Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Street.
Hi Christine, 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 have always enjoyed creating. As a child, I spent my days decorating my room, trying on clothes to make unique outfits and hand-making greeting cards. In contrast, I come from a family of business-minded and practical people so I always just assumed that I’d become an accountant. Seemed responsible – practical.
I’m so grateful that my life took a turn and I followed my interests. I went to school for fashion design and have since swerved through many creative fields. Starting my jewelry line was not intentional. There was no business plan or broader message I was pursuing. I just wanted to make beautiful things by hand. It was really a hobby. But as my following grew, I realized that I could help support my family as I was now on maternity leave. The birth of my first child was also the birth of my business. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was also the birth of my true purpose.
Chocolate and Steel has evolved with me. I still love to make beautiful things by hand, but I also want them to have a bigger purpose. My jewelry helps support people going through difficult times and also celebrating momentous occasions. I have used this business to give back to our community. We donate profits to ACLU, NAACP, Trevor Project and Friends of the LA River, amongst many others.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has been smooth with many turns. The turns are opportunities to glance back and see where we were and gaze forward to dream about where we are going. I think the biggest struggle is having an idea and putting it into practice before a new idea presents itself. Everything is always changing so it conflicts with my desire for perfection. There’s no time for perfection.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I design and make jewelry for Chocolate and Steel. Chocolate and Steel is on a mission to empower women with genuine expressions of acceptance, love and strength in the form of jewelry with sustainability and giving back woven throughout. The collection is known for its extensive offering of jewelry with quotes. We have over 80 different quotes to choose from for your necklace. And many more on rings, bracelets, and even earrings. We pair these empowering messages with gemstones infused with supportive qualities. An opportunity to look within when the outside world is vying for your attention. Turning your intention within has powerful grounding and expanding possibilities. I create jewelry that uplifts and brings power to the wearer through its message and beauty – all with a sunbaked, laid back California energy.
I am proud of our commitment to the environment, social justice, and women empowerment while also making jewelry that you’ll love for your entire life.
What makes you happy?
I love to learn! During the pandemic, there have been so many new opportunities to learn online. I love taking classes, listening to lectures, reading books, and watching videos. I discovered this last year how much I love to listen to an author talk about their book. It feels like having a professor at my fingertips. I also subscribed to some metalsmith classes, an astrology school (super fun!) and fitness classes online. All of these things make me happy and I’m really enjoying my days.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.chocolateandsteel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocolateandsteel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateandSteel
