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Friends, CMD’s 20th Anniversary Party is almost here and the nostalgia has really set in! I’ve been looking through old photos and reminiscing about CMD in the early days. My heart is all warm and fuzzy thinking about this wild journey full of twists and turns. It’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since I first took a leap that seemed to change everything for me and CMD.
Back in 2005, I was working out of my apartment, making jewelry in my Hayes Valley bedroom on just a regular old desk. It was a scrappy little setup, but it was mine. Around that time, I went to Hilary William’s barbeque where I met Eden Stein. We chatted about the maker scene in San Francisco, local retail shows and getting a business going.
Just a few weeks after meeting, Eden reached out to me saying she was opening a collaborative gallery called Secession Art & Design in the Outer Mission neighborhood of San Francisco. She wanted to know if I’d like to rent a “cubicle” in her gallery where I could make my jewelry and sell my wares. The gallery would be open to the public like a traditional brick and mortar. Was I interested (are you kidding me)?? I was STOKED! The concept of Secession was simple but brilliant… a true maker’s dream. Artists could create in their own spaces share their work with the world right out front. I had a feeling this could be the beginning of something much bigger, and maybe, just maybe, it would help CMD find its place on the map.
I remember calling my mom to tell her about the concept. I felt like a kid on Christmas... I couldn’t believe this was happening! I was over the moon, but at the same time… also slightly terrified. The rent was $400, which felt like such a huge stretch for me back then. I rattled off all my worries to my mom over the phone: What if I can’t make rent? What if no one buys anything? My mom, in her steady and encouraging way, told me to just go for it and reassured me by telling me she’d help me out if I couldn’t make rent.
I called Eden back and shortly thereafter and signed a lease! I’ll never forget that in the first WEEK, I had generated enough sales to cover the rent. It paid for itself immediately! And more importantly, it opened the door to a whole new world and gave me so much confidence to forge ahead. This truly felt like the beginning of being a proper business owner with a bonafide shop. I felt so proud and honored to work with other creatives.
That space at Secession wasn’t just a studio or a storefront — it became a community. Ary, who many of you know as one of the beating hearts of CMD today, started working with me around that same time. We were cramped into my tiny cubicle working back to back while packing orders on a folding table. We were surrounded by other makers, artists, and dreamers, and together we became part of a growing movement. Looking back, CMD was right at the forefront of the maker wave that was just beginning to sweep across the Bay Area and beyond.
That first leap of faith — saying yes to a studio I wasn’t sure I could afford — taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since: little risks open big doors. Every milestone CMD has reached since then has been built on that same foundation of trust, community, and the willingness to say yes even when it’s scary.
Today, I feel that same spirit thriving in our Asbury Park Design Studio & Shop. Just like Secession all those years ago, this space has helped me to build a new community that now surrounds my brand. It’s also about connection, weaving beauty into community, and gathering to create and celebrate together.
As we prepare to mark 20 years of CMD this October, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for every small risk that has carried us here, and for all of you who’ve been part of this journey along the way.
So, SAVE THE DATE and come celebrate with us:
I can’t wait to see you, raise a glass, and toast to the next chapter together.
With love and gratitude,
Colleen
Congratulations Colleen!! You are a rock star, or metal star!!! Love you!
I have only bought 2 pieces to add to and transform my wedding stack but I dream of purchasing more.
BEST STORY EVER!!! I am sooooooo happy for you and CONGRATULATIONS!!!! on this HUGE! milestone of 20 years!!!
Lots of love and hugs from me!
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I had no roadmap, no investors, and no idea where this path would take me. What I did have was grit, curiosity, and an unstoppable urge to create. Two decades later, CMD has grown into a small-but-mighty brand with a team I love, a community I treasure, and designs that still light me up at the bench. [...]
CMD is turning 20 this year! And now, for the first time in a very long time, our entire CMD team will be together in Asbury Park to celebrate this milestone with YOU. It's going to be a CMD reunion and anniversary party rolled into one. We’ll be showing off the CMD collection and we’ll have light bites and drinks so plan [...]
This round of Happy Hour features a mix of limited-edition and favorite ring and bracelet designs — all handmade to order by our talented production team in our Upstate NY studio. The 6 featured designs (3 stack ring sets, 1 individual ring, and 2 bracelets) are available for a short time only, and once the sale ends [...]
Jenifer Hope
September 26, 2025
I still remember meeting you shortly after you setup shop with Eden at Secession. All these years later, I still treasure those pieces I purchased from you. I miss your S.F. storefront, but I am so joyful at your success.