Meet Haley Holzworth | Founder & Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haley Holzworth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I started my business at 15 years old, so I like to say my business has grown up with me. While I was living under my parents’ roof, school was always the priority, and my business was just a side hustle for extra spending money. However, after graduating college, the dynamics shifted—I needed to sell jewelry to pay my bills, and I mistakenly equated working all the time with making more money.

In 2017, I opened my first jewelry store in my hometown of Mt. Pleasant, SC. At that point, I was working six days a week, not only making the jewelry but also managing the shop. As my responsibilities and my business grew, I began hiring employees, which allowed me to occasionally take time off to travel or spend time with my husband. Balancing my personal life with my business was challenging, especially since it was hard for me to step away since my business was so dependent on me. In 2022, I opened my second store in downtown Charleston, and that is when I realized that there was no way for me to be in both places at one time. Establishing systems and processes in my business was the only way to move forward to be able to managing the two stores.

Over time, I’ve realized that having a strong team is essential for maintaining balance in my life. Delegating tasks and relinquishing control have been difficult, but they’ve also been the keys to gaining more freedom. I’m a big believer in the “work hard, play hard” philosophy—life is too short not to have fun, but it’s also too short not to do what you love. After 22 years of running my business, I now focus on working smarter, not harder. I aim to be as efficient as possible, so I don’t have to work as much while still achieving my goals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hermosa is more than just a jewelry brand; it’s a celebration of Southern charm, natural beauty, and personal expression. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to evoke confidence and style, using high-quality materials and unique elements that reflect the beauty of the world around us.

Starting my jewelry business in high school wasn’t without its challenges. From the beginning, it took hard work, perseverance, and creativity. My first designs were born from deconstructing vintage pieces, and I quickly learned that combining the old with the new was a reflection of my own journey as a designer—finding ways to merge tradition with innovation. As Hermosa has grown, my designs have shifted from one-of-a-kind pieces to more small-batch production, ensuring that we maintain both uniqueness and quality as we scale.

Building Hermosa Jewelry into what it is today wasn’t always easy, but every challenge became an opportunity for growth. I remember juggling schoolwork while creating pieces for shows, facing the tough realities of running a small business, and navigating through moments of uncertainty. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. The jewelry industry, like many others, is constantly evolving, and I’ve embraced each twist and turn—from launching Charleston’s first Permanent Jewelry collection to opening my second storefront.

This past year, I took a major leap and invested in commercial real estate, purchasing two retail locations in Charleston, SC. Moving both of our stores this summer was the most difficult hurdle I’ve faced in my 22 years in business, but there’s a deep sense of peace in knowing I am now my own landlord, with full control over the future of my stores.

What I’m most proud of is the sense of community Hermosa has built. We’re more than just a business; we’re a lifestyle brand that resonates with customers who value craftsmanship and self-expression. The world should know that Hermosa is committed to creating jewelry that is not only beautiful but made to last—symbolizing the enduring connections we form with our customers.

In the end, the journey from crafting jewelry as a hobby to owning multiple storefronts has taught me that passion and perseverance are key. Every setback pushed me to innovate and refine my approach, and now, seeing how far Hermosa has come fills me with immense pride and excitement for the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Exploring Downtown Charleston
We’d start with brunch at 82 Queen, a must-visit spot for authentic Southern cuisine. Afterward, we’d stroll along King Street for boutique shopping and sightseeing, taking in Charleston’s historic charm. Next, we’d walk through the Battery and Waterfront Park to enjoy the beautiful views of Charleston Harbor. Then we’d head to the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood to stop by my downtown Hermosa Jewelry location, of course! We’d visit all my favorite locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops in the neighborhood. For dinner, we’d hit up The Ordinary for seafood and cocktails, followed by a rooftop drink at The Citrus Club to catch an incredible sunset over the city.

Day 2: Beach Day at Sullivan’s Island
We’d spend the day on Sullivan’s Island for some beachside relaxation. I’d pack a picnic from The Co-Op, known for their famous frosé and sandwiches. After soaking up the sun, we’d grab dinner at High Thyme, a favorite for its cozy vibe and fresh, delicious food. The night would end with drinks at Hometeam BBQ, one of my all-time favorite casual spots to hang out.

Day 3: Boating on Shem Creek & Mt. Pleasant
In the morning, we’d take a boat out to explore the various barrier islands, which is a quintessential Lowcountry experience. For lunch, we’d stop at Islander 71, where you can enjoy seafood right on the water. If the tide is right, we’d take a break to hunt for shark teeth—one of my favorite boat activities! In the afternoon, we’d visit my Mt. Pleasant Hermosa store and take a walk around Old Village to admire the charming historic homes. We’d have dinner at Red Drum, followed by drinks on Shem Creek.

Day 4: Day Trip to Edisto Island
We’d take a scenic drive to Edisto Island for a day of nature and relaxation. We’d spend a few hours at Botany Bay, taking in its unspoiled beauty. Afterward, we’d head to the beach for some sun and sand, wrapping up the day with an early dinner at Roxbury Mercantile, a local gem.

Day 5: Art and History
We’d dive into Charleston’s rich culture with a visit to The Gibbes Museum of Art. Afterward, we’d explore Rainbow Row and stroll through the Charleston City Market to check out local artisans. For dinner, we’d indulge at Chubby Fish, known for its creative seafood dishes. The evening would end with live music and cocktails at The Commodore.

Day 6: Plantations & Gardens
We’d spend the day visiting either Middleton Place or Magnolia Plantation to explore Charleston’s historic plantations and gardens. We’d tour the grounds, and if they’re up for it, we could even go horseback riding! Dinner would be a fine-dining experience at Halls Chophouse, a Charleston institution known for its exceptional service and cuisine.

Charleston is packed with history, amazing food, and stunning scenery. My goal would be to give my best friend the perfect mix of Southern hospitality, delicious food, and outdoor beauty, creating memories they’ll never forget!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Carolyn Jones, my University of South Carolina Business School college advisor who became an incredible mentor to me. I would often sit in her office, sharing my business ideas and academic goals, and she always offered insightful advice. Carolyn encouraged me to take on challenging tasks, like starting an Entrepreneurship Club and applying for a school-wide business competition. I took her advice to heart and accomplished both during my senior year at the University of South Carolina. Winning the business competition and acceptance into the USC Technology Incubator was a pivotal moment that fueled my determination to pursue entrepreneurship full-time after graduation. Carolyn’s guidance played a significant role in shaping my journey, and I’m grateful for her support.

Website: https://www.hermosajewelry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermosajewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hermosa.by.haley

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hermosa-jewelry-mount-pleasant?osq=Jewelry

Image Credits
Nicholas Skylar Photography

Photography of Charleston

Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay Photography
https://seanmoney-elizabethfay.com/