Meet Sydney Pope Long | Founder & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydney Pope Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
These hands needed to create! SOMETHING! I’ve always been a dreamer and a DIYer- whether it worked out like I hoped or not haha! I’ve always painted, and by college was learning to sew and design my own clothes, sketching out ideas for making chandeliers/sconces/lighting accents and decor, and occasionally jewelry for myself and for friends. A light bulb moment happened when I was beginning to feel exhausted of the fashion retail sales floor after close to 12 years, and I wanted to combine my passion for creating jewelry, connecting with people, and using my energy for good by giving back/spreading awareness to something that I realized I was also called to dedicate my purpose to: Human Trafficking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sure! I love art or handmade things that feel human- that might not be perfect or reveal part of the creating process. In my jewelry, the medallions/pendants etc are all pieces I’ve engraved, or formed, or soldered, or my favorite- hand sculpted in wax. I purposely love revealing the joint in a ring that I’ve soldered for example, or letting the solder become molten in between parts of the metal that remains visible- I think its beautiful to be able to see how it was made and a bit of the process that makes the whole piece become the beautiful golden transformation that you can wear. Maybe its not exactly like carrying a scar, but more like the jewelry has a birthmark that reminds us that it/we are unique and loved. I also strive to make pieces that are unique- I would never replicate someone else’s work and I have no interest in creating something to look just like another piece of jewelry out there. I love that so many customers tell me they love my line because they haven’t seen any other piece of jewelry like it. It can be such a competitive industry and I’ve cried many tears after having some of my pieces and even my photography/props/marketing aesthetic copied by previous customers who started their own jewelry brands. It breaks your heart but I decide to look at it as an invite to up-level a design and set it apart from anyone else.

I hope when someone clasps their SUN VOW Necklace for the day/night or slides on their ring, they instantly feel like who they are- beautiful, unique, special, strong. I hope they feel a memory of another time they wore that necklace or ring on a vacation or for a milestone moment, etc. a reminder of something/someone/somewhere that holds meaning and lights the soul.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh how can I choose- let’s see I would say of course you have to see all the historic downtown spots first. The waterfront at the battery, East bay Street and take in the history and honor the stories of the past both the tragic and the beautiful. Eats ah how to narrow it down- hmm for that classic Southern meal of course you have to try Hall’s or Oak. Some of my other favorite restaurants would be Xiao Bao Biscuit, Stella’s, Basic Kitchen, Neon Tiger….. it goes on!
Can’t beat a lunch or dinner at the pool at Little Palm Bar. Then of course shopping on King Street or doing Local Pickup with the small brands and businesses forging a path here in Charleston (hello!) and usually there is a fun local art or farmer’s market around town!

Then I definitely would spend time at the beach! I surf so I typically can be found salty and sandy as often as possible out at Folly Beach, but I also love the beauty of our other local beaches too!

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’m so grateful that my family and my husband all in their own time and own way showed me that I was making the right choice in taking the leap of leaving a stable paycheck behind to follow what I felt was the right path in starting this brand. No one hesitated in encouraging me for a single second. I also have to say how inspired I was and am by my amazing bosses at the time when I decided to take the jump- the founder of the beautifully successful Citrine Swim, Caroline Robinson and husband Russell were a huge inspiration, seeing how they made such tactful decisions owning two iconic Charleston retail stores/jewelry line/swimwear line but yet really took risks for bigger steps. They really inspired me to take chances, have the courage to put yourself + your dream out there and really go for it.

Website: www.sunvowjewelry

Instagram: @sunvowjewelry

Image Credits
Sydney Pope Long