Meet Desiree Fedalen | Diamonds by Desiree Founder

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

Hi Desiree, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

I am a mother of 3, (ages  9, 7, and 4), as well as a middle school teacher. “Diamonds by Desiree,” is my passion and creative dream, and one of my many hats that makes me who I am today. I am a very type A personality, and my passion for success, and drive for hard work, keeps me organized and focused on many goals at once. These personal goals keep me grounded, and helps me maintain balance in many different areas of my life at once. I have been married 15 years; and growing with my husband through: undergrad and graduate school, moves, children, and career;, has been a challenge, and an adventure.

I have been in the jewelry world my entire life; my grandmother was “Ana and the Arts.” She was a painter, sculptor, jeweler and educator. I was raised from a young age attending Gem and Jewelry shows, bead societies, and experiencing the art scene of Los Angeles. She had a home studio in the West Side, that she would host beautiful jewelry parties, as well and workshops and classes.

On top of motherhood, teaching and starting my own jewelry design company; I am also an avid athlete (runner, yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and tennis). I attend a wonderful all women’s weight training group 3/4 days a week, where I wake up at 3:30am. During these early hours, I journal, pray, meditate and garden. My life during the week is pretty jam packed, but I live the life I choose, and wouldn’t have it any other way (well, maybe a little different lol). I love being an early riser, to see the best part of the day. This enables me to start my day strong and focused, so I may show up as my best self for my family, students, customers and myself. I am a libra, and the act of balancing many things at once is a virtue that I cherish.

I want to be an inspiration for my children; for them to see the benefits of hard work, perseverance, creativity, and love of others and the arts. Jewelry brings such joy to the spirit. Stones have unique properties, and their energies are brought to life through beautiful pieces that are cherished and enjoyed for generations. The search for balance in life ebbs and flows. Different seasons in your life, brings different needs, and your priorities will change. Staying flexible is a life skill that I’ve had to invest a lot of cosmic energy into, to learn the art of going with the flow, and living life on life’s terms. All of this is only possible if you can maintain a sense of self, and healthy boundaries. As I grow with my little company, I am thrilled and honored to invest hard work into my creations.  I love to see people share in my joy of jewelry, repurpose family heirlooms, enjoy their lives, and have the means and courage to investing in themselves, and loved ones. This search for balance will be lifelong, and I am sincerely enjoying the process and journey as it unfolds before me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My grandmother was an artist and jeweler, and my grandfather was involved in business and real estate. From birth, I was exposed to beautiful jewelry, and the business side of the jewelry world. I cared for my grandmother in her end of life, and with my grandparent’s passing, I inherited many beautiful estate pieces.

I met my husband when I was only 19, in undergraduate college. My husband’s family are primarily attorneys, and my father-in-law, was my now wholesaler’s attorney. When we got engaged, my husband gave me his great-great grandmothers 2 carat antique cut diamond. We went downtown to set it, and I instantly loved these wonderful brothers, and really got along. Over several years, I redesigned my family pieces with them, to make my jewelry more age appropriate and modern. I was constantly receiving compliments, and so many people kept asking me where I got my jewelry from. I was so enthusiastic about the diamond district downtown, that I was helping friends just for fun. When my dear friend got a 2-carat diamond from my guys, I thought, “hey, I should really be doing this for a living!”

I am a teacher by trade, I attended USC for my MaEd in math and science education. It’s been a wild journey, but I’ve really taken my time between having three children in five years, COVID, and the untimely and very difficult passing of my father-in-law (and my husband’s business partner). We’ve experienced a lot of hardship, but kept hanging in there, and have grown a lot .  I pray I am seeing the fruits of my labor these days; in myself, my marriage, my career and most importantly, my children.

I would say the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years is that if you are unwell, you are not able to help others. Running yourself into the ground to make others happy, just leaves everyone miserable and no one’s needs are met. It was incredibly difficult for me to give myself any time or attention, but through many forms of therapy and support groups, I have learned the awesome power of asking for help when you need it, self care, and personal responsibility. By doing these seemingly simple actions, you will strengthen your body and mind, and become the person you dream of.  These actions help you to have internal strength, self-esteem, to be a better person, and better able to serve others, and the world. I have a lot of gratitude and humility about my journey, and am not embarrassed about the struggles that I have endured. All people struggle, and if we can all level ourselves up best we can, maybe we can pass the baton or recovery and success, and be a guiding light to someone else in need, and start a positive karmic cycle.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our favorite place to travel is Northern San Diego: Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas. We love San Diego so much; it is an efficiently run city.  Their county really embraces personal wellness and fitness, and value the beauty of their town. Small businesses are also cherished and celebrated, and the overall vibe is extremely positive and healthy. It is a wonderful place to bring children, run, and exceptional coffee! If you are a fan of art and miniatures/models, we highly recommend a little hole in the wall treasure, “The Craftsmanship Museum in Encinitas.”  It is donation based, run by Veterans, and such a wonderful treasure for children. The little museum is all models and miniature homes/scenes. The workmanship is truly breathtaking, and so important for children to experience a simpler way of life, and old-time art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I live life in gratitude, respect and humility. There are many people and organizations along my journey whom I owe an immense amount of praise to.

My grandmother Ana, who was a jeweler, artist and educator. She taught me the incredible beauty and joy that art brings to your spirit, and the gift of sharing this passion with the world. She had a challenging life, but showed me the benefits of group work, self-help/ therapy, faith and friendship.

To my beautiful children, who came young in my life, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Being a young parent is very difficult in many aspects, however, I have been blessed with energy, and determination to overcome these challenges, so that I may be a better parent for them. My children have inspired me and pushed me to grow, mature and battle my internal and generational struggles, so that I may be the mother, and worker, that I strive to be.  And most importantly, to be a good role model.  I pray that my efforts are not in vain, and that I show them a righteous path of positive life choices for long term happiness and success.

To my husband, who is very difficult. Thanks for all the hurdles, you’ve made me a great spiritual athlete lol. We had some extremely challenging years, but through the power of recovery and growth, we may just see happier days and long-term success. Thanks for supporting Diamonds by Desiree, so that I may bloom where I am planted… with you.

To my beloved Rabbi, therapist, trainer, and al anon program; who have been such pivotal spiritual guides and role models. They have taught me that G-d may not always give you what you want but will always give you what you need. To always keep pushing in the hardest of times, and never give up.

Website: DiamondsbyDesiree.com

Instagram: Diamonds by Desiree

Image Credits
Zac Wasserman Z Penguin Designs Zpenguindesigns@gmail.com