Rising Stars: Meet Anne Yang of Studio City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Yang.

Hi Anne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always believed that accessories can make or break an outfit. A simple look can be instantly elevated by a striking necklace or bold earrings. That’s what first drew me to jewelry, not just as something beautiful, but as something powerful. Even a basic white t-shirt can feel intentional and styled when it’s paired with the right piece.

I was lucky to have friends who were already working as jewelry designers. Watching them create by hand, mix materials, and experiment with shapes was fascinating. They were generous with their knowledge and taught me the basics of how to use tools, source materials, and bring a design to life. Those early sessions became the foundation for everything that came next.

As I started making pieces myself, I realized how much I enjoyed the process. Over time, what began as a hobby evolved into a deeper passion. I started designing pieces that I wanted to wear, that I couldn’t find anywhere else. Pieces that felt bold, playful, and versatile. Jewelry became my medium for expression, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path to becoming a jewelry designer hasn’t always been smooth and continues to have some challenges. I’m balancing a full-time corporate job while also creating, photographing, and marketing jewelry on the side. I spend my days in meetings and my evenings and weekends designing, making, and shipping orders. It takes a lot of discipline to stay focused and keep the creative momentum going after long workdays.

Other challenges include scaling up production, especially when I started receiving larger wholesale orders. Transitioning from making one-off pieces to fulfilling bigger, consistent orders meant I had to figure out a more efficient production process, source materials in bulk, and manage production timelines.

Marketing has also been a constant challenge, especially as a small business with a limited budget. Without a big team or ad spend, I have to get scrappy, relying primarily on social media and email marketing. Every sale has felt hard-earned. These challenges have taught me resilience and a lot of patience, and I’m still learning every day.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My jewelry is designed to make a statement, effortlessly. Each piece is meant to stand on its own, adding instant style to your everyday outfits. Whether it’s a bold necklace that transforms a simple tee or a pair of earrings that catch the light just right, the goal is always the same: to create something beautiful that makes you feel fabulous the moment you put it on.

We often hear from customers that wearing one of our pieces is the quickest way to get a compliment, and that’s exactly what I strive for. My designs aren’t the kind you’ll find copies of everywhere. They don’t look mass-produced; they have a touch of imperfection, character, and individuality that gives them soul. Each piece is meant to feel unique and personal, like it was made just for you. I think that’s what truly sets my work apart. It celebrates your style rather than blending into the trends.

I’m most proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve so far, especially as a side hustle! I’ve had showroom representation on both the West and East Coasts, secured major wholesale accounts with Anthropologie and Free People, and was honored to receive Zappos’ Emerging Designer Award several years ago.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I believe sustainability and ethical practices will become the norm. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency around sourcing, labor practices, and environmental impact.

Gender-neutral designs will also continue to grow in popularity. I’ve created pearl necklaces for men, and I think they look incredible. There’s so much potential in breaking away from the expected.

I also hope that smaller brands keep gaining ground, as more people look for fresh voices and support businesses with a strong story and point of view.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ayanadesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayanadesigns
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ayanadesigns

Image Credits
Ayana Designs