Samantha Siu teaches us that creation of a unique beauty might be inextricably linked with humanitarianism. She established Samantha Siu, Inc., where each well-crafted necklace possesses its own story inspired by the author’s travels. Samantha answers where she draws inspiration, how she developes her passion, and why philanthropy plays a significant role in her life.
You have a unique approach to developing the brand creating exclusive jewelry and volunteering. When did you come up with this idea? How did you get started?
My love for jewelry making did not develop until I went to jewelry design school and designed and created something I loved. Growing up in the jewelry world, I saw jewelry very technically and was overstimulated. But I knew since the age of 18 (when I went on my first volunteering trip) that my heart belonged on the field. The need to help underdeveloped places was a passion that fueled my soul. So, I put what I was most knowledgeable at with what I had a passion for together and created an exceptional jewelry company that created good. Then, all I needed was the inspirational story that glued it all together: I fell in love.
Can you name your influencers? Who supports you in your business and philanthropy?
I am greatly inspired by my network of mentors, entrepreneurial women, and spiritual advisors. Some of them even include my aunts (who first got me into Jewelry) and my grandma, who taught me my first steps to understand compassion and love.
Since you refused a CAD machine, what are the advantages of hand-crafting?
The clasp, which is the most complex aspect of the necklace, is created from wax while the other parts of the necklace are designed on CAD. Jewelry sculpted on wax allows you to create intricate designs that a CAD machine can never fully capture. Each groove and precision of detail displays the technique and emotion of the carver. Each imperfect detail showcases the authenticity of life.
You monitor the design of every necklace creating its own story. Tell us more about the process of jewelry development. What do you take into account?
When I create each necklace, I think about the aesthetics, comfort, and the quality of each design. How does a clasp visually lay on the back? Is the design comfortable? Can the necklace be handed down in the future?
Does your travel experience resonate with creative activity? How do you transform impressions into new ideas?
My travels are what guide the path and story of each necklace. Where ever I go, I think about the colors, architecture, and textures that correspond to each destination. I think about symbols and shapes that could lay beautifully on the back of the neck. The history of where I am, along with the footprints I created while I was there outline a necklace’s identity.
People have an opportunity to donate while purchasing jewelry brand Samantha Siu. Why have you decided to focus on several different projects?
Like the necklace collection, “A Love Affair”, our inspirations can be shaped by many factors and places. My focus on education enrichment, animal conservation, and medical outreach are the building blocks of who I am today and how we can shape a better future tomorrow. Each destination is always heavily influenced by these focuses in “A Love Affair”. Though they may seem very different from each other, they actually work in conjunction with another. Our sister nonprofit, Phoenix Intl Foundation, and our partner non-profits (Save Elephant Foundation and The Neon Lights Museum) work hand in hand with each other where ever we go.
You have been in the industry for so long. Can you sum up the results achieved?
I would like to think I’ve created innovative jewelry that is complemented by the action of doing good.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently laser-focused on putting a spotlight onto this collection. I aspire to expand the line into rings and earrings while creating a line that targets a lower price point. But we’re going to have to analyze the reception of “A Love Affair.”
What can you advise people interested in the fashion industry and want to be philanthropy?
I would encourage all philanthropic designers to do both at the same time! I would motivate them to design based on the philanthropy work because designs are the most profound when it affects others positively.
