Meet Sara Patino | Founder & Creative Director

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

Hi Sara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’d love to share my thought process, and story behind my brand. It started from the love of designing and creating, and has evolved into a brand with an eco-conscious driven mission. It’s been an interesting journey, and I’m happy to share.

I learned an appreciation for handmade goods at an early age. I’m from St. Louis, but growing up I travelled back to Colombia, South America to visit my extended family. Speaking spanish and staying in the remote ultra-green farm country of central Colombia has been my normal. Even as a kid, at the end of my trips I’d come home with handmade purses, belts and jewelry from artisans. It planted an appreciation for handmade accessories, nature, cultures and love of travel.

This was my first hands on understanding of accessories we enjoy; they come from the earth and made with intention by actual people. Watching a piece come to life was inspiring and has shaped my journey of who I am today.

I had a front row seat to fast fashion jewelry. I worked as a designer in the jewelry fast fashion industry, travelled overseas and came to discover that much of the jewelry metal and gem mining industry treats the earth and it’s people poorly. Not all jewelry factories, but many. It’s disappointing, unfair and didn’t sit well with me.

Also, a lot of jewelry styles trend for a year and then you’ll never want to wear them again. A lot of cheaply plated jewelry just wears down and you can’t wear it after a year.

We are left with pieces that just don’t last long. I wanted to approach jewelry in a different way.

Enter….Sara Patino Jewelry! It’s for the woman that wants to look, feel and do good.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Sara Patino Jewelry collection is earth friendly jewelry made for women to look, feel and do good.

LOOK
The look is elevated and minimal for everyday life. You don’t think about having to change your jewelry to go to work, yoga or happy hour. Simplicity is elegance.

FEEL
The feel is comfortable. All pieces are light and effortless. The versatility makes it easy to layer and change everyday. Ready for everyday.

DO GOOD
Each piece is made with recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. I only partner with suppliers that carry the SCS or RJC Certification which proves they are sourced in the most sustainable earth and people friendly way.

Each year we donate a portion of our sales to Women’s Earth Alliance.
Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) is on a mission to protect our environment, end climate crisis, and ensure a thriving world by empowering women’s leadership. When women thrive, the earth thrives!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d say we have to start out at the Arch in downtown St. Louis. It’s a beautiful sculptural building like no other, a true mid century modern masterpiece! When you’re inside the Arch, you get amazing views of the city and beyond. You can even feel it sway. We’d then go have lunch at Katie’s Pizza in Ballpark village. I love the menu and the cocktails are refreshing. St. Louis is known for the Cardinals, so watching a game is a must. I’m honestly not into baseball, but when a friend comes in town it’s worth going for the classic STL experience!

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’d like to give the Tory Burch Foundation a little shout out! I was chosen to be a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow in 2023 and have gained a group of 50 women founder friends, business support, mentorship and a lot of inspiration. The Tory Burch Foundation empowers women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education and community. Each year they have a mentorship program dedicated to support 50 women, chosen by the foundation, to help their businesses grow and thrive. It’s a wonderful community of the smartest female founders and mentors.

Website: www.sarapatinojewelry.com

Instagram: @sarapatinojewelry

Facebook: Sara Patino Jewelry

Image Credits
Claire Forrest Photography & Film