Conversations with Destiny Papalia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Papalia.

Hi Destiny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up spending my summer vacations with my aunt in San Diego. Every summer she would buy a ton of jewelry supplies and we would make beaded necklaces together. It stuck with me and I began making and selling necklaces and chokers in the fall of 2016. My business really took off in 2020 during the height of Covid.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has its ups and downs. When it comes to jewelry there is so much to consider, trends, seasons and of course there’s the economy. Some months will go extremely well and then you’ll have one bad month that leaves you going back to the drawing board.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create handmade neck accessories; stainless steel choker necklaces, bracelets and earrings as well as beaded specialty necklaces and statement pieces.

I am most known for my layered O Ring Chain Choker necklace design. It has a unique silhouette. The first layer is a choker that gathers in the center by a steel O ring. The second layer comes down and gathers right above the bust. The final layer is a chain that dangles along the sternum. It is certainly my best seller and is still to this day my most popular.

I am proud to have been able to create something original, something unique that people felt they could resonate with. I wanted my designs to stand out in a way that made people feel fun and flirty but also gave them this sense of dark feminine energy. Every piece is made with intention and purpose and I felt that my work illustrated that and helped set me apart.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I feel I take a risk every month simply being a small jewelry business. Whether it comes to designs or investments- risks are a must in my eyes. I would be nothing without every risk I’ve taken. There has been times I’ve thrown money to the wind just investing in precious stones for particular jewelry drops and the drop flopped. Other times I took a risk creating a unique design to carry me through a season or two. Sometimes the risk carried me through and I’m forever grateful for it. I believe in every risk I take and think they are most necessary in any small business.

Pricing:

• Plated layered O Ring Necklace $26
• Stainless Steel layered O Ring Necklace $58
• Ceramic beaded necklaces range from $35-$50
• Specialty and statement necklaces range from $60-$100
• Stainless Steel Knotted Earrings $28

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/alunagem
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/alunagem
• Other: https://linktr.ee/alunagem