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CMD’s production studio is on the move… but we’re not going very far! Later this month, we’re moving into a brighter and slightly larger space just next door to our current studio in Trumansburg, New York (or as the locals lovingly call it, “T-Burg”). While our Upstate NY studio isn’t open to the public, it’s where all the real magic happens. Every single CMD piece is handcrafted here by our incredibly talented production team — Aryana and Sam — and shipped out to customers, stores, and clients across the country and beyond!
If you’ve been following the CMD story, you might remember how this little studio came to fruition. I started CMD nearly 20 years ago back in my Hayes Valley apartment in San Francisco using the cash I had earned while working at Zuni Cafe as a server. What began as a solo venture (just me, Colleen, a hammer, and a torch) on my little desk eventually grew into a full-fledged small business with a team, a storefront, and a loyal community of customers. My head was down, laser-focused and fueled by blind ambition, as I grew CMD during the early days of the Bay Area’s Maker Movement. That momentum — a mix of passion, persistence, and a whole lot of grit — helped shape the thriving small business we are today.
CMD has had some incredible chapters since then — including the one where Aryana (Ary) first joined CMD back in 2012. If you’ve read this blog post, you’ll know just how important Ary has been to CMD’s journey. After graduating with her BFA in Jewelry and Metal Arts from California College of the Arts, Ary started as my production assistant and quickly became my right hand woman. She helped me grow CMD in ways I couldn’t have imagined back then. Ary's true strengths quickly revealed themselves in fabrication and production — areas where her precision and talent elevated my designs and brought new dimensions to the CMD vision. From the start, it was clear that building CMD wasn’t something I could do alone — I knew a small team would be essential for sustainable growth.
In 2015, Ary left CMD to return to her hometown of Ithaca, New York, ready to start a new chapter with her husband. They were looking to buy a home and build a life in a place that felt more affordable and sustainable than the Bay Area. Not long after, I gave Ary a call to see how her new job was going — and it turned out, it wasn’t quite what she had hoped for. At the same time, CMD was really starting to gain momentum, so Ary began working for me remotely. Around then, I also realized that running production in San Francisco was becoming increasingly difficult — the cost of living made it nearly impossible to support employees with fair wages. After some time and navigation, we found our current studio space and made the big decision to officially relocate CMD’s production to Upstate New York. Setting down roots in Trumansburg (about 20 minutes from Ithaca, in the heart of the Finger Lakes) felt like the right move. From the quality of life to the sustainability of doing business here, everything just made more sense. You can read more about that here.
We’ve been building, growing, and handcrafting magic in T-Burg ever since. Our studio sits in the heart of one of the sweetest little villages — Trumansburg has a population of just around 1,500 and the most charming downtown you’ve ever seen. Nestled in the Finger Lakes region, this part of Upstate New York is known for its natural beauty, vibrant seasons, and tight-knit communities. It’s the perfect backdrop for the kind of thoughtful, hands-on work we do — and it continues to inspire us every day.
As you may have read in my more recent posts, this year marks 20 years in business for CMD. While times are not without their challenges (have you seen how much gold prices have risen in the last year or two?!), I’ve made a commitment to celebrate all the little milestones anyway. Because these small wins — like moving into a slightly bigger, brighter studio space — are what keep us going.
So here’s to growth and being brave even when the world feels unpredictable.
Here’s to change — micro movements can eventually move mountains.
And here’s to handmade, crafted thoughtfully with a whole lot of heart.
I’ll be headed up to T-Burg soon to help with the official move into our new production studio later this month. I can’t wait to share more behind-the-scenes peeks with you soon!
Until then and in other news…
If you’re near the Jersey Shore, come visit me at The CMD Shop here in Asbury Park this Saturday, May 17th from 11am–4pm. Walk-ins are welcome — stop by to try on rings, stack your favorites, get a jump on your next special occasion, or pick out the perfect gift. I’d love to see you! Learn more and get directions here.
Colleen
How incredibly exciting! Sounds like a “win win” all the way around. Wishing you, Colleen and your amazing staff/family an amazing and prosperous future!
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Tiffani Childress
May 16, 2025
Congratulations, my friend! It has been such a pleasure to watch your business grow over the years (as well as my CMD collection)! Wishing you the very best in your next twenty years!