Meet Saddaf Yusuf | Jewelry Maker & Energy Healer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Saddaf Yusuf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saddaf, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative endeavor because, for me, creation has been both an act of self-liberation and a form of healing. My jewelry brand, Hera Jewels, was born out of a deeply personal healing journey, full of a lot of struggle, growth, and transformation. As someone who has battled mental health challenges throughout my life, I’ve always been drawn to objects that hold meaning, energy, and protection. Jewelry to me has always been more than just a fashion statement, it’s about the deep connection you feel to it. Making jewelry started as a creative outlet when I was going through an incredibly dark time in my life, and it became such a huge part of my healing my journey as I started creating pieces that became talismans of strength, and reminders of who I was becoming.

I also knew I wasn’t meant for a traditional path. I’ve experienced the burnout of corporate life and the disconnection that comes from following a path that isn’t aligned with my soul. Creating allows me to express my truth, connect with others on a deeper level, and empower women to see their own beauty and strength—not just on the outside, but within. My work is about more than jewelry; it’s about transformation, about giving women something they can wear that reminds them of their power.

Ultimately, I chose a creative career because I believe in the power of beauty, art, and storytelling to heal. My hands aren’t just making jewelry; they’re weaving together energy, history, and intention into pieces that help others feel seen, protected, and connected to themselves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hera Jewels isn’t just a jewelry brand, it’s an extension of my soul and my healing journey. Every piece I create is more than an accessory; it’s a talisman infused with intention, energy, and meaning. What sets me apart is that beyond being a jewelry designer, I am also a Reiki Master, a healer, and deeply immersed in the path of Kundalini. My own spiritual journey, through Reiki, energy work, and Kundalini awakening has shaped the way I channel healing energy, and I infuse every piece with that intention before it reaches its wearer. Customers can also personalize their pieces with specific intentions, making them deeply personal and energetically aligned with their journey.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. This business was born from my own struggles with mental health, survival, and transformation. I’ve navigated immense challenges, financial hardships, moments of self-doubt, and the unpredictability of being a solo entrepreneur. But every challenge has taught me resilience. I’ve learned that success isn’t about things taking off overnight; it’s about consistency, belief, and trusting that your work is making an impact, even when you can’t see it yet.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your energy and intention matter more than any marketing strategy. When you pour authenticity into your work, when you create from a place of purpose rather than just profit, the right people will find you. I want the world to know that Hera Jewels is more than just jewelry, it’s a movement, a reminder that beauty and healing can coexist, that the things we wear can empower us, protect us, and help us step into the highest version of ourselves.

My journey has been one of breaking, becoming, and blooming. Growth is painful, change is messy, and when you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to see any beauty in it. But even in our darkest moments, there’s light, we just don’t always recognize it at the time. Like the lotus, we’re meant to rise from the mud, holding both the darkness and the light. My mission is to remind women that their struggles aren’t breaking them, they’re shaping them into who they’re meant to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m pretty low-key, and my love language is quality time. So when my best friend comes to visit, we’d just take it easy with girls nights in, and lots of deep convos over wine or good coffee. No stress, no rushing, just a week of feeling good, eating well, maybe dressing up a night or two for a night on the town—for us that means a nice dinner, but mostly being present, no packed itineraries, just flowing and vibing with the current.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I could have made it to this point without the unwavering support of my family. I’ve always been fiercely independent, and it was the first time I ever allowed myself to lean on anyone. In my darkest moments, when I felt like I had nothing left to give, they were there, holding space for me, reminding me of my strength, and giving me the grace to heal at my own pace. This journey has been anything but easy, and knowing I had them to lean on has been a blessing beyond words.

I also have to give a special shoutout to my dog, Zuri, my little guardian angel in fur. There’s something about the unconditional love of an animal that can ground you in the present moment, even when your mind feels like a battlefield. In the loneliest of times, my dog has been a source of comfort, companionship, and pure, healing energy.

And above all, my deepest gratitude goes to God. This has been an incredibly challenging solo journey, one that has tested me in ways I never imagined. But through it all, my faith has been my anchor. Even in the moments I didn’t understand the path, I trusted that it was leading me somewhere greater. Every struggle, every loss, every rebirth, it’s all been part of something bigger, something divine.

Website: https://www.shopherajewels.com/

Instagram: shopherajewels

Image Credits
Female Makers Market