Cassy Saba is an influential powerhouse setting the bar for aspiring female business owners everywhere. She first discovered her love for jewelry design at twelve years old and six years later, Cassy founded her jewelry business, Cassy’s Sassy Jewelry, when her work became in-demand on a national level. With having garnered press in over 40 publications, Cassy has become a staple in the Valley and more recently, New York City for her elaborate yet, classic jewelry pieces.

Not often do you come across a person who so passionately pursues their hobby from a young age and turns it into a lucrative career. So what is the secret to success for Cassy? Persistence and confidence in her product. Over the years, Cassy has served as her own director of marketing by making phone calls and knocking on doors in order to get the business she so rightfully deserves. This level of determination has turned Beyonce, Brand and Alicia Keys into clients and even landed her a “Teen Millionaire in the Making” interview on the Montel Williams Show.

Today, her brand has grown with her and is now named, Cassy Saba Jewelry featuring an array of fine jewelry pieces. She is living out her dream in New York City consulting for up-and-coming designers and is considered to be a valuable resource within the jewelry design industry given her diverse knowledge of precious gems and stones. She often hosts her own trunk shows when she comes back into town for her family, friends and supportive clientele that look forward to seeing her in person. She will be hosting her fall trunk show on October 1 from 5:30 to 9:00pm at an event space where she will be showcasing new fall collections full of beautiful gemstones and crystals. For more details about the show and address of location, please email Cassy at cassysabajewelry@gmail.com.

I reached out to Cassy looking for some insight about her personal successes and how she got to where she is today.

Cassy Saba, founder of Cassy Saba Jewelry

 What spurred your interest in creating fine jewelry pieces?
I have always wanted to design custom fine jewelry, and expanded into creating collections a few years ago. Many of my clients were interested in seeing what I could design with precious stones and diamonds in addition to my fashion jewelry pieces. I think it’s very special to create valueable pieces that will last for generations and have sentimental meaning. My favorite projects would have to be engagement rings from start to finish. It involves handpicking the diamond/stone we will use and then the sky is the limit when it comes to design and production!

A model wearing Cassy’s jewelry

 What educational courses and/or routes did you take to further your business?
I attended Arizona State University and got my Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Right after I graduated I wanted to further pursue my career in jewelry so decided to move to NYC where much of the industry is located.

 What made you decide to move to New York City and what are you doing there now?
The stones and supplies I incorporate in my designs are sourced in NYC. I work with a local factory to create my fine jewelry collections too. I also travel to do trunk shows and sell to different stores nationwide. I currently focus on expanding my brand, and do consulting for other jewelry brands and private firms in the city.

NYFW with bridal designer, Jennyvi Dizon Couture

 What are three of your major accomplishments over the duration of your career so far?
Having a full page feature in WWD at the age of 17, being featured on The Montel Williams show around that time and also participating in a panel he hosted after moving to NYC and being featured in ELLE.

Who are your favorite fashion designers?
I love Dolce & Gabanna and Versace. Those are my two favorite fashion brands, I wish my whole closet consisted of their designs! I love all the different fabrics and styles they do especially with the dress collections.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?
I would say definitely follow your dreams and don’t let anyone discourage you. Life is too short not to do what you love and are passionate about. I think in the fashion and jewelry world, sometimes it can be a lot about taking risks. Don’t let fear get in the way of what you want to do.

The wonderful thing about Cassy is that she is extremely down-to-earth and is accepting of everyone. I have personally known Cassy for years and she is the definition of a “success story” in my book. Taking risks and leaps of faith are all a part of an entrepreneur’s journey and even during times of stress, she has managed to always look graceful in the process. I love telling her story and I know she will continue to add more exciting chapters to her life.

 All photos provided by: Cassy Saba