Meet Carolina Rodriguez | Founder & Designer of Orion Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business, Orion Jewelry, was driven by a deep-rooted intention to celebrate my Colombian roots and my family’s architectural legacy. I was drawn to creating bold, impactful, and unique designs that convey a powerful message, blending traditional Colombian aesthetics with contemporary flair. From a young age, I was immersed in the world of design, which ignited my creativity and shaped my vision for an authentic brand that resonates with others. Orion Jewelry is crafted to be uniquely interpreted by each wearer, allowing personal connection with each piece. The essence of Orion’s slogan, “Be Bold. Be Orion. Be You.” encapsulates the brand’s mission to communicate a message that is open to individual perception and meaning.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
**Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.**

Orion Jewelry is distinguished by its fusion of traditional Colombian aesthetics with contemporary luxury, inspired heavily by cultural symbols and traditional accessories like the ‘sombrero volteado’. This unique blend not only represents my pride in my Colombian heritage but also offers a distinctive aesthetic that sets us apart in the luxury jewelry market. I’m most proud of how my designs empower wearers to feel bold and beautiful, embracing their individuality. The creation of the Orion logo and the entire brand aesthetic was deeply influenced by my culture, and seeing how it resonates with others has been incredibly fulfilling. Orion jewelry is more than jewelry, it’s a piece of art to adorn your body!

**How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?**

The journey to where I am today has been far from easy. To start, it’s hard being a woman in the jewelry world that is more male dominant and on top of that being young. People have a tendency to look at me and think this path is just hobby that will eventually pass. And in the beginning I doubted myself often because I thought “maybe, I am too young…” or “maybe people are right, maybe I should get job experience before launching my own business”. But it was thanks to my parents who kept believing in me that got me through this self doubt, so I kept going and began to trust the process. After I overcame that hurdle, I struggled with external pressures to conform to trends, often being told to create “dainty” and “trendy” pieces. It wasn’t until the end of 2022 that I realized my collections didn’t truly reflect my identity or passion for design. In 2023, I made a pivotal decision to launch a collection that authentically represented me. This was a challenging yet liberating process, as I had to overcome the fear of others’ opinions and focus on creating pieces that I genuinely loved and would wear every day. The overwhelmingly positive reception to this Orion collection validated my decision and fueled my confidence to continue forging my own path.

**What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?**

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to oneself. For years, I was overly concerned with the opinions of family, friends, and industry peers, which stifled my creativity. Embracing my unique style and cultural heritage has taught me that authenticity resonates more deeply with people than simply following trends. Another crucial lesson is the value of resilience and self-belief; creating a brand that stands out requires confidence and the courage to be different. Lastly, I’ve learned that genuine passion and dedication are contagious, as evidenced by the support and positive feedback I’ve received for my new collection.

**What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?**

I want the world to know that Orion Jewelry is a celebration of individuality and cultural pride. My pieces are designed not just to adorn but to inspire confidence and self-expression. The name Orion signifies strength, resilience, and the courage to be unique—qualities I strive to embody in every piece. My slogan, “Be Bold. Be Orion. Be You.,” encapsulates my mission to encourage people to embrace their personal style and stand out. My journey with Orion Jewelry is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and being true to oneself, and I hope it inspires others to do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
**Day 1: Exploring Wynwood and Little Havana**
– Start the day with breakfast at Zak the Baker in Wynwood for delicious pastries and coffee.
– Explore the vibrant street art and galleries in Wynwood.
– Enjoy dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro for some delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
– End the night with drinks at La Trova for live music and a lively atmosphere.

**Day 2: Beach Day at Pompano Beach**
– Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks and head to Pompano Beach for a relaxing day by the sea.
– Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking.
– Continue to relax on the beach or explore nearby attractions like the Pompano Beach Pier.
– Enjoy dinner at Beach House Pompano for fresh seafood and a casual beachside atmosphere.

**Day 3**.
– Explore the shops and galleries in the Wynwood Arts District..
– Spend the afternoon at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
– Enjoy dinner at Motek in the Brickell City Center.
-End the night going to the rooftop bar at the East Hotel

**Day 4**
– Spend the morning exploring the shops and cafes along Miracle Mile in Coral Gables..
– Visit the Miami Science Museum
– Enjoy dinner at Islas Canarias!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family! My mom and dad have been my backbone throughout this entire journey. They’ve always believed in me and my dreams to become a successful entrepreneur and jewelry designer, and I am forever grateful to them. I also wouldn’t be where I am today creatively without my late grandfather, whose pioneering work in architecture set the foundation for our family’s legacy in design. His vision and dedication inspired not only our family’s involvement in architecture but also my own journey into jewelry design. Their unwavering support and deep-rooted connection to Colombian culture have been a constant source of inspiration for my designs. Additionally, I owe a great deal of gratitude to my mentors in the design community, who have guided me with their wisdom and experience. And of course, Savannah College of Art and Design, where I went to college for Jewelry played a pivotal role in honing my craft and expanding my creative horizons. Without the collective influence and support of these individuals and resources, Orion Jewelry would not have evolved into the brand it is today.

Website: https://www.orionjewel.com

Instagram: @orion.jewelry_

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/orionjewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrionJewelryLLC

Other: Tik tok: @Orionjewelry

Image Credits
These credits are only for the photos that have the models (first 4 photos)

Ursula Weidmann Models
Marissa Foley
Jade Jamrozy

All the other photos I take myself:

Carolina Rodriguez