Caitlin Mociun — I’m not sure she can be defined anything other than a visionary. I’m prone to say she’s a jewelry designer because she came into my life as a jewelry designer, but she’s much more than that. She’s an entrepreneur, clothing designer, seeker, earth-lover, practitioner and curator. I found her, thank goodness, after doing tons of research on engagement rings a couple summers ago and have been intrigued by her work since.
Her unconventional stone cluster rings and gemstone pairings are at the forefront of design — there’s nothing else like them. She might be most known for her diamonds, but her store is stocked with home goods that are just as unique: knives with turquoise handles, bags from Brooklyn-based brand Baggu, handwoven baskets, wall hangings and of course, cases of jewelry that host a mix of her namesake range and antique finds from around the world. Her selection of goods is aesthetically incredible, part desert-whimsy and part artisan. Most things she carries works of art unto themselves.
She started with a successful clothing line that no longer exists because she’s become disenchanted by the fast-paced lifestyle that comes with designing season after season, and ends with a lot of waste. After a few successful runs with jewelry, which she loves because it minimizes waste and supports the local community, she listened to her gut (!) and started to build the empire that’s shaking up conventional design and making lots of forward thinking, eco-minded folk very, very happy.
When I started following @mociun on Instagram, I became more intrigued by her creative process. Everything she does is so different from the indie jewelry landscape and has proven to be quite successful even with higher price points. She travels four months out of the year and has created a home that’s a sanctuary, not an office space like many entrepreneurs I know (ahem, including yours truly). Also, the bio on her website reads, “At a young age she developed an intense fear of coyotes and spent large amounts of time pretending to be an appaloosa.” How could I not invite her on the show?
This episode is for anyone who wants to tune in to the voice within. Caitlin credits her success as designer and shop owner to her ability to go with her gut — and stresses that even if something is, in her words, a complete failure — it still serves a purpose in your journey. It’s also ideal for anyone looking for ideas to invigorate his or her own creativity. Business owners, listen up! There’s tons of valuable insights for you in this conversation.
Among other things, we discuss:
- social media strategy and Instagram growth
- rituals and routines that support the creative process
- how she got to feeling comfortable in her own skin
- how her eccentric background contributed to the “dissatisfaction” that drove her to design
- how healers have helped her break through personal growth plateaus
- the importance of travel and time away from work
- why she’s shutting down her newly-launched wedding dress line
- the role of “complete failure” in major success
Show Caitlin some love if her episode is resonating — her social channels are listed below. Happy listening!
SHOW NOTES:
@mociun Instagram / Facebook / Tumblr / Twitter / Pinterest
Everyday jewelry:
Favorite Designers:
It was so lovely to have you on, Caitlin. Thank you!
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Loved this podcast.
The bodywork healing – so important and interesting.
I can relate on the relationships thing and coming off cold to some (when a relationship ends, etc). Sometimes not easy, but necessary.
Great stuff.
Love love love. Beautiful Women. Powerful conversations. I love it! Great work Lindsay.
Thank you, Lisa!
I had an interesting reaction to this episode. I had been a huge fan of Caitlin’s for years and went to her for my engagement ring but unfortunately had a negative experience and ended up needing to walk away- we ended up sourcing stones and working directly with a local family jeweler on our custom piece. It was difficult and disappointing and I was so sad not just to accept not getting a Mociun ring but also to see someone I admired differently. I debated listening to this but I am glad I did because made me feel like i understand her better and helped me feel more positively. She is still finding her ideal path (as we all are). I hope she finds a way to pure creation where she can create and curate whatever is speaking to her at the moment and move away from customer driven design projects that, in my observation, her heart is not in. I do treasure the pieces I had purchased from her previously and look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
Hi Vera,
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I’m sorry you had a negative experience, but glad to hear the podcast put it in a better light. She did right by me and designed a ring that I love very much, but I approached the experience with very little expectation. I think that it’s tough to be in such an intimate situation with a lot of money at stake especially as the consumer — sometimes expectations can color the experience. Letting go is something that I certainly practiced when getting my ring designed, actually with a lot of wedding planning elements now that I think about it. I’m curious to hear who ended up making your ring. I’m sure everything happens for a reason and that you love your ring now! I agree — I love her collections, curations and approach to business, and always look forward to seeing what she does next. She’s a true inspiration and kindred spirit!
Thanks for your thoughtful reply and what you are doing in this space in general. I am (slowly) planning my wedding now and practicing letting go in so many ways- it’s true. I don’t want to go to much into the issues but there was a disconnect in what my partner and I expected in terms of options and support from their team. We did reach a resolution with Mociun that we were satisfied with and went to a pointedly unhip suburban jeweler run by a father and son who, though I doubt they totally GOT my vision, bent over backwards to make it happen for me and I love the result. I saw your ring on Pinterest and it is beautiful and I think we can both feel lucky to own a beautiful piece of custom jewelry and have the relationships they symbolize.
Also- a request- I would love love to hear you interview Taryn Toomey if you can. I love her perspective and would love to learn more about her.
Of course! So funny, she and I have been emailing for months. It’s still in the works — but I hope to have an episode featuring Taryn out in the new year. Stay tuned, you’ll hear about it here!