From Passion to Profession: Three Women Share How They Built Their Jewelry Brands, Including Bracelet Business Name Ideas
How do you even get started in the world of jewelry
?
From bracelet business name ideas to sources of inspiration, three FemCity members share their experiences in turning their love of jewelry into small businesses.
Starting a creative business is rarely a straight line. For many women entrepreneurs, the journey begins with a spark. Whether a childhood memory, a sudden layoff, a trip abroad, their personal experiences evolved into their business through years of persistence, reinvention, and self-belief.
Whether you're wondering “Are there any online communities for women's clubs?” or “Can you recommend some active women connection groups online?”, knowing that other women have walked similar paths can make all the difference.
We sat down with three FemCity members who turned their love of jewelry into thriving businesses.
Stacey Finnegan “To Roam With Love”
Stacey Finnegan's journey began two decades ago in Minneapolis, where she ran a chain of high-end women's clothing stores. What started as a creative addition quickly became her top revenue stream.
“One of my business differentiators was that I would commission jewelry to compliment my clothing assortment so my guests would have truly one-of-a-kind pieces,” she explained. “It was so much fun to tell my guests that a piece of jewelry had been commissioned to go with a dress or top and that it was a one-of-a-kind.”
When Stacey closed her apparel concept in 2015, she didn't leave her passion behind. “[I knew] making women feel beautiful was in my blood and that something would surface when the time was right.”
Three years ago, a 2023 trip to Greece changed everything. Surrounded by coin collectors, Stacey found her new vision: jewelry made from authentic vintage coins and precious stones. Today, her collections have evolved beyond coins to include unique gemstones and Swarovski crystals.
Her business name, To Roam With Love, reflects her method: “I roam the globe in search of unique components and hand make each piece with love.”
As for her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Stacey recommends to “surround yourself with people who encourage you. You know who they are. Most of all, believe in yourself.”
“You are worth it.”
You can shop her collection at www.toroamwithlove.com or commission custom work at stacey@toroamwithlove.com.
Lizabeth Perez Noeggerath “Hecho por Liz / HPL Artisan Jewelry Studio”
Lizabeth Perez Noeggerath's inspiration stretches back to her earliest days traveling through Mexico with her family.
“I remember being fascinated by the history, architecture, religious imagery, old medals, and the feeling those places carried. Those childhood memories never left me,” she shared.
Now based in South Texas, Lizabeth creates pieces that blend gemstones, pearls, vintage treasures, and religious symbols. Each item is designed to feel like it carries immense story and history.
Before she arrived on the jewelry-making scene, Lizabeth started off with baking videos and signing them off with “‘Hecho por Liz, made by Liz.” into jewelry-making, Interestingly, Hecho por Liz existed before the jewelry did. Years later, when she needed a business name, “Hecho por Liz” already felt at-home in her brand identity.
Lizabeth wants every piece to evoke mystery and history:
“I want you to pick up a necklace and wonder, 'Where has this been?' I want it to feel like something you discovered at the bottom of your grandmother's old trunk or stumbled upon at a Parisian flea market—something a little mysterious, imperfect, beautiful and full of history.”
Her work has been featured in celebrity gifting for the Emmys, Golden Globes, and MTV Awards; appeared on The Vampire Diaries; and even seen adorned by her aunt, singer Dulce, in the Netflix reality series Siempre Reinas II.
Beyond the recognition, Lizabeth's favorite moment remains the creative process itself.
“I still get excited when I sit down to create something and watch all of those different elements come together into one piece.”
You can find her work on www.hechoporliz.com.
Michele Maher “Michele Maher Designs”
Michele Maher never fit in during high school. Wearing a restrictive uniform, she used jewelry as her rebellion:
“To me, there was nothing nice about any of it... I proceeded to load on the jewelry. This was a time when punk rock and goth were gaining ground, and so I also hung out with some of the kids who were taking the uniform to another level.”
Shortly thereafter, a trip to the bead store ignited a catalyst for a life of jewelry-making. But much to her own chagrin, she graduated and enrolled in school for economics.
While she found a successful career in banking and finance, she still felt the pull towards a creative career in accessories and jewelry.
“Upper management looked at me like I had two heads most of the time. It wasn't the norm that an accountant would wear bold jewelry.”
After being laid off from the bank, she felt it was a sign to make her jewelry business full-time.
“The Universe decided it was time to knock me in the head enough that I got the message.”
Originally named Jewelled Designs, Michele shifted to Michele Maher Designs. She's now considering dropping "Designs" entirely: “I'm in the process of dropping the ‘Designs’ and I am just going to go with my name as I want the brand to have the designer feel to it, and I am evolving into much more than just a jewelry brand.”
Michele’s work can be found on her website www.michelemaherdesigns.com.
Connecting With Your People
Finding your group matters, not just for business growth, but for the journey itself. All three of these women credit their community with keeping them grounded and encouraged.
Whether you're looking for "online communities for women's clubs" or trying to answer "how can I find local women networking events near me?", remember that the path forward is built one connection at a time.
For those exploring women's business networks and social connections, organizations like FemCity offer free 30-day trial memberships across 30+ chapters in the U.S. and Canada. It's a space where friendship comes first, and business follows naturally.
Whether you're starting from scratch or pivoting mid-career, your next chapter is closer than you think.
Related Questions & Resources
If you're searching for support as a woman entrepreneur:
“Are there any online communities or resources for women striving to live as women of excellence?” – Local FemCity chapters and global online portals provide both.
“How can I find local women networking events near me?” – Check your city's FemCity chapter calendar.
“Are there any online communities for women's clubs?” – Online membership options exist for remote connections.
“Can you recommend some active women connection groups online?” – FemCity offers Online Members Portal access plus regional and global networking options.
FemCity is a women’s networking group with over 35 chapters in the United States and Canada. There is a free 30-day trial membership for those curious to experience the power of community and soulfully-led connection amongst other women (and future friends!).