We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cynthia Feng. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cynthia below.
Cynthia, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
In many rooms — especially in entrepreneurship, design, or business — I’ve often found myself being “the only one.” The only one who didn’t come from a traditional business background. At first, that could feel isolating. But over time, I realized that being different was not something to overcome — it was something to lean into.
When I studied at GIA to become a Graduate Gemologist, I stepped into a new kind of room — one filled with people from all around the world. We were from different countries, spoke different languages, and had different stories — but we all shared the same love and curiosity for jewelry and gems. That experience reminded me how passion can build bridges across differences. It also gave me the foundation of knowledge, discipline, and credibility that would later support me in building my brand.
Starting Venus Jewelry was a more solitary chapter — as entrepreneurship often is — but even then, I was never truly alone. Along the way, I’ve met designers, clients, and collaborators who also believe that jewelry is more than an accessory — it’s a way to express identity, emotion, and care. I’ve had conversations with people who lit up the same way I did when talking about color, sparkle, meaning, or sustainability.
So even when I’ve been the only one in the room who looks like me, I’ve never felt like I didn’t belong. I belong because I bring my own story, values, and vision to the table. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, keep learning, stay open, and lead with care — and that’s what makes me effective.
At Venus Jewelry, I always hope to reflect that same energy — to make room for uniqueness, self-expression, and connection. Because being the only one in the room might feel lonely at times, but it can also be the beginning of something completely new.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At Venus Jewelry, I design jewelry that celebrates self-love, imagination, and emotional connection. Each piece — whether playful or refined — is crafted to help people express who they are and what they care about. What excites me most is seeing how jewelry can hold meaning: a reminder of someone you love, a personal milestone, or a symbol of strength.
I studied at GIA to become a Graduate Gemologist and spent time learning from international designers and jewelry makers in Europe. That experience shaped the foundation of Venus Jewelry — combining deep technical knowledge with global creative influence.
What makes our brand special is our commitment to beautiful, sustainable jewelry. We use lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, our own 928 anti-tarnish silver, and eco-friendly packaging.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey the most were:
1. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn
From studying gemology at GIA to learning CAD design and working in a jewelry factory, I never stopped being a student. Being curious helped me understand not just the beauty of jewelry, but the science, history, and craftsmanship behind it.
Advice: Stay open. Take classes, ask questions, watch how things are made. Every bit of knowledge builds your confidence and creativity.
2. Resilience
Starting a brand — especially in a competitive, detail-heavy industry like jewelry — comes with challenges. Things don’t always go as planned, but staying calm, adapting, and finding a way forward is essential.
Advice: Expect the hard days. Use them to refine your focus. Talk to people you trust, and remember why you started in the first place.
3. Emotional Intelligence
Jewelry is deeply personal. Understanding what people love, what stories they carry, and how they want to express themselves is just as important as design skill. Building relationships with clients, collaborators, and creatives has been key.
Advice: Listen more than you speak. Pay attention to emotion, not just aesthetics. The better you understand people, the more meaningful your work becomes.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed — and it definitely happens — I try to pause instead of push. I’ve learned that when I’m mentally cluttered, forcing myself to keep going doesn’t always help. I take a step back, breathe, and do something small and grounding: make tea, write things down, go for a walk, or even just clean my workspace. These little resets help me come back with more clarity and calm.
One strategy that works for me is breaking things down. When everything feels like “too much,” I stop looking at the full picture and instead focus on one next step. Just the next email. Just the next sketch. That mindset shift keeps me moving without spiraling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://venusjewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venusjewelry.la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Venus-Jewelry/61559551224837/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1llR7JpTkL9Dru9gv7lolg
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