Reflecting on the Journey
One thing I truly enjoy is looking back on my personal growth—celebrating accomplishments, learning from missteps, and thinking about where I want to go next. These moments of reflection show me how small, gradual steps have led to meaningful progress. One of the things I value most is recognizing how those subtle changes truly take shape over time. While there’s still more I hope to achieve, I’m incredibly grateful for everything that’s happened so far.
With that in mind, I’d love to share some highlights with you.
We ended the year with the Sugar and Shine pop-up event, and it was a great time. I was able to meet some amazing new people, and share my brand and get some amazing shots thanks to a talented friend. Plus, I got to enjoy some delicious treats from Sugar Euphoria (definitely check it out if you're in Raleigh!). The support from friends and the feedback I received made everything so special and worth it.
Preparing for the event was a challenge, though. Cameron that week had been having trouble sleeping and waking up at 3 a.m. (just when I’m my most productive!). Balancing that, while working to support my family, and getting everything ready for the event was so great lol...
But seriously, it taught me an important lesson. Jewelry design is a careful, thoughtful process that deserves time, care, and it's something I do not want to rush. While I enjoy markets, with the type of jewelry I craft now...things look a bit different! It also made me think about having some curated pieces that speak to the heart of the brand as well.
So leaning into that-- I really want to focus more on custom creations and events like trunk shows at local boutiques and even the launch of a curated showroom. I also envision private jewelry parties that you can throw with friends, with maybe some sparkling wine, charcuterie and of course jewelry!
I think after reflecting on preparation for that event, these new ideas will be a great way for me to balance my family life as well as continuing the pursuit and dream of custom creations.
So what else transpired...
Oh! The Golden Embers Collection was released later this year and I’m so proud of how it turned out. I will say I fell short in introducing the stories, so I do plan to continue these (bear with me!) :). And also, I think I would like to bring in more 14k gold options because crafting these really was a task and a half with 14k gold filled metal at times. I'm also hoping to get the collection photographed soon (hopefully in January!).
Growth and Development
As I continue to hone my skillset, I am so grateful that an amazing studio (OQZO), was found at the perfect time. It's such a great space to meet others and bounce ideas and questions off of people in real time. For me, this has truly been an answered prayer and gift!
This year also brought some collaborations. Like the opportunity to work with Shirnetta from No Woman No Girl for a beautiful gemstone necklace pendant in two gemstone options. And also with Kiara from The Banana Moon Blog for a social media giveaway. All together this campaign was able to donate $110 to the organization and contribute most effectively, during the critical time of impact surrounding Hurricane Helene. Thank you, thank you to everyone who purchased a necklace. You are so appreciated and I was happy to give back. I also would like to do more of this moving forward! So I'll be looking for organizations to partner with in the near future.
PR Features
And let’s not forget the media features! From British Vogue in May to Vanity Fair UK over the summer, it was so humbling to be found and connected with. It was something I did not imagine for myself and so I'm grateful that I had the ability to do it and hope for the opportunity to do more of them :).
And of course we end with where it all began, the re-launch of Changed Impressions Jewelry and the limited-edition Opal Collection. It’s been such a joy reconnecting with all of you, crafting jewelry pieces that meant something to you, and learning an invaluable lesson about consistency and grit lol plus lots of grace. For me, I do not like to live with the question what if...and this year, I think as a relaunch year, I'm proud of the accomplishments, missteps, and growth, re-branding has taught me.
Curated Showcase
I’m thrilled to share something I’ve been working on a special virtual showroom featuring an expanded selection of jewelry for every occasion—plus options for personalization! This exclusive collection is sourced from a trusted jewelry manufacturer and housed on my website, but it’s password-protected.
Here’s how it works:
Under shop, click choose “Custom Curated Showcase.” Enter password.
Check out our curated selection of semi and fine jewelry—a perfect way to discover ready-made gifts for special occasions or spark new ideas. If you see something you love, feel free to reach out and I can either purchase or create something similar just for you :). The possibilities are endless!
Find something you like? Select “Request a Quote.” and put as much information in the message box as possible.
I’ll reach out to connect, give you all of your options and send an invoice.
Once your order is confirmed, your jewelry will be processed and delivered to you!
Interested in exploring the showroom? Send me a message, I'd love to share the password.
On a personal note...
Cameron has been growing at an incredible pace—every moment is both a joy and a challenge, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. By God’s grace, Remy and I have also celebrated three wonderful years together—truly a blessing!
We’ve been learning to savor the present and cherish our time as a family. This year brought our first plane trip and cruise with Cameron, who’s already proving herself to be quite the model traveler :).
But all in all... I'm looking forward to creating more memories!
I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without my amazing husband’s support and the gift of time to create. He's honestly just the best!
Thank you all so much for being part of this journey. I'm totally leaning into more quality curated, more handcrafted treasures, and more time to connect with my family and others.
Love ya, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
-xoxo
Nik B.
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