Meet Jasmine Vu | Founder of At Long Last

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

Hi Jasmine, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
When I first started making jewelry, I knew vaguely what kinds of jewelry and aesthetics I was drawn to, but had no real sense of direction beyond that. Taking my limited knowledge of jewelry and my (slightly less limited) knowledge of sustainability, I made a commitment to offering a size-inclusive jewelry range, using only hypoallergenic materials for those with sensitive skin, and omitting plastic from all packaging. I want as many people as possible to feel good about adorning themselves in the pretty, shiny things I make–and to embrace the idea that inclusivity in fashion is a trend that will never go out of style.

In the past two years, I’ve been so lucky to have a small following of people who support this vision, and have made every effort to bring high quality jewelry endlessly worthwhile and fulfilling. In short, the most important factor behind the success of At Long Last would have to be a combination of the people/planet-driven ethos I’ve strived to implement, and the people who have fostered those values in supporting At Long Last along the way.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I first got into jewelry making during my sophomore year of college; this was around November 2021, but I released my first actual collection in early 2022. I like to joke that jewelry making was one Covid hobby out of 50+ that made the final cut. When I starting making jewelry, I really just intended to gift them to my friends and family for the holiday season and had no desire to start selling it. It was my college roommates–who watched me stay up until 1 or 2 in the morning, constantly bent over the dining table with my beads–that encouraged me to start selling my creations.

When I think of how far I’ve come, a few “firsts” come to mind. The first time I heard a customer say “I don’t even like earrings, but looking at how beautiful these are makes me want some!”, my first big commission for someone who wanted to look special on their graduation day, and the first time I had my products displayed in a retail store. (On two separate occasions, I actually had a few of my pieces shoplifted from that store. The first time it happened I called my mom, we had a laugh about it, and she said “well, at least you know you’re doing something right!”).

Looking forward, I’m super excited to announce that after two years of operating mainly through Instagram and popups, I will finally be launching a website this August!

Along the way, I’ve had to learn that it’s okay to give myself grace when I don’t have everything figured out (especially in regards to building this website). As I do mostly everything by myself, I sometimes have to remind myself that I can enjoy this whole process of building a brand from the ground up AND still get things done in a reasonable manner.

To the world: At Long Last is the embodiment of my goal of creating wearable art that celebrates individuality and the beautiful imperfections of nature. I genuinely hope you can feel the love in every piece that is dreamed up and created for you to adorn yourself with. Thank you endlessly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a SoCal native, here is what I would do if I had a week visiting this beautiful half of California:

Starting your week in Santa Barbara, visit Lotusland (one of the top 10 botanical gardens in the world!) and walk around State Street downtown for some shopping. After, head to La Playa Azul during their happy hour for tapas and cocktails. Grab more drinks at Institution Ale to continue the fun night.

Next, drive down to Malibu and visit the Getty Museum for some cool Greco-Roman art and architecture. Drive down a little further to Santa Monica and pick up a shakerato at Primo Passo Coffee (It contains four espresso shots so I would recommend splitting it with a friend). Stroll through 3rd Street Promenade to walk off the jitteriness from the caffeine and even go on a few rides down at the pier if you’re feeling up for it. Grab dinner at Ye Olde King’s Head, a London-style pub right at the heart of downtown.

Make your way down to Orange County (where I’m from!) and get permanent bracelets with me at Fashion Island to commemorate the trip. Grab delicious made-to-order baguette sandwiches and pastries from C’est Si Bon in Newport Beach and eat them at the park just down the street from there (best view of the harbor!) Go see a show at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach and end the night with dinner at Uni Ristorante (my go-to order is the seafood malfadine) or go to LSXO, a speakeasy in Huntington Beach serving upscale Vietnamese food and unique drinks.

Lastly, drive down to San Diego and spend the day strolling through Balboa Park (it’s huge and has museums for every preference!) I like to bring a blanket and art supplies to draw in the shade there sometimes. Get naan and your favorite Indian curry at Curryosity, and then fight the food coma by visiting the beach of seals down there. Watch the sun set at any beach in San Diego and reminisce on the best trip!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely would have to be Conscious Market LA! They organize different events throughout LA that promote sustainability, wellness, and more. Leah, who runs the monthly markets in DT Santa Monica, is an absolute powerhouse and sweetheart. I’ve worked with them a few times this year and will continue to do so because I support their mission so much! Big shoutout to you @ConsciousMarketLA!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlonglast

Image Credits
Brandon Cho