Alicia Gavarian (Heinemann) shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alicia, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Currently, an average day for me is quite full. I’m a full-time science teacher in Manhattan, a new mom to an amazing 11-month-old who’s now cruising around the house, an avid home cook for my family, a wife, a daughter, a friend, and an artist. My weekdays start at 5:30 a.m. and don’t end until 9 or 10 p.m., as I manage the many responsibilities that come with each of these roles. I do my best to tackle everything on my to-do list while also making time for the things that bring me joy. There’s never quite enough time in the day to get it all done—weekends included—but I continue to show up and give it my best.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Alicia Gavarian (Heinemann), and I’m a jewelry artist and the owner of the boutique jewelry brand AccentsByAl. My passion for jewelry-making began with my Grandma Mary, who taught me how to bead. That early spark has stayed with me into adulthood and eventually led me to start AccentsByAl. For me, creating jewelry is both a form of self-expression and a meaningful act of self-care. It’s a creative outlet that has helped me grow and stay grounded as an individual.
Much of my inspiration comes from the rocks and minerals we encounter in everyday life. With a background in geology and a career as a science teacher, my jewelry reflects how I see the beautiful, intricate components of the natural world. I love working with gemstones that have unique imperfections, designing clay pieces with a variety of patterns, and mixing metals in ways that echo the textures and contrasts found in nature. Through each piece, I aim to share my perspective on the earth’s beauty with others.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As an adolescent, I tended to see the world in separate compartments—almost in black-and-white terms. You were either good at something or you weren’t. But as I’ve grown, especially over the past five years, I’ve come to see the value in both structure and nuance. While it’s sometimes helpful to define different parts of myself, I’ve also discovered the power of embracing the gray areas when it comes to understanding my purpose and identity. I’ve learned that there’s flexibility in how we define ourselves and what we’re capable of. I can be a science educator, an artist, and a loving mother. I can be an entrepreneur, a wife, and a daughter. What makes it possible to hold multiple roles is the ability to find balance and offer myself grace. It’s not always easy, but learning to be honest with myself when things feel overwhelming—and to extend compassion to myself when plans don’t go perfectly—has helped me manage the many roles I play in a way that feels both sustainable and fulfilling.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Viewing things in a black-and-white way, rather than embracing the shades of gray, limited my confidence as an entrepreneur. Early on, if I didn’t complete a collection or fell short of the sales I’d hoped for at an event, I became overly critical of myself. Were my pieces not made well? Did people not like my unique jewelry style? Did I fail to market my business effectively? These questions—and many more—flooded my mind so heavily at times that I nearly gave up. That’s when I began learning the importance of balance and the power of giving myself grace. Managing expectations and allowing space for imperfection became essential to sustaining my business and my well-being. I still have moments of doubt about whether my small business is worth continuing, but it provides the creative outlet I’ve always dreamed of. And nothing compares to the joy I feel when a customer is genuinely excited to wear one of my pieces as a form of self-expression.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! Being my authentic self in all areas of life is important to me. As someone who was very shy growing up, it has taken time to build the confidence to feel truly comfortable in my own skin. But by embracing who I am and showing up as myself—especially in public spaces—I’ve been able to form meaningful, lifelong friendships and deepen my understanding of others. This commitment to authenticity extends beyond my personal life and into my professional life as well.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
Whenever self-doubt creeps in, I know I would regret giving up on my small business. I’m proud of having started my jewelry business, and now, entering its third year, it would feel like a missed opportunity to discontinue it just as I’m beginning to establish myself in my community. I’m excited to see how my business can grow and eager to learn new jewelry-making skills that I can incorporate into my work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: accentsbyal
- Other: Email: [email protected]
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