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

Hi Christina, do you think college was worth it?
College is an amazing opportunity for transformation. However, I feel that it would be worth one’s time, energy, and finances if there is an intention behind going. Otherwise, you are better off doing your own thing. The first time I went to college, I dropped out during my junior year because I knew I was pursuing a vocation I was not passionate about. I was going to school because we were taught that was what we had to do. One day, I had the courage to drop out so I could follow my bliss. I moved to Hollywood and pursued a career in show business. Being in the arts gave me the space to explore and gain new experiences and, along the way, I found myself through jewelry. Since designing and fabricating fine jewelry can be a highly technical field, it is important to pursue an education if your intention is to provide customers products and services you can be proud of. Winning a scholarship to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) changed the trajectory of my life. Along the way, I have been lucky enough to meet mentors – such as Peter Harts and Michael Turinetti of GIA, and April Kawaoka from Pasadena City College – who have been generous with their time in guiding me in the right direction over the years. Currently, I am finishing up my undergraduate in jewelry and metal at a California State University. If it were not for my educational training, I would not have had the chance to investigate my potential and the quality of my work would feel incomplete.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The journey behind realizing our company is about having the courage to follow your heart, to take a leap of faith into the unknown, and to be sensitive enough to respond to a calling. When you do that, you will have experiences full of divine synchronicity. My earlier career in the fine arts was focused in painting and acting. In 2011, I fell in love with jewelry-making after a chance meeting with a metalsmith who taught me wire-wrapping technique. It was then when I started making jewelry I couldn’t find anywhere, and gave them as gifts to family and friends. After a career transition, I followed my heart to pursue a career as a designer. In 2016, TIN HAUS was born out of the desire to serve through contemporary fine jewelry. The TIN HAUS name was derived from my childhood nickname, Tin, that signifies a space of consciousness unfiltered by time; and embodies a place of refuge for art and contemplation. Our purpose is to assist in fostering meaningful changes to society and to our environment while creating beautiful pieces of jewelry to love and last a lifetime. Inspired by abstract art, nature, social cause, and the spirit of everyday people, our bold-minimalistic abstract designs are proudly handcrafted in our Los Angeles studio using responsibly sourced and sustainable materials. Meticulously constructed using traditional jewelry and metal fabrication techniques, our intention is to create wearable art that is in alignment with one’s core values. Ultimately, my wish is to encourage those who collect TIN HAUS, to wear the jewelry as a vehicle of expression to voice their individuality and sense of empowerment. We are grateful to have had opportunities to help enrich lives through our creative pursuits. With that said, a portion of profits are donated to meaningful causes that are committed to improving lives and the environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Like attracts the like-minded, so I am grateful my best friend likes to enjoy a lot of the same things I do. I am also a creature of habit. We would go hiking every day. Two of my favorite trails are Verdugo Mountains near Eagle Rock, and Echo Mountain above Altadena. Right after, we would go eat Korean barbeque or Chinese food. If she feels like eating comfort food, I would take my best friend to BCD Tofu House. However, if she feels like splurging, I would take her to Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant. Over the weekend, specifically Sunday I would take her to the Row in downtown L.A. It is one of my favorite places to shop independent retailers like Galerie LA or Hawkins New York. And since I am a major foodie, I would have her experience Smorgasburg, so that she has a variety of food trucks to choose from. And, of course, we would be practicing social distancing the whole time during coronavirus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give credit to my partner and muscle, Cedric Jonathan. If it wasn’t for his unconditional love and support, I probably would not be a jewelry designer. Additionally, I would like to give thanks to Tracy Larrua and Guy Hess from Poi Planet, who have given me the tools to understand the PR and marketing landscape.

Website: www.tin-haus.com
Instagram: @tin_haus
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/tin-haus
Facebook: facebook.com/tinhausart

Image Credits
Benny Gomez (@_bennygomez_), Mia Guzman (@sunsettyviews)