Story & Lesson Highlights with mona liu of NYC

We recently had the chance to connect with mona liu and have shared our conversation below.

Hi mona, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers is the profound individuality each of them carries—every interaction teaches me something new. It’s fascinating how a single design detail can resonate differently, evoking appreciation or emotion in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Despite their diverse cultural and aesthetic backgrounds, there is a shared, almost universal, longing for beauty and meaningful expression. Some customers even offer direct insights or suggestions on my designs, and those candid moments of feedback never fail to open my eyes and expand my creative perspective.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mona Liu, founder and designer of Mona Jewelry, a New York-based brand I launched in 2020 after studying jewelry design in Paris and earning my GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma. At Mona Jewelry, I design and handcraft pieces that blend artistry, craftsmanship, and emotional storytelling, creating jewelry that goes beyond decoration to leave a lasting impression.

What sets our brand apart is our dedication to originality and detail—many of our designs use specialized techniques that cannot be mass-produced—and our commitment to social impact. For example, our ocean-inspired collections donate a portion of profits to marine conservation, and our motorcycle helmet keychain series supports safer riding initiatives.

Jewelry, for me, is a reflection of personal growth and human connection. Engaging with clients worldwide continually shapes our creative direction, and I’m passionate about developing collections that resonate emotionally while maintaining the highest standards of design and craftsmanship.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work isn’t just one individual—it’s actually a combination of mentors, clients, and even the challenges I’ve faced along the way. My mentors in Paris showed me the importance of discipline, precision, and craftsmanship, while working closely with clients has taught me how to listen, adapt, and create designs that truly resonate. But perhaps the biggest lessons come from the work itself: every mistake, every tight deadline, and every new technique has pushed me to grow and redefine what dedication and excellence really mean.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve faced plenty of challenges—juggling multiple projects, tight deadlines, or tasks that push me beyond my comfort zone. I sometimes joke, “I quit!” but I’ve never really wanted to give up. Running Mona Jewelry is such a big part of my life, and overcoming these challenges always brings me confidence and satisfaction.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I see designing jewelry as a way to document my life—my aesthetics, inspirations, and experiences. The public version of me reflects my passion, creativity, and the values I bring as a designer. But there’s also a private side: moments of doubt, experimentation behind the scenes, and the quiet persistence that goes into building a brand. Sharing my work publicly allows me to connect with people, but the full story—the mistakes, the learning, and the growth—mostly happens behind the scenes.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the connection and storytelling behind my work. Jewelry for me is a way to document life and share moments, and through it, I’ve built a community of people who resonate with my vision. Without that, I’d miss seeing how my creations inspire joy and personal stories in others—it’s about sharing experiences, not just making jewelry.

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