Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Strong.
Hi Sydney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My mother, llyn Strong, llyn Strong fine art jewelry in 1982, before I was born. She has a small studio in the basement of our house. I remember her working down there when I was a kid, making jewelry for art/craft shows all over the country. I would sit and watch/play as she worked. Occasionally, I would make some waxes, sometimes for family members, eventually making my line called “Sassy Hearts”, (my initials are SAS).
As I got older, my interests moved to sports- more specifically soccer. I wasn’t too interested in jewelry after that. Playing soccer competitively growing up, into college, and semi-pro for a while after. In August of 2011, I talked to mom about moving back to Greenville from Charleston SC (where I attended college) and working at the store (llyn Strong Fine Art Jewelry). I took more of an interest in jewelry, more specifically colored stones.
I went on to get my Graduate Gemologist dree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and started managing the store. In December 2021, I purchased the business from mom, giving her more time to paint and do a few more things she enjoys, although she will never fully retire and loves what she does.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a single parent, and a woman in a man’s world. starting her own business, llyn definitely had to work tremendously hard to build what she has built.
Her first attempt at a job wanting to be bench jewelry, she got hired as a bridal consultant at local jewelry, working her way towards the bench. I have been very fortunate to acquire a beautifully run business, not having too many struggles so far.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We specialize in high-end custom design jewelry using colored gemstones and colored unusual diamonds. We love to personalize pieces, creating a story for the wearer to know and share if they would like. Our style tends to be more organic and very feminine, and more so that not, creating the piece around the stone.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
llyn did a great job of being “ahead of the curve”. She has has a 3D wax printer for over 20 years, before it was the norm, an induction casting machine, and a laser welder.
She has introduced technology with keeping some old school/fabricating techniques, creating a beautiful blend of the two. I would hope that the industry continues to grow, keeping our creative juices flowing and creating modern, yet timeless, pieces.
Contact Info:
- Website: llynstrong.com
- Instagram: @llynstrong
- Facebook: llyn strong fine art jewelry
- Twitter: llyn strong
- Youtube: llyn strong
- Yelp: llyn strong fine art jewelry
Image Credits
Jessica Marie Berggrun, Max DiNatale, Digital Marketing, @jessicamarieberggrun, and @maxdinataledigital
