Check Out Jéssica’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jéssica.

Hi Jéssica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Kobe, Japan, to a Brazilian mother and Japanese father. I’ve always felt like I’ve had a little bit of everywhere in me, and I think growing up surrounded by different cultures really shaped the way I see the world.

Fashion, music, art, and culture have always been a huge part of my life. I’ve spent years working in the fashion industry, eventually becoming a store manager, but I’ve always had this desire to create something that was completely my own.

That’s how Oceano Jewelry came to life. I wanted to create something that felt like an extension of myself, especially my connection to Brazil. Something that reflected the warmth, energy, nostalgia, and beauty of the places and people that have influenced me.

Starting my own brand has definitely been a learning experience. I’m figuring things out as I go, balancing a full-time career while trying to build something I genuinely love. It hasn’t always been easy, but there’s something really special about watching an idea in your head slowly become real.

I wouldn’t say I’ve completely figured out where I’m going yet, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m just a girl with a lot of different influences, a lot of ideas, and a desire to create something meaningful that feels true to who I am.

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?
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey so meaningful.

One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my full-time career in fashion with trying to build something of my own. Being a store manager comes with a lot of responsibility, and sometimes finding the time and energy to work on Oceano after a long day can be difficult.

Another challenge has been the creative process itself. I handmake a lot of the jewelry, which is something I genuinely love, but it can also be very time-consuming. There’s a lot of patience, trial and error, and attention to detail that goes into creating each piece. Sometimes an idea doesn’t translate the way I imagined, and I have to start over or figure out a different approach.

Sourcing pieces and materials from Brazil has also come with its own challenges. From finding the right suppliers to dealing with shipping, availability, and logistics, it’s not always as straightforward as I’d like. But maintaining that connection to Brazil is really important to me and to the identity of my brand.

I’ve also had to learn so much about the business side of things, from pricing and marketing to figuring out how to grow while still staying true to my original vision. There’s definitely been a lot of learning as I go.

I think one of the hardest parts of starting something of your own is learning not to compare your journey to everyone else’s. I’m still in the early stages of building Oceano, and sometimes I have to remind myself that growth takes time.

Despite the challenges, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see something that started as an idea slowly come to life. Every piece I create, every customer I connect with, and every small milestone reminds me why I started. I’m learning to trust the process and appreciate the journey just as much as the destination.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been working in retail management since 2018, and throughout the years, I’ve gained so much experience in leadership, styling, customer relationships, and understanding the business side of fashion. While my career has taught me a lot, I’ve always wanted to create something that felt entirely my own.

That’s where Oceano Jewelry comes in. Oceano is my Brazilian-inspired jewelry brand, rooted in my love for culture, creativity, and self-expression. I handmake many of the pieces myself, while also carefully sourcing jewelry and materials from Brazil. I love the idea of bringing a little piece of Brazil into someone’s everyday life, whether it’s through a statement piece or something simple they can wear every day.

What makes Oceano special to me is how personal it is. Being half Brazilian and half Japanese, and growing up in Los Angeles/Rio, I’ve always been surrounded by different cultures, styles, and influences. I think that naturally comes through in my creative process. I don’t necessarily follow one specific aesthetic. I love mixing different elements and creating pieces that feel effortless, timeless, and a little unexpected.

One of the things I’m most proud of is simply having the courage to start. Building something from scratch while working full-time hasn’t been easy, especially when I’m personally involved in almost every aspect of the brand, from making jewelry and sourcing materials to packaging orders, creating content, and connecting with customers.

I think what sets Oceano apart is the personal connection behind it. It’s not just about selling jewelry. It’s about sharing a part of my identity and creating something that people can connect with in their own way.

I’m still growing and learning, but seeing people wear and appreciate something I’ve created is one of the most rewarding feelings. My hope is to continue growing Oceano organically while staying true to the things that inspired me to start in the first place.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have everything figured out to start something meaningful.

I’ve always been someone who has a lot of ideas, but turning those ideas into reality can be intimidating. It’s easy to overthink things, compare yourself to others, or wait for the perfect moment when you feel completely ready. I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to take that first step and figure things out along the way.

Building Oceano has taught me a lot about patience, not just with the creative process, but with myself. Not everything is going to turn out the way I imagined, and that’s okay. Some of my favorite things have come from experimenting, making mistakes, and trying again.

I’ve also learned that success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. It’s easy to get caught up in what other people are accomplishing, especially with social media, but I’ve realized how important it is to stay focused on my own journey and what genuinely makes me happy.

More than anything, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and give myself grace. I’m still learning, still growing, and still discovering what I want Oceano to become. And I think there’s something really beautiful about allowing yourself to evolve without feeling like you need to have all the answers right away.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Oceanorio.com
• Instagram: @oceano.rio

Image Credits
Sean Singletary
Elijah Williams