Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianna McNealy.
Hi Gianna , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started creating jewelry during a time when I was searching for deeper meaning… a way to reconnect with myself, my ancestry, and the divine feminine within me. What began as a form of healing through my hands slowly transformed into SOLSVN, a wearable art brand that fuses storytelling, spirituality, and design.
Each piece I make is an exploration of memory, energy, and identity. My background in psychology and political science shaped my understanding of human emotion and self-expression, while my studies in metalwork and beadwork gave me the tools to translate those ideas into form. What started as small experiments with copper and crystals evolved into sculptural crowns, body adornments, and jewelry that carry the energy of protection and power.
Over time, my creations began to travel, featured in Vogue UK, seen on P-Valley, and exhibited in galleries and studios. But what means the most to me is the way people connect to the pieces; how they feel seen, divine, or transformed when they wear them.
Today, I continue expanding SOLSVN as both an artist and designer, blending ancient symbology with modern form, and creating from a place of intuition, ritual, and love. My journey has always been about more than adornment; it’s about remembrance of who we are, where we come from, and the light we carry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s what has made the journey so meaningful. As an independent artist, I’ve had to wear every hat: designer, creative director, marketer, and businesswoman, all while handcrafting each piece myself. There were moments when resources were limited, production felt overwhelming, and I questioned if I could sustain the vision I held in my heart.
There’s also the emotional side. Creating from a place that’s so personal can be vulnerable. Every collection reflects something I’ve lived, healed, or learned, so sharing it with the world requires courage and trust.
Through each challenge, I’ve grown stronger in my purpose. Those experiences taught me patience, discipline, and how to move with divine timing. They reminded me that this path isn’t about perfection but about alignment. Even in moments of uncertainty, I always find my way back to the reason I started: to create art that empowers and uplifts.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create wearable art that blurs the line between fashion and sculpture. Through my brand, SOLSVN, I handcraft crowns, jewelry, and body adornments that explore ancestry, identity, and divine femininity. Each piece is made with intention, often using copper, brass, and crystals to channel energy and symbolism.
My work is rooted in the idea that adornment is more than decoration. It’s a form of storytelling, a reflection of spirit, and a way to remember who we are. I design pieces that make people feel powerful and connected, almost as if they’re stepping into a higher version of themselves.
What sets my work apart is the level of artistry and meaning behind each creation. Every design begins with meditation, sketching, and hands-on metalwork, allowing the energy of the piece to guide the process. I treat each adornment like a sculpture that can live both on the body and in a gallery space.
I’m most proud of how far this vision has come — from crafting pieces in my small studio to being featured in Vogue UK, showcased in exhibitions, and even seen on P-Valley. But more than the accolades, I’m proud of the emotional connection people have with the work. When someone tells me that wearing a piece made them feel seen or transformed, that’s the greatest reward.
What matters most to you?
At the heart of it all, what matters most is impact. If my work can awaken something in someone, help them see themselves differently, or inspire them to express their own light more fully, then I’ve done what I came here to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.solsvn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sol.svn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solsvn/
Image Credits
Jade Lilly
Bre’ann White
Jose Guerrero
Pinterest x CultureCon
