We had the good fortune of connecting with Georgia Alexandra Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Georgia Alexandra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Such a great question as we’re celebrating our 10th year anniversary this year. I was seeking to establish a space online where a curated collection of fine jewelry from my favorite independent fine jewelers could be purchased. At that time, no similar paltform existed. You could purchase books from Amazon, but definitely no fine jewelry. I was a fashion editor and stylist for a number of international publications and seeking to create visuals that inspired and informed. I felt that women have a very special relationship with jewelry. It’s gifted to us or purchased by us to mark milestones and celebrations. Jewelry is worn to adorn and express how we feel but also to tell our stories. My son was just born and I was looking for a special something to pass on to him along with his birth story. I wasn’t sure what that would be and after much thought and an elaborate search, I found a ring that felt like him and the perfect gift to me and him. Soon it was clear to me that creating pieces from start offered the space to customize the jewelry in ways that allow for its wearer to express themselves. Also, this allowed for sustainable practices such as responsibly sourced gems and repurposed diamonds to be used. I envisioned the business would grow organically, implementing generations old techniques as well as the newest technologies and sharing it all online and across the globe. I understand that creating future heirlooms carries a responsibility to our community. Partnerships and collaborations with numerous organizations underscore a commitment to engage the world in positive change. Within the dna of the business was always the desire to raise awareness and that remains ever so strong today.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Departing from the world of fashion publishing where I had spent almost 15 years to start my own business came at a time when women’s voices were just starting to rise for diversity and truth in how we are shown in the media. I felt strongly about the limitations and barriers that were put on female journalists to show certain stereotypes and stories that were considered “in fashion” and the best way to allow my voice and vision to elevate all women would be through something completely my own. You can say that forecasting what’s to come (trends) is powerful, but recognizing that which can last the test of time is like a superpower. As a market editor, I had spent years exercising my forecasting skills and keen eye for beautiful things. That together with a deep love of color and gems offered a seamless transition to laying the foundations, at the same time when my two oldest children came to the world. The two are intertwined. When the goal is the bigger picture, in my case to do as much good, spark as much joy and spread as much love as possible, it’s very easy to feel like regular goals achieved and what would normally be considered success is not quite that. So, as the metrics used are non traditional – not the amount of pieces sold but he amount of joy given for example or the amount of awareness raised for a particular cause (Every Mother Counts is one close to my heart) – most all of the challenges of starting and running a business as a female founder and full time mom of 3 are urgent. We are definitely non traditional in the way the business grows and evolves with all the challenges that come with following a path less traveled. It also sets us apart from other fine jewelry brands. Clients become collectors and friends. We celebrate their special times together from weddings to babies, milestones to “just because” moments. I’m really excited about this and for journeying to the future with them. Relationships and community are the future of retail, particularly luxury retail as it is being redefined right now. Will you join me in creating your lasting story with fine jewelry while raising awareness? Let’s make a difference together. This, I hope will be the brands legacy.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If there ever was a place with too much to do, it is indeed New York City! There’s a little bit of something for everyone. When my collectors from out of town come to visit I like to make time to share this incredible city with them. Here are a few of my go to spots: A visit to NYC is never complete without museums. The Met and Moma are favorites, Cooper Hewitt, the Museum of the City of New York are so close to the Conservatiry gardens in Central Park on 105th street, so those go hand in hand. The AMNH gem collection is a treasure not to be missed! Flower are something that inspires me and a class at McQueens Flowers is next on the list for a first hand experience with some of the most beautiful blooms around. A stroll along 28th street flower district is a treat super early in the morning – before 8am for the largest variety because they sell out of rare and special flowers daily. The NY Botanical Garden is just outside the city but close enough for even a half day trip to escape into a complete wonderland of colors and scents. Late Spring is my favorite time for roses, peonies and lilacs. Yes, we buy everything online these days, but a visit to the Hania New York studio is like a couture experience with knits. The most beautiful colors combined in incredibly soft pieces that can be made to order or customized just for you. Food is another one of New York’s treasures: anything and everything you desire at any time of the day or night. I have a sweet tooth and love the gelato in a floral shape at Amorino on the Upper West Side (blueberry cheesecake is too good!) and Maison Pickle nearby is a hidden gem for brunch. Levain bakery in Harlem is a go to for cookies perfect for on the go and their walnut raising bread can’t be missed.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been two great sources of inspiration from the start: my son whose birth sparked the idea for this business and my daughters who continue to propel this journey. Also, all the incredible women who inspire me and the pieces I create. There are too many names to list here. Fellow business owners, other mamas, friends, sistas (not a typo) and my mom, my Mother. It takes a village and they all have supported and uplifted me in so many ways!
Website: www.georgiaalexandra.com
Instagram: @georgiaalexandra.love
Image Credit:
Michelle Rose Photo / @michellerosephoto and many of the still life images by @dhstudioworks