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Here at CMD, we take immense pride in being a small, all-women team that oversees every aspect of our jewelry-making process — from design to delivery, we do it all!
As we approach International Women's Day on March 8, 2025, I want to introduce you to the remarkable women who bring CMD to life and share some of the inspiring stories that have shaped my journey.
Colleen: Hi! That’s me. Designer, Founder, and face of CMD. Learn all about my story, how I got started and more on my process and jewelry aesthetic here.
Aryana: Our Production & Studio Manager, Aryana ensures that each design is meticulously crafted and that our studio operates seamlessly.
Sam: In charge of Production & Development, Sam brings innovative ideas and processes to the table. She’s key in helping me evolve and perfect CMD’s collection.
Kelsey: Handling Website & Marketing, Kelsey connects CMD with the world, sharing our story and creations with all of you.
Miglia: Our team mascot and community builder. She greets everyone when they arrive at the CMD Shop with her ever-wagging tail. “Migs” is an all-around good girl who brings me joy and companionship every day.
Long before CMD was established, I was influenced by a lineage of formidable women who forged their own way despite all odds.
My Gram is one of those standout figures — a mother of 14 children and a math teacher at a time when women’s careers were rare. She touched countless lives and lived beyond a century. Want to learn more about this amazing woman? Watch her documentary here and read the blog post I wrote in 2017 when she turned 100 here.
My Mom, Maureen, was another powerful role model — one of the strongest people I know. A teacher who later became a principal, she raised three children as a single mother on a teacher’s salary, always working tirelessly to provide for us. Despite the challenges, she was my biggest cheerleader, always offering my siblings and me unwavering love and support. Read the ode to my Mom I wrote a few years ago here.
Many CMD designs have been inspired by both my Mom and my Gram. Their resilience and determination continue to influence my work. Learn more about these inspirations here.
My childhood wasn’t the easiest, and we didn’t have much — but I now see my start with gratitude. It instilled in me a relentless work ethic and a drive to create opportunities for myself. At just 12 years old, I begged my mom to let me get my own job. I wanted to work, earn my own money, and ensure no one had to worry about me!
Even as a kid, my entrepreneurial spirit was evident. I remember charging my brother to cover his books in meticulously wrapped paper grocery bags. I loved working after school and on weekends — hustling was second nature to me.
At 14, I landed my first job at Pitti Bimi in Deal, NJ. I worked every day after school and on weekends (and would have worked full-time if my mom had let me!). The store was run by a fierce woman named Helen, who quickly recognized my organization skills. She loved my handwriting so she had me using the fountain pen to create handwritten hang tags for every item in the store. I steamed and folded clothes and wrapped gifts in glossy white paper with obnoxiously large satin yellow bows. I loved the intricacies of the job, indeed.
As I got older, I realized that my high energy made waiting tables a natural fit. I also saw the potential to control my earnings by becoming a young salesperson — learning to schmooze, make people feel taken care of, and excel in something that came naturally to me. I loved earning cash and saving it, and I was thrilled when I could finally open my first bank account.
Looking back, I ended up working at many establishments led by incredible women. In San Francisco, I gained invaluable experience at Zuni Café, under the leadership of Judy Rodgers, author of The Zuni Café Cookbook. I also worked at Greens Restaurant, a renowned vegetarian spot run by Annie Somerville, author of Everyday Greens Cookbook.
While CMD's all-women team isn’t a deliberate choice or hiring bias, it has been a major, and longstanding trend for us throughout the majority of our nearly 20 years in business. This organic trend reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where women thrive and lead. The strong, determined women who shaped me continue to inspire CMD’s vision, reminding me every day why I started and what I stand for.
The CMD Shop will be open this Saturday, March 8th from 11am to 4pm and I’d love you to join me in celebration of Women’s Day and strong female role models everywhere. Come shop and play at The Ring Bar. Let’s build your Dream Stack together! I can’t wait to meet you, share my passion and creations with you, and learn all about yours. I love meeting my clients in real life. Learn more, get directions and see all upcoming events here.
Oh, and if you’re not local, please know that you can always book a virtual appointment with me!
Hope to see you soon,
Colleen
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Maureen Higgins 'mom'
March 10, 2025
Thank you for the recognition. I am always amazed by your many talents with design and interpersonal skills with people. My love for your jewelry speaks for itself as I wear it every day.