Meet Norma Leu of Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Norma Leu.

Norma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born with a natural proclivity for fashion and art. Growing up in a family where jewelry was abundant, some of my favorite childhood moments were opening my parents’ safe, trying everything on, studying the craftsmanship, and convincing them that I absolutely needed a piece to add to my own little collection. Jewelry wasn’t just adornment to me — it felt like protection, like armor.

My creativity extended beyond jewelry early on. My mother owned an iron-on embroidery book, and I would decorate my dresses with printed designs, transforming them into something uniquely mine. I began making jewelry for my Barbies and dolls, and later sat beside my mother as she designed jewelry herself, creating my own pieces alongside her.

After finishing high school, eager to immerse myself in the arts, I enrolled at Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City to study graphic design. While valuable, the structure felt constricting, and I realized I needed more freedom to express myself intuitively. That realization led me to Paris — a city that profoundly expanded my creativity and sense of possibility. Living there on and off has been amazing for my journey.

Eventually, I moved to California and graduated from FIDM with a degree in Fashion Design. Soon after, I became a mother, and for several years my primary focus was raising my children and being fully present for them. As they grew older, I explored launching a clothing line, but I remained mindful of preserving the balance between creativity and motherhood.

I worked as a wardrobe stylist, launched a T-shirt business designing my own graphics, and gradually found my way back to jewelry. Initially, I created pieces purely for myself — until people began noticing, complimenting, and asking for them. What started as something deeply personal evolved organically into something others desired.

I was often told it was “just a hobby” and that I would never make it. Yet, meeting customers, forming connections, and consistently closing sales proved otherwise. I realized I wasn’t simply selling jewelry — I was sharing something meaningful. A single piece can transform how someone feels, elevate their entire look, and carry symbolic power.

I am deeply grateful for the Navy Lion community. Their support continues to inspire me to create fearlessly, to let my soul lead, and to keep crafting pieces that feel timeless, protective, and alive.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing meaningful comes without effort, and my path was no exception. The beginning, in particular, was not smooth — there was fear of failure, fear of imperfection, and the challenge of trusting my own vision before others did. Learning to move forward without waiting for everything to feel “perfect” was one of my biggest lessons.

I’ve faced moments of doubt, and the natural growing pains that come with building something from the ground up while balancing life. However, I’m deeply grateful for every experience along the way. I view challenges as opportunities to learn, refine, and grow. Each obstacle has strengthened my confidence, sharpened my creative voice, and reinforced my belief in what I’m building.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an artist and jewelry designer driven by the desire to create pieces that feel daring and distinctive, yet timeless — as if they have always existed. My work lives at the intersection of bold expression and vintage soul. Uniqueness is essential to me, but it must carry a sense of history, symbolism, and permanence.

I experience creativity instinctively. I see the world through an art-enhanced lens, constantly absorbing shapes, curves, textures, and details. Design flows through me in a way that’s difficult to explain — it’s intuitive, emotional, and deeply personal. If time allowed, I could design a new collection every day, but I’ve learned the importance of patience and honoring the full process behind each piece.

What sets my work apart is my refusal to look like anyone else. I’m deeply uncomfortable with imitation, and that philosophy is reflected in every design I create. Each piece is meant to feel one-of-a-kind, yet familiar — like a modern heirloom.

My inspiration doesn’t come from trends or a single source. It comes from living in different countries, being surrounded by jewelry from a young age, and years of visual and cultural exposure — but ultimately, everything I create comes from within. I’m most proud of building a body of work that feels authentic, soulful, and meaningful to the people who wear it.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating truly unique, high-quality pieces that feel luxurious, substantial, and timeless. I focus on craftsmanship and weight — jewelry that has presence, longevity, and meaning. My goal is to create pieces that transcend trends, are worn for years, and eventually become heirlooms. True luxury, to me, is originality, integrity, and permanence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Navylion.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/navylion_

Image Credits
Photographer: Antoine Delage
Models: Robin Roillot &
Lily Ciannamea