Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cindy Hock-Lauwers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cindy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Hi- it’s nice to be with you. Finding my purpose has been a journey of self-discovery rooted in my deep passion for jewelry and a desire to make a positive impact in the world. It all began with a childhood fascination for my mother’s jewelry, particularly her cherished brooch, which sparked my love for creating meaningful pieces. As I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I realized that my purpose was not just about designing beautiful jewelry, but also about infusing each piece with purpose and significance. Through my early philanthropic efforts, I quickly learned that with an innovative design, I could raise awareness and money for causes that were important to me. My career has followed this principle and this year, I further expanded my vision to create the Shimmer for the Cure™ Initiative which supports causes such as breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer and diabetes awareness by partnering with leaders in these arenas. Through this initiative, I now have found a way to align my passion for jewelry with a greater purpose by creating pieces that not only celebrates life’s moments but also makes a difference in the lives of others. This clarity has been my guiding light, driving me to continually innovate and evolve, and to always strive to design jewelry that resonates on a deeper level with people.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Absolutely! I’m a Chicago native, deeply rooted in the vibrant culture of the city who settled into the suburbs when I became a wife and mother. I always had a passion for jewelry, which ignited when I was just a little girl. I remember being mesmerized by my mother’s brooch and the story it held. That’s where my love for jewelry truly began. This admiration grew into a lifelong love for jewelry as I learned that a piece of jewelry had the ability to tell stories, evoke emotions and become treasured keepsakes.
With this vision and understanding firmly in my head, I began my journey in jewelry officially in 2006 when I founded my own company, Shimmer by Cindy®, starting at the kitchen table with my mother by my side. Together, we crafted simple beaded bracelets, which we sold at her bingo nights and through homemade catalogs to stores. It was during this time that we began to create pieces that spoke to our passion for jewelry and realized we had a desire and the ability to give back to causes close to our hearts. So, we incorporated our passion for philanthropy into our business and began creating bracelets that brought awareness to important causes such as breast cancer, autism, and pediatric cancer. These bracelets not only served as stylish accessories but also as powerful symbols of support and solidarity.
Despite facing challenges along the way, including the loss of my beloved mother in 2014, I remained steadfast in my commitment to making a positive impact through jewelry. In honor of her legacy, I expanded my business to include the Timeless Collection, paying homage to her cherished brooch and its timeless elegance.
Since then, I’ve developed 9 additional collections, each meticulously crafted that span from everyday essentials to special occasion pieces. My journey has always been driven by a desire to infuse a beautiful aesthetic with quality pieces that offer purpose and meaning. My goal always to ensure that every piece resonates with the customer on a personal level.
Today, I’m proud to introduce the Shimmer for the Cure™ Initiative, a testament to my ongoing commitment to giving back. By partnering with the leaders in causes such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) for breast cancer, METAvivor for metastatic breast cancer, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for diabetes awareness, its helped me reach a greater audience to make a bigger impact. My goal is to honor the legacies of those we’ve lost and support those who continue to struggle. As Shimmer by Cindy® continues to evolve and grow, I remain committed to making a positive impact through jewelry that not only celebrates life’s moments but also supports causes close to my heart knowing we can make a small difference in the world, one shimmering piece at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been instrumental: creativity, perseverance, compassion.
- Creativity has been the spark that ignited unique designs, setting my brand apart and resonating with customers on a deeper level.
- Perseverance fueled my ability to navigate challenges and setbacks, turning them into stepping stones toward success.
- Compassion has been the driving force behind meaningful connections with customers and the community, fostering a sense of purpose beyond profit.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
Embrace Learning: Be open to continuous learning. Seek knowledge, whether through formal education or real-world experiences. Stay curious, as a growth mindset lays the foundation for personal and professional development.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a supportive network. Collaboration and shared experiences provide valuable insights and encouragement during challenging times.
Stay True to Your Values: Define your values early on and let them guide your decisions. Authenticity resonates with others and creates a solid foundation for building trust and credibility.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing progress boosts morale and fuels the motivation needed for the journey ahead.
Adaptability is Key: Embrace change and be adaptable. The ability to pivot, learn from unexpected situations, and adjust your course is essential for long-term success.
Remember, the journey is unique to everyone. Stay true to your vision, be resilient, nurture compassion, and let your creativity shine—these qualities will not only define your journey but also inspire those who follow in your footsteps.
Most of all- love what you do.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I’d love to speak about my parent’s influence. The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to provide a foundation built on unconditional love, the freedom to grow, and a living example that hard work breeds success. The unwavering love and support I received from my parents created a secure emotional foundation. It instilled in me a sense of self-worth and the confidence to pursue my dreams without fear of judgment or failure. Also, my parents granted me the space and freedom to explore my interests, make choices, and learn from experiences. This space let me grow and discover my identity, strengths, and passions on my own terms.
Witnessing my parents’ dedication and hard work in their own careers also served as a powerful lesson. Their example taught me the correlation between perseverance, diligence, and achieving success. It instilled a strong work ethic and a belief that consistent effort yields fruitful outcomes. At the end of the day, the belief my parents had in me was never just a fleeting sentiment; it was a constant, guiding force that shaped my character, choices, and aspirations. Their unwavering faith laid the foundation for self-belief, resilience, and a determination to live up to the potential they saw in me. These invaluable gifts from my parents continue to shape the person I am today, fostering a sense of gratitude, ambition, and a commitment to creating a positive impact in the world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shimmerbycindy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shimmerbycindy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shimmerbycindy
- Linkedin: Cindy Hock-Lauwers
Image Credits
Studio Soo
