, and the belief that jewelry can be more than an accessory, it can be a powerful tool for transformation.

My journey into this work began through my own healing. After surviving a few traumatic life experiences and leaving a toxic job in the jewelry industry, I found myself at a crossroads. I turned to crystal healing and spirituality to find balance, and through that, I reconnected with my creative gifts. I had worked as a jewelry apprentice before, but this time it felt different. I wasn’t just making pieces to look beautiful, I was creating pieces with purpose.

At Sun Moon Rising Gems, I offer custom jewelry pieces including rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. All handcrafted with intention. I also provide private consultations where I help clients choose the right stones for their energy, goals, or healing journey. Whether someone is feeling stuck, heartbroken, overwhelmed, or just looking for clarity, I use my knowledge of crystal energy to guide them toward a piece that supports their transformation.

What sets my brand apart is that it’s deeply personal and spiritual. I don’t believe in mass-producing pieces just to sell. Every item I make is infused with care, meaning, and alignment. My clients aren’t just buying jewelry, they’re investing in their own healing and empowerment.

I’m most proud of the fact that I started this business from scratch, while working a full-time job, self-funding every step, and overcoming my own doubts. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been purposeful. And every time a client tells me how a piece made them feel more grounded, confident, or seen, it reminds me why I do this work.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and Sun Moon Rising Gems, it’s that this brand is about honoring your journey, the light, the shadow, and everything in between. Whether you’re a spiritual beginner or deeply on your path, there’s a piece here for you. One that holds energy, intention, and a reminder of your own magic.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my journey and one that truly tested my resilience, was having to rebuild myself after losing a job I loved in the jewelry industry. I was working at a jewelry store where I had the opportunity to learn the craft hands-on, but the environment turned toxic and eventually pushed me out. It broke my heart and left me questioning everything: my talent, my worth, and my future.

But deeper than that, I was also carrying personal trauma, I had survived not one, but two self attempts on my life. Those experiences left me shaken, but also gave me a deeper perspective on the value of life, purpose, and healing. I knew I couldn’t keep dimming myself to survive. I had to start showing up for myself in a bigger way.

That’s when I turned to crystals and energy healing, not just as a hobby, but as a way to take my power back. I began creating jewelry as a form of therapy, blending my spiritual practices with my creative skills. Every bead I strung, every stone I set, was a piece of my healing being reclaimed.

Starting a business while carrying trauma, working a full-time job, and struggling with self-doubt wasn’t easy. But I showed up tired, scared, and unsure because I believed in my vision. And now, every time I receive a message from a client saying my piece helped them feel seen or grounded, it reminds me that I turned pain into purpose. That’s resilience to me.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Honestly, my best source of new clients has been showing up as myself online. Social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, has helped me connect with people who resonate with my energy, my message, and the intention behind my work. I don’t have a huge following (yet!), but the people who do find me are aligned, they’re looking for something meaningful, and they connect to the heart I put into each piece.

A lot of my growth has come from sharing my process, my spiritual journey, and being real about the ups and downs of building a business from scratch. People appreciate that I don’t just post products, I share the why, the metaphysical properties of stones, the behind-the-scenes of my creations, and even the vulnerable moments. That’s what builds trust.

Word of mouth has also been powerful. Some of my favorite clients came from others who had a consultation with me or wore a piece I made and shared how it made them feel. There’s something special about creating work that speaks for itself. People feel the energy, and it draws them in.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunmoonrisinggems?igsh=YXNkMGk2aHdjcm85&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18yu534Q8W/?mibextid=wwXIfr