Meet CC | Jewelry Brand Founder & Designer

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

Hi CC, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my business really began in 2018, when I attended a leadership conference. In one of the sessions, the speaker asked us to reflect on: “Where do you see yourself in five years? Is what you’re doing now fueling your passion? Is it making a difference?” At that time, I was working as an art director with a team that I loved and pride in the work we were creating, but in that moment of reflection, I realized I was missing something—I longed for more hands-on creativity.

What also kept me up at night was my personal search for unique, artisan-made, high-quality jewelry that was still accessible at an affordable price point. On top of that, I had a deep desire to create something bigger than myself, something that could support and uplift women in need. Those realizations came together as the spark for my business: blending my creative passions with a purpose-driven mission.

So the decision wasn’t impulsive—it was born out of honest self-reflection, a desire to return to the creative process I loved, and a drive to make a positive impact through both design and community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal and very intentional. Every piece of jewelry I create is handcrafted and hand-beaded by me, and each design is given a name rooted in a positive intention. My hope is that these pieces act as small daily reminders—to look for the golden moments in life and to strive to be the best version of yourself.

I design using gold-filled and tarnish-free materials so the jewelry can truly be worn every day, serving as little golden glimmers throughout your day. In many ways, I design selfishly—creating pieces that fit my personal style and that embody the mantras I need in my own life. But my greatest joy is when others connect with those intentions and find meaning in them too.

What sets me apart is that I want people to choose jewelry not because it follows a trend, but because it resonates with their story, their journey, and their intentions. Jewelry is so personal, and I believe it has the power to inspire, empower, and remind us of who we want to be.

The path hasn’t always been easy—balancing creativity, business, and purpose comes with challenges—but the lessons I’ve learned are invaluable. I’ve discovered that authenticity matters, that meaning lasts longer than trends, and that when you create with heart, people feel it. That’s what I want the world to know about me and about So Niice: this is more than jewelry—it’s art with intention.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d definitely plan a mix of shopping and eating—two of my favorite things! Of course, I’d take them to all the amazing local shops that carry So Niice pieces. We’d stop by Comman Goods, Joon Shoppe, Timshel, and Thread Spun—each store has such a thoughtful curation and unique vibe, and it’s always so special to see So Niice alongside other beautiful artisan-made goods.

For food, I’d make sure we hit some of my go-to spots. El Pescador is a must for fresh seafood, Hidden Fish Sushi for an incredible omakase experience, and Hinar Cafe for an aesthetically pleasing/calming coffee experience (especially with their Orange Blossom Lattes that they’ve graciously allowed me to tailor toward my matcha lattes AND their near-French perfection macarons by the The Macaron Shop). For a more relaxed moment, we’d head to Superbloom Cafe to enjoy coffee with a stunning bay view—perfect for soaking in the San Diego sunshine.

The week would be a mix of discovering local gems, indulging in good food, and celebrating creativity and community—basically all the things I love most about living here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to several people and organizations who have been instrumental in my journey.

First, the Worldz Conference I attended in 2018 was truly the spark that made me pause and ask myself the hard questions about passion, purpose, and impact—it set me on the path to where I am today.

I’m also deeply grateful for my family and close friends who recognized that even in a saturated jewelry market, I bring something different—a unique, meaningful, and artistic approach to design that not only deserves to be shared, but can also create real impact.

Most importantly, I want to recognize the Sister League of San Diego, a non-profit that provides housing for women in need. They have an incredible, women-led team and board of directors, and their executive director, Nuria Haro Lopez, as she saw the value in So Niice being part of their story, and that collaboration has been both humbling and inspiring.

My journey has been shaped by community, mentorship, and collaboration, and I feel so fortunate to have had the encouragement of people and organizations who believe in both me and the mission behind So Niice.

Website: https://shopsoniice.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/its_soniice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soniicejewelry

Other: https://sisterleaguesd.org

Image Credits
Summer Kais Photo Design – https://www.skportraits.com/