Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Moran
Hi Jane, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For almost a decade, I poured my heart and soul into owning and operating a wedding catering bakery and bar service that gained recognition from the Cooking Channel, Martha Stewart, Forbes, Brides, and Charleston Magazine. It was a whirlwind of decadent treats, glorious wedding cakes, and tasty craft cocktails.
Transitioning from the world of high-caliber catering to the intricate craft of jewelry making might seem like a leap, but both worlds share a common thread: meticulous attention to detail and a passion for creativity. Just as I curated unique culinary experiences, I now channel that creativity into designing one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.
Over the years, my catering business allowed me to work with an array of celebrities and high-profile clients. I had the pleasure of catering over 300 private events with James Beard-winning chef Mike Lata, and personalities like Darius Rucker, Bill Murray, and Elle King.
One memorable moment was captured by BravoTV during an episode of Southern Charm. They made a gif of my eye rolls, perfectly encapsulating the behind-the-scenes antics that were part and parcel of high-profile event catering. These experiences not only taught me resilience but also added a humorous twist to my journey
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for many, myself included. The 70-90 hour work weeks began to take a toll, and like many of you, I started to reevaluate my priorities.
During this period of reflection, I decided to shift towards a career that would offer a better quality of life while still allowing me to express my creativity. It was a challenging yet liberating decision to step away from the frenetic pace of the catering world.
The Birth of Coral Strands
Nestled in the heart of Key Largo, Coral Strands was born out of a desire to create something beautiful and meaningful. Inspired by the serene beauty of the Florida Keys, I began designing jewelry that captures the essence of tropical paradise.
Each piece is meticulously crafted, reflecting both my love for the ocean and my commitment to quality. Coral Strands is not just a business; it’s a manifestation of my journey and the new chapter of my life.
Jewelry Inspired by Tropical Paradise
The vibrant aqua blue waters and endless sunny days of the Florida Keys fuel the creativity behind Coral Strands. Each jewelry piece is designed to capture the adventurous spirit and serene beauty of these enchanting waters.
Our commitment to individuality ensures that every piece is as unique as the person who wears it. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a subtle touch of elegance, Coral Strands brings a slice of tropical paradise to your life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
HA! Absolutely not! Initially I thought it would be fun to do fine art fairs. That was a colossal waste of time, effort, energy and worse money. I sadly discovered the hard way participating in an art fair it like gambling in Las Vegas. The organizer is guaranteed to make money between the application fee to apply to their event, the insane booth fee and then being rained out or the organizer flat out lying about attendance and their demographic. I quickly stopped doing them and instead focused on my the back end of my website and SEO.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What should we know? What are you most proud brand wise?
I focus on meticulously handcrafted luxurious yet affordable jewelry. Since starting on my journey I discovered jewelry is so expensive because of a combination of factors. Supplies pass through many hands and are subsequently marked up numerous times before they even get to the jeweler. If a jeweler wholesales their jewelry – there’s extra mark up to account for it being “discounted” to be sold to a retailer who then sells the jewelry at retail. And sadly there are those who just overcharge for their pieces. I recently saw another jeweler selling the extra same strand of beautiful tourmaline beads, from the exact same supplier, both with 14K gold clasp, for $1,000 more than me. I personally could never do it. I think being in this industry being honorable and trustworthy are the most important things. Jewelry can be expensive. But it should never be expensive because of greed.
What sets you apart from others?
You can find quality pieces, from reputable artisans for reasonable prices. My goal is to be one of those people.
What are you most proud brand wise? What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
I love the look of a knotted necklace on silk but what I don’t love are the basic silk thread colors. I’ve since taught myself how to custom dye my silk thread. My necklaces are now meticulously hand-knotted in an assortment of fun, bright, neon, ombre and even rainbows silks. I’ve taken it a step further though and match colors to gemstones – and if I’ve doing rainbow thread – I’ll make sure the rainbows are evenly dyed so that match on the left or right side of the necklace. It’s that attention to detail that I hope sets me apart.
I’m also in the process of learning how to metalsmith. For the last year I’ve been collecting an impressive arsenal of colorful gems that I’ll be making some insanely delicious vibrant rings, necklaces and earrings with.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Born and raised in the city of Chicago. I worked three jobs to put myself through Loyola University of Chicago while also going to school full time. Can’t just isn’t a word in my vocabulary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coralstrands.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coralstrands
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coralstrandsjewelry/
- Other: https://coralstrands.com/blogs/candy-gram
