BLOOMING WITH FAITH IN EVERY STEP: Anna Grace Jewelry captures the essence of Hawaii
Anna Grace Jewelry
In the bustling world of fashion and accessories, there are creators who stand out not just for their craftsmanship but for the stories woven into every piece they make. Anna Guieb, the creative genius behind Anna Grace Jewelry, is one such artisan whose work reflects not just skill but a journey of resilience, creativity, and empowerment.
Anna’s journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing, where her father instilled in her a foundation of faith. "My dad raised us on a foundation of faith. My faith has been pivotal in my journey; it has kept me grounded, humble, and my journey is truly a story of God’s grace," she shares. It's from this profound faith that her brand name, Anna Grace, was born. "Anna is my first name, grace stands for God’s grace."
As a Native Hawaiian entrepreneur, Anna naturally pours her heart and soul into every exquisite piece in her collection. Her popular items feature Hawaii’s beautiful flowers, which she meticulously handcrafts, infusing them with vibrant colors and textures. She is dedicated to preserving the integrity of every piece, which is evident in her process – from mixing clay to shaping each petal, every step is a labor of love aimed at capturing the essence of Hawaiian flora.
During markets, she even introduced a “flower bar,” where customers can customize their earrings, creating unique combinations that resonate with them personally. This interaction fosters a deeper connection between creator and customer, turning a simple purchase into a cherished memory.
Anna’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t conventional. Despite not having formal business training, she turned to jewelry making in 2015 during a period of financial uncertainty. As a single parent, Anna needed a way to support her family, and her innate creativity led her to craft jewelry. And despite returning to work and pursuing a master's degree in Special Education, Anna continued her jewelry-making journey, constantly seeking new avenues for creative expression.
In 2022, Anna embarked on a rebranding journey, introducing polymer clay flower jewelry to the market. Drawing on her childhood lessons in creativity from her mother and late grandmother, Anna embraced the challenge of working with a new medium, learning through trial and error with the help of online tutorials. This pivot not only expanded her artistic horizons but also made her creations more accessible and economically viable for her customers.
Because of this, she looks forward to participating as a vendor for the Merrie Monarch Festival, and perhaps, as a vendor for the Hankyu Hawaii Fair in Osaka, Japan as well, where she was handpicked by a buyer - validating Anna’s talent that is fit for the global stage!
Anna’s partnership with Shop YWCA through the Power Up Your Business for Wahines workshop underscores her commitment to empowering women. By sharing her story of resilience and reinvention, Anna inspires others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her journey resonates with many women, showing them that it's never too late to pursue their passions and build a life of fulfillment and purpose.
Through Anna Grace Jewelry, Anna fosters a community of empowerment and connection. Many of her customers have become friends, drawn together by a shared appreciation for handmade beauty and a spirit of resilience.
Anna offers sage advice rooted in her own experiences for women contemplating their own entrepreneurial journey. “Even if you don’t have it all figured out, do it anyway.” She advocates for utilizing the wealth of resources available and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from others.
“Be teachable, be open, make friends with other business owners and learn from them. Ask a lot of questions.”
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