Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Vaughn.
Mia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My love for jewelry started when I was 17 years old! I was just hired at this awesome jewelry brand and became totally obsessed with the jewelry industry. I was always thinking on how to design new pieces, how to style jewelry together and just creating with my hands. After three years, I went on to pursue Interior Design which I am still doing due to me being enrolled at a private college working on receiving my Bachelor’s for Interior Design. I worked for an amazing and talented women for almost two years while just starting my jewelry business at 20 years old. Then when COVID happened and I lost my job, I decided to take it in my own hands and get more serious with my business.
What inspired me to start my own jewelry business was the passion I have for it and the lack of community brands had. I wanted to create a community for women that made them feel beautiful in their own skin, to create friendship, to empower one another and to be a safe space for everyone to feel welcome, comfortable and loved. I also was disappointed with the jewelry I was purchasing due to it being expensive and low quality. I decided to take matters into my own hands to create handmade gold jewelry that is easily wearable and leaves women feeling confident and empowered. All of the pieces are designed by me with love and precious materials made in California. Behind each design, the intention is simplicity, yet to maintain originality. I wanted to create a jewelry experience where anyone can enjoy buying and wearing Luna Lux Gems without the excessive markups. Everyone deserves the finer things in life, especially jewelry.
Has it been a smooth road?
It defiantly has not been a smooth ride. Starting a business and running one comes with many challenges. It was most challenging working my job and going to school almost full time. Finding that balance and flow is still hard till this day. I felt like I had no idea what I was doing and just did not know where to start! I defiantly made tons of mistakes, but I am glad I did because without those mistakes, I would never learn from them! When you fall down, you always get back up 10x stronger. I remember just trying to watch YouTube videos, listen to others for advice, read, research, whatever it may be to help me learn how to run my business, but I learned at the end of the day the best teacher was myself, those mistakes I made and challenges I faced.
I always tell others just start that business you’ve been dreaming about, it will never be perfect in your eyes because you will constantly be growing. I look back at how my photos, website, logo and how they use to be and the difference it is from a year ago is insane. You will never move forward if you just don’t start it, but once you do start, you get that momentum and you just start to grow everyday. Someone once said it’s not about perfect, its about the effort, and when you bring that effort every single day that’s where the transformation happens. Don’t be scared, don’t let fear or perfectionism take over the life you deserve! There will always be challenges and sometimes a bumpy road, but it’s so beyond worth it!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Luna Lux Gems story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is a jewelry company that mainly sells minimal gold pieces. I make most of my pieces by hand and design most of them as well. I specialize in gold-filled pieces which means they will not tarnish with proper care and they’re safe for sensitive skin. I am most known for my affordable pricing with high-quality pieces. I feel that people deserve jewelry that isn’t expensive and they can wear with ease without worrying too much of it turning or making their skin turn green. I am most proud of how Luna Lux Gems has made so many amazing women feel beautiful in their own skin and the friendships that have been created in our little community. What sets Luna Lux Gems apart from others is the sense of community and bond I have with my customers. I try my best to show how much I appreciate each and every single one of my customers. I also put in all my love in each piece I make because energy is real and I want them to feel that when wearing their gems. Luna Lux Gems is here to have women shine like the gem that they are!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Jewelry is timeless and something that will never go away. I feel buying jewelry for yourself is still fresh thing to do because back in my grandma’s day, you never really heard of women buying themselves jewelry pieces, it was more of a luxurious gift a man would buy a women. Now with the technology and generation shift buying jewelry is something we women love to do for ourselves, for our friends, sisters, mom! The trends will always be changing, but I know that each piece you buy is something you can save forever and recycle. Jewelry will forever be timeless no matter what the trend is.
Contact Info:
- Website: lunaluxgems.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: lunaluxgems
- Facebook: lunaluxgems
- Twitter: lunaluxgems
Image Credit:
Images by Donny Doquisa
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