In February 2017, feeling creatively uninspired, I stumbled upon an old collection of antique beads and stones I’d gathered since my teens. That night, I threaded raw lapis and vintage trading beads onto some black-plated wire, playfully crafting a design I called the “zim zim,” inspired by the Talking Heads’ song “I Zimbra.” What began as a whimsical, impromptu piece became the spark that ignited my journey into jewelry design.
By June 2017, I knew I needed a creative outlet that would sustain my newfound passion. I turned to natural shibori dyeing on raw muslin, which I transformed into pillows and bags under the name 7&Sun. As the brand grew, I returned to my original spark—jewelry. I began gifting pieces to friends, who joined in, helping with designs, content, and modeling. After nearly a decade as a buyer in women’s advanced contemporary fashion, I’d worked with some of the most unique and inspiring women in the industry. I wanted 7&Sun to embody their effortless, effervescent energy.
I dreamed of creating a space that reflected the muse these women unknowingly inspired—where cool things existed for cool people to enjoy. While my job wasn’t a dead end, it wasn’t where I envisioned myself. I knew I needed to slow the pace and shift my focus more on the environment and the maker, which 7&Sun was helping me do.
By spring 2020, I knew it was time to strike out on my own. Though my e-commerce experience was minimal and far from my vision of a dream store, I took the plunge, and my work evolved alongside my growing vision. Growing up surrounded by my grandfather’s precious gem collections—stones like sunstone, hematite, and quartz—sparked a deep obsession with gemstones. His carefully curated boxes, labeled “Gigi’s Rocks & Minerals,” were a priceless inheritance that would shape the future of my work.
7&Sun has evolved in ways I never imagined. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a thriving small business, with our product improving as the brand develops. At the core of it all is our mission to craft jewelry that enhances the wearer’s sense of self. This philosophy is woven into the very DNA of the brand, and our appreciation for the natural world is reflected in every piece we create—drawing inspiration from rocks, minerals, and precious gemstones. Welcome to 7&Sun, where each piece tells a story of connection and self-expression.
