Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Cho.
Hi Daniela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Daniela, and I started making jewelry—specifically polymer clay earrings—during the pandemic. At the time, I was a new mom with undiagnosed ADHD, navigating a lot of personal transitions. Discovering jewelry-making felt like a lifeline. For the first time in a long time, I felt successful, creative, and in control of something that was entirely my own.
What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a six-figure business within the first year. From there, I kept learning and expanding—teaching myself how to laser cut to meet demand, and eventually diving into metalsmithing. After moving to North Carolina, I began transitioning away from resin, acrylic, and clay, and started focusing more intentionally on working with metal and introducing permanent jewelry two years ago.
I’ve completely fallen in love with the co-creation process—getting to make custom pieces with people, not just for them. That passion is what sparked my newest venture: The Luster Lab, an experiential jewelry bar opening this fall at Boxyard RTP. It’s a space where creativity, community, and craftsmanship come together—and I can’t wait to open the doors in September!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. While the creativity side of things comes naturally to me, the administrative and logistical parts of running a business—like scaling, finances, and operations—have been much more challenging. I’ve learned that finding people who can support me in the areas where I’m weaker has been key to moving forward.
One of the biggest transitions was relocating from Boston to North Carolina and having to start from scratch. It was a tough season, but three years later I feel so welcomed by the North Carolina maker community. There are so many amazing opportunities here for small business owners.
As a mom and a business owner, I’m also constantly learning how to balance creativity with sustainability, how to keep growing in a way that’s healthy—for both me and my business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Before becoming a jewelry designer and small business owner, I was a teacher—and that love for working with people has never left me. One of my favorite parts of offering permanent jewelry is the personal connection: getting to collaborate with someone to design something truly custom and meaningful. That sense of co-creation is really at the heart of what I do.
I specialize in handmade, small-batch jewelry—everything from gold-filled and sterling silver pieces to custom laser-cut designs. I’m known for mixing mediums, always experimenting, and staying committed to high-quality craftsmanship. My pieces aren’t mass-produced—they’re made by hand, with intention, and often in collaboration with the person who will wear them.
I also offer DIY kits like polymer clay earring kits and infinity bracelet kits, and while those have primarily lived online, I’m really excited to bring more of that educational and hands-on experience in person this fall. With the launch of The Luster Lab, my new experiential jewelry bar, I’ll be able to host workshops, private events, and pop-ups that bring people into the creative process.
What sets me apart is my willingness to try new things and my deep commitment to craftsmanship and creativity. I’m always learning, testing new ideas, and dreaming up ways to make jewelry more personal, meaningful, and accessible.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are from our summer trips to Mexico. Every year, we’d make the long drive from Texas to central Mexico to visit the small towns where my parents grew up.
Once we arrived, I was always struck by the colors, the textures, the architecture, the markets, the handmade goods—all of it. It was so different from what I was used to, and it left a deep impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those trips helped shape my love for handmade art, meaningful storytelling, and honoring culture through creative expression. Looking back, those summers in Mexico helped lay the foundation for the work I do today.
Pricing:
- my designs start at $16
- permanent jewelry starts at $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bezalelandco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bezalelandco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bezalelandco
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bezalelandco
