Small Jewelry Businesses Make Big Moves in Sustainability
In a world where fast fashion thrives from low prices, micro trends and cheap knockoffs, it can be intimidating and discouraging for small business owners to compete with big name brands. However, due to the increasing awareness of the environmental issues that come from fast fashion, many consumers have turned their support to small businesses. Small enterprises typically offer more unique items made through ethical practices. Because of this, investing in sustainable, eco-friendly businesses has become progressively popular, and rightfully so.
Whether it’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories or skincare, Long Beach has an abundance of small businesses and pop-up events. So, the next time you visit a flea market in the Long Beach or SoCal area, keep an eye out for these jewelry vendors.
GENTLE SUN JEWELRY
With an ethereal, fairy-core aesthetic, Long Beach jewelry designer and creator Kiara Tarazon started her own jewelry business “Gentle Sun Jewelry” back in April 2018. Her story of making jewelry starts in the second grade. Growing up, she received many charms, pendants and beads from her dad, with which she would craft into small wearable accessories. But as Tarazon began to take her skill more seriously and expand the line of supplies she incorporated into her pieces, her business grew with her.
“I don’t make items just because I think someone might buy it,” Tarazon said. “I make it more as an art piece so that someone might enjoy the beauty of it the way I do.”
Tarazon’s shop carries a variety of items: beaded earrings, hair accessories, necklaces, charms and mini prints. Prices for her products range anywhere from $5 to $41. Tarazon runs her business solo and handcrafts everything herself.
You can buy accessories from her website, browse her Instagram page @gentlesunjewelry or catch her at flea markets such as the Nyte Mrkt in Long Beach.
LUNAR ESCAPE
Chicana multimedia artist Karen Reyes began her small business–Lunar Escape–back in 2020. Based in Long Beach, her jewelry pieces are cosmic and symbolize galactic space, taking inspiration from the moon, universe and “this earthy realm we get to call home.” Reyes incorporates earthy elements in her products by using ethically sourced materials from local shops such as stones, shells, crystals and clay. Furthermore, she also includes recycled materials into her designs by repurposing scrap clay or creating with beads and shells she finds in local thrift stores. Aside from all her products being handmade with love and positive intentions, she strives to create high quality jewelry that is durable, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Reyes holds the ethical value that quality is more important than quantity.
Reyes sells her items through her Instagram page @lunarescape and her Etsy shop @Lunarescapee. She also sells at local market events and does free local drop-offs in the Long Beach and San Diego area. 100% of carbon emissions from shipping are offset with each delivery.
SAJIDA SILVA JEWELRY
With a background in fashion design and crocheting as her niche, small business owner Sajida Silva has broadened her skills as a designer to sell a range of items, including clothing, accessories and jewelry. After picking up crocheting for the first time in 2019, she started her small business in December 2020. Silva started with making clothing and home goods and eventually began working on smaller jewelry pieces, as she enjoyed working with small crochet hooks. She found jewelry to be more accessible for her art, with necklaces being her favorite items to make, adding charms and jewels along the way.
Silva feels enjoyment experimenting with earrings and the different designs and colors she can incorporate. “For me, it’s really important to always be making new products and to be experimenting and testing out different shapes and patterns. I don’t like to show up to events with the same thing every time,” Silva said.
You can find Silva selling her items at craft fairs in the Long Beach area, as well as on her Instagram page @sajidasilva, where she does most of her promotion.