Today we’d like to introduce you to April Altman.
Hi April , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m April! I am the wife of a fireman, mother of three, and self -taught metalsmith. I began making jewelry after our first son was born. Joshua was born at 31 weeks and weighed 2 pounds and 7 ounces. He spent 58 days in the NICU apart from us, and there were many nights we wondered if we would ever get the chance to welcome him home. During his stay in the NICU, I began researching hand- stamped jewelry. In our time apart, I desperately needed something meaningful close to my heart. I couldn’t hold him close whenever I wanted, but having his name close to my heart helped renew my strength.
After being released from the NICU, I began making a few necklaces for other NICU moms, and shortly after I found myself being called to do something so much greater. I wanted to share my story and connect with others mothers going through similar experiences. From this, Chic Mama Jewelry was founded. Every piece is created to hold meaning, honor a journey, and keep what matters most close to your heart.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Before starting this business, I was a full time high school science teacher. My degree was actually Pre-Med because I wanted to go to Medical school. I came from a family of entrepreneurs, so I guess you could say owning my own business, was in my future from the beginning. Like any budding business, laying a foundation and developing a brand is not easy. I had no formal experience in business administration or marketing, but I had a story I wanted to share, so I let that guide my initial steps. Jewelry is a very competitive field, so I knew that personalized jewelry would be my niche. I didn’t want to just sell things that manufacturers created, I wanted to be the story teller and create the pieces that were most meaningful to my audience. I think this is what set us apart from the thousands of other jewelry brands we were competing against.
As you know, we’re big fans of Chic Mama Jewelry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a team of female artists, who create jewelry from stories. Our jewelry is heirloom quality, made from fine sterling silver and 14K gold. We believe that jewelry should feel personal and timeless. We make everyday pieces and keepsakes that hold your most meaningful moments close. One of our most loved collections includes our custom handwriting pieces. We take photos of actual handwriting and engrave it on a bracelet, necklace, charm, cuff links, etc. It’s a gift of remembrance, perhaps a mother or father who has passed, the first writing of a child, or a favorite phrase written by a loved one.
Our brand is handmade in America, meaning from start to finish, each item is crafted here in our Texas studio.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I loved school, so I always thought my career would be something that required a lot of schooling. I graduated from University of San Diego with a BA in science and I had every intention to continue to medical school. However, I think my story is a reminder that sometimes, what we have planned for ourselves is often overruled by something greater than ourselves. My life as a new mother wasn’t anything like I had planned, but it sparked the idea that eventually would lead to the establishment of this brand. A brand that was built on experience and connection.
My love language has always been gift giving, so I built my business on the notion that it is always better to give than to receive. It’s important that my business play a prominent role in the community, and every year we are intentional in giving back to our community. Most recently, we have partnered with MLB Rangers player #21, Jake Burger, and his wife Ashlyn Burger, to create a jewelry collection which gives back to their foundation. Jake Burger is currently the only major league baseball player with a child with Downs Syndrome, and they started a foundation ( Burger Family Foundation) provides services and financial support to families and children with Downs Syndrome and developmental delays.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ChicMamaJewelry.com
- Instagram: @chicmamajewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicmamajewelry
- Other: www.ChicMamaJewelry.Etsy.com
