Rising Stars: Meet Lindsay Suter of Southwest Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Suter

Lindsay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a creative person, constantly searching for an outlet to bring my ideas to life. If I get something in my head and can’t find it on the market, I take it as a challenge to create it myself. That’s exactly what happened when I designed starfish hair pins for my flower girls at my wedding—I wanted something unique, so I made it. A year later, when I had my son, I left my corporate job to be a stay-at-home mom, but I quickly realized I couldn’t sit still for long. I explored different creative outlets, including photography and wedding-styled shoots. It was during those shoots that I noticed a gap—there was often a lack of unique, high-quality jewelry. That realization led me to start crafting hair accessories, and while none of those early designs would make it into my shop today, they sparked something in me. From there, I honed my skills, refined my craft, added earrings, necklaces and the occasional bracelets, and built what is now my jewelry brand. What started as a simple desire to create has turned into a business that allows me to share my designs with others, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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?
The journey of building my jewelry business hasn’t always been easy. In the beginning, I struggled with confidence, constantly questioning whether anyone would even want my pieces. There were moments when I debated shutting down my shop altogether, wondering if it was worth the effort. But no matter how many times I thought about walking away, I couldn’t stay away. Creating has always been a part of who I am, and something kept pulling me back. One of the biggest turning points came when our family moved from Maryland to North Carolina. The transition was overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure if my business would continue. Everything was packed away, and I felt like I was at a crossroads. But then, during the final walkthrough of our new home, I got an order—almost like a sign telling me to keep going. That moment reminded me why I started in the first place and gave me the push I needed to keep building. Looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t give up because every challenge, every doubt, and every transition has led me to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love incorporating the natural world into my designs, drawing inspiration from the beauty of both land and sea. My jewelry collections reflect that connection, with my floral designs capturing the delicate elegance of nature and my sea glass pieces often featuring freshwater pearls and starfish elements that bring a coastal touch. I take pride in creating pieces that feel timeless yet unique—every item in my shop is something I would personally wear, and in many cases, I do! Many of my earring designs, in particular, start as a solution to a need for events I personally attend. I tweak, refine, and perfect each piece before adding it to my shop, ensuring that it’s something both beautiful and functional. What sets my work apart is the heart behind every creation—I don’t just design jewelry, I create pieces that carry a story, inspired by real moments, real experiences, and a deep love for craftsmanship. Seeing others wear and cherish my designs is one of my greatest joys, and it continues to inspire me to keep creating.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people who know me or my brand is that, despite creating jewelry that often finds its way into weddings, I’m actually not always personally a huge fan of big, flashy, extravagant celebrations. In fact, I even tried to convince my husband that we should just elope! I’ve always believed that just because something has traditionally been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the only way or the right way for everyone. To me, weddings should be a deeply personal story, expressed in a way that truly reflects the couple—whether that means a grand ballroom affair with a dramatic gown and sparkling jewels or a simple ceremony in jeans and a t-shirt. Love is beautiful in all forms, and it doesn’t need to fit into any one definition. That belief carries over into my work as well—I design jewelry that can be a statement piece for a bride or an night out favorite for someone who simply loves beautiful things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.opalandblossom.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/opalandblossom