Our Story

 

Hidden Sea Star was officially founded in 2017 during freshman year of college at Quinnipiac University. However, in many ways, it was born—and has been growing with me—since 1998. I always loved creating. My passion for jewelry began in high school, when I crafted wire-wrapped pendants as Christmas gifts using sea glass I found along the shores of the Outer Banks. When I eventually ran out of sea glass, I realized I wanted to create my own coastal inspired designs and learn how to cast them in sterling silver. From the beginning, I was committed to building a jewelry company that was environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

Starfish have always inspired me. Starfish are remarkable creatures. If a starfish loses an arm, the arm will grow back. In certain species, the lost arm may even grow a second starfish. Starfish are a powerful natural representation of resilience - the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Resilience empowers an individual to excel in any and every aspect of life. 

Choosing the starfish as our logo felt natural. Hidden Sea Star is built on resilience, committed to spreading mental health awareness, and dedicated to helping end the stigma surrounding mental health. I wanted to take our mission one step further by donating 10% of all jewelry proceeds to benefit the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, supporting vital research and mental health initiatives.

As the brand began to take shape, I started sculpting models in wax and clay to be cast in sterling silver. I quickly realized that I lacked both the financial resources and technical expertise to cast my designs at my parents’ house, so I began building Hidden Sea Star’s supply chain from the ground up. Wanting to proudly say that my jewelry was—and still is—made in the USA, I was fortunate to be just a train ride away from Manhattan’s jewelry district.

I began visiting and requesting quotes from casting houses in Manhattan, and after receiving several inflated estimates, I met Kathy at Frank Billanti Casting Company. Kathy was not only incredibly honest but also willing to teach me so much–her team even helped me perfect the design for our love and hope rings. With Kathy's help, I cast my concept models, including the starfish outline ring. and I was well on my way to spreading the message of resilience to women and girls everywhere. 

A wonderful woman named Sarah Cody took a chance on me and Hidden Sea Star (we were going by Hidden Starfish at the time), and helped us tell our story—not once, but twice. As the brand gained attention and momentum, I realized it was time to expand our product line and continue growing the mission that started it all. 

I began sourcing ethically selected Earth-mined gemstones and cultured pearls to elevate and expand Hidden Sea Star’s designs. As I delved deeper into both the gemstone industry and my aerospace corporate day job, I realized how much there was still to learn. With the support of my corporate role, I was able to return to school to further expand my knowledge of supply chain operations. In January 2024, I completed my Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from Boston University, strengthening both my day-to-day professional skill set and the foundation behind Hidden Sea Star’s responsible sourcing and production. 

Today, Hidden Sea Star continues to grow—expanding our product line while thoughtfully enhancing our already sustainable supply chain. Our jewelry is crafted in the USA from certified precious metals. Our Earth-mined gemstones are genuine, ethically sourced, and expertly cut by trusted partners worldwide. Made responsibly and designed to endure, our heirloom pieces are treasures meant to last generations. Hidden Sea Star proudly donates 10% of proceeds to support the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

Hidden Sea Star is operating under Hidden Starfish, LLC.