Describe yourself in 3 words…
I try to not let myself to be too easily defined, but I like to think I’m both bold and creative, and for the third, maybe ask my best friend...
What inspired you to create The Last Line?
I have been designing jewelry for over fifteen years, with each job and project there was the thought in the back of my mind… if this was my line, how would I do this? In recent years, it was less of a daydream and more of a fixation. I felt like I had seen it all and somehow something was missing. Beyond being a jewelry designer, I'm also a consumer and genuinely I love jewelry, always have, always will.
When I started to really research, there were definite holes in the market: reasonably priced, not-so-great design or amazing design and quality, outrageous price with nothing in the middle. I found that frustrating and I imagined I wasn't alone. From there, I began speaking about my theory with my girlfriends, family, etc. and confirmed, I was not alone in that feeling. Fast forward to today and voilà, The Last Line is here. The inspiration behind the name of The Last Line is it is the last place you’ll have need to look for fine jewelry and trust me, I plan to live up to our name.
Jewelry is personal, I wanted to present options for a new shopper to the established collector so in each drop you will have classics (with a twist!) and then some really fun special pieces.
Did your children influence your design?
I have three children two boys and one girl. They bring so much color to my life, figuratively and literally (read: lot of hearts, rainbows, and glittered items) in my house and they are always picking me flowers. Those elements of course translate into my design process and provide inspiration. There is also a bit of nostalgia from my own childhood that I feel now as a mother that also translates into my designs.
How do you balance motherhood with your career?
I would be lying if I said my sleep schedule has not been jeopardized, but truthfully I wouldn’t change it. I feel so lucky to be doing both “jobs”—I love my family and I love my career, I think it’s safe to say The Last Line qualifies as my fourth child! While I haven’t figured out the perfect balance, I try very hard to be present and to lead my home with love and enjoy all that I do, whether that is working late on a photoshoot or driving early morning carpool. There is beauty is all the emails that we go through, right? That means people are interested in what we’re doing and we should keep it up! And those hours in the middle of the night that my babies wake up during for what could be a million reasons, I try and find beauty in those. My concealer in the AM may need to be stronger but I know they won’t last forever and I’m lucky to get to snuggle these little bugs while I can.
What is your best advice for a new mom?
Relax, it’s all going to be okay. Enjoy the all the moments and don’t stress about anything.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Punta del Burro, Mexico. It’s my happy place. It's good for (my) kids because it's a short flight from LA and my energetic kiddos are instantly entertained by the beach. Our agenda is simple, all day we dig in the sand and play and they’re thrilled. It's amazing. They also love tacos and chips and guacamole, just like mama. It’s a total win, win.
What are your favorite children's books?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, and The Day The Crayons Quit.
Where do you like to shop for your children?
It’s rare I go into a store, but I love Trico Field in Beverly Hills. Online shopping is much more realistic with all our schedules, I jump between Nununu, Thumbeline and Maisonette.
What has been the greatest challenge of having a large family?
Truthfully, taking care of yourself to the same degree you did pre-children. Now it feels more regular to skip a workout here and there or stretch my color a few weeks more because of schedules. Moments alone are few and far between, to be honest, they may never happen again for me until my baby girl’s in college.
What values or lessons do you hope to instill in your children?
There are so many things I hope for my children but I find the most simple to be the most important. I hope that my children are kind to each other and to others. I hope they do not stress the little things and to always, ALWAYS follow their heart. As they grow, I hope they are encouraged to create and love unconditionally, it will always pay off. And of course, to always kiss their mama.
You started The Last Line with your husband. What are the benefits of keeping it in the family when it comes to starting a business?
Depends on the day—some days none and some days everything! The best thing is we share the same vision and true partners. There is no one else I could imagine working alongside, we are so in sync it makes it easy to work together. Uniquely, my husband who is the CEO is also a photographer and a creative so he’s super involved. On the other hand, I’ve been known to moonlight in a business decision or two so we fit together like perfect little puzzle pieces, balancing each other out and helping each other. I know it’s rare to be able to create jointly with anyone, let alone your husband, so I feel extremely lucky.