Susan Terry-Demus shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Susan, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What’s often misunderstood about QueenBee’D Designs is that it’s just a jewelry brand. In truth, it’s an expression of art, intention, and individuality. Every piece I create tells a story, one of faith, empowerment, and authenticity. Each design is handcrafted using real stones, selected not just for their beauty but for their energy and meaning. People may see the finished product and admire its elegance, but they don’t always see the hours of craftsmanship, prayer, and creativity that go into bringing it to life. QueenBee’D Designs isn’t about following trends; it’s about creating timeless pieces that speak to the soul and remind every wearer to embrace their light, boldly and unapologetically.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Susan Demus, owner and artisan behind QueenBee’D Designs LLC, a handcrafted gemstone jewelry brand rooted in creativity, purpose, and individuality. What began as a simple request from my grandson blossomed into a passion for creating timeless pieces that inspire confidence and self-expression. Every design I create is made with intention, blending natural stones, metals, and textures to tell a story of elegance and empowerment.
QueenBee’D Designs isn’t just about jewelry. It’s about empowerment, healing, and individuality. I handcraft each piece using authentic stones like Larimar, moonstone, turquoise, and pyrite to capture the balance between beauty and strength. My brand celebrates uniqueness and encourages others to wear their light boldly.
Right now, I’m continuing to expand QueenBee’D Designs with collections that honor both creativity and heritage, including my Pearl Luxe Collection, a tribute to my grandmother, and The King Collection, created to inspire men to embrace confidence and distinction through handcrafted design. Looking ahead to 2026, my focus is on building a creative house that empowers artistry, innovation, and legacy through the design, management, and growth of brands that reflect excellence and cultural purpose. Every step forward is about elevating creativity while staying true to the heart of why I started, to create meaningful, high-quality jewelry that tells a story and uplifts every person who wears it.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I shared with my grandmother, Susie, to whom I am her namesake. She was the Queen of Classy, a woman of grace, strength, and quiet confidence. Her presence commanded respect without words, and she carried herself with elegance that never had to be announced. From an early age she taught me the value of integrity, hard work, and faith. Those lessons became the foundation of who I am both personally and creatively.
My grandmother had a way of making everything she touched meaningful, and I carry that same spirit into my work with QueenBee’D Designs. The Pearl Luxe Collection, created in her honor, reflects her timeless sophistication and features real diamond necklace pieces and diamond beads that embody her refined elegance. Through her I learned that legacy is not about wealth or recognition. It is about the lives you touch and the beauty you create along the way. She is the reason I strive to live with purpose and to leave something lasting behind.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would tell her to give herself grace. You don’t have to have it all figured out to be walking in purpose. Every challenge, delay, and detour is shaping the woman you’re becoming. The things that feel like setbacks are really setups for strength and growth. Keep trusting God, because He’s already written your story, and it’s more beautiful than you can imagine.
I would remind her that she is enough, even when she feels unseen or uncertain. The light inside her will make room for her gifts, and her heart will always lead her where she’s meant to be. So breathe, stay grounded in faith, and keep shining. Everything that’s meant for you will meet you right on time.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, the difference between fads and real foundational shifts comes down to purpose and longevity. Fads are driven by popularity and often fade when attention moves elsewhere. Foundational shifts, however, are rooted in authenticity, vision, and impact. They create lasting change because they come from a place of truth, not trend.
In my creative journey and business, I always pause to ask whether something aligns with my values and the mission behind QueenBee’D Designs. If it connects to empowerment, healing, and individuality, then it’s more than a moment it’s meaningful. Real shifts have staying power because they evolve from purpose. Fads chase validation, but true growth builds legac
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
It is normal for people to see the beauty of my jewelry, but the deeper meaning behind it is often misunderstood. My work has never been just about creating something beautiful to wear; it is about creating something that carries intention, healing, and empowerment. Every piece tells a story, one of faith, strength, and individuality.
My legacy is not defined by the stones or the designs themselves but by the message within them. I want people to understand that QueenBee’D Designs was born from purpose, not trend. It is a reflection of perseverance, creativity, and the belief that true beauty begins within. When people wear my pieces, I want them to feel inspired, seen, and reminded of their own power and light. That is the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.queenbeeddesigns.net
- Instagram: @queenbeed_designsllc
- Facebook: QueenBee’D Designs
- Youtube: QueenBee’D Designs
- Other: TikTok: @queenbeeddesignsPinterest: QueenBee’D Designs LLC.
Image Credits
Photography: Susan Terry-Demus
