Creatives of the Month: June 2025
- Tim Parks
- Jul 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Camacho and Jo Gonzale
s
Alex Camacho and Jo Gonzales Acid Queen Jewelry Idyllwild, CA.
-How did you become interested in becoming a creative person?
From a very young age I knew that it was possible to realize my dreams and forge a path for the type of life I wanted to live. Born from two entrepreneurs, I knew the value of hard work and was unafraid of always putting my best foot forward. I was always a creative, opting to make gifts rather than buying them, I knew the power that handcrafted art held. But as I grew older my thoughts on what success truly was shifted and I found myself trying to find a place in a more corporate setting, that is until an opportunity presented itself and I never looked back.
At the time, 2011, my now husband lived across the country and was opening a record shop, a dream he had for years. So, I chose to leave my job and my family and move to help him. While this move was scary and I was giving up a job I had worked so hard to get; I knew in my heart this was the right move. Having started my jewelry company as a side hustle about 6 months prior- I deep down wanted to see where it could go. Little did I know that this step would change the entire trajectory of our lives. I started taking metalsmithing classes and week by week, month by month, my business slowly morphed into what it would become today.
In 2015, we closed our record shop and decided to move back to California where I am from. I spent about a year and a half working side jobs and all the while working at building my business. My parents helped me along the way when I needed it, and they were happy to do so because they could see how much passion I had to see this through.
In late 2016, I hired a consultant who told me she thought I could do it, and then in 2017 I started with Flourish and Thrive. In 2020 my husband joined, and we continue to build the business together to this day. I love that owning a business allows me to make a greater impact in my community and in the lives of women around the world.
While our business has grown over the years, our mission stays the same: “To create quality hand-crafted jewelry that inspires our customers to live in their true magic.” In simple terms, it’s about being inspired and empowered to come as you are and celebrate the magic within you.
Through the power of adornment, we can change the way we treat and speak to ourselves, and we love creating jewelry that supports that. But the magic of our brand doesn't stop there, because behind our brand is the true intention to bring positivity and beauty into the world. Whether it’s through the friendships I've forged with my customers, or the exemplary customer service we offer, we truly aim to create wonderful experience from beginning to end.
I honestly think that my biggest accomplishment is the feeling of autonomy in my life, that I get to call the shots and I get to experience joy. That I can support other female owned businesses and artists, lift my friends up and so much more. I truly enjoy what I do, and I think that is just such a major achievement because then I can pass that along.
I'm proud that my business has over 900 5-star reviews and almost all of them mention the way our jewelry makes them feel, the compliments they get, the joy they experienced. That is all I could ever ask for. Sure, there have been REALLY hard moments, but those moments are the times I had to push through, the times when I actually learned the most. I'm not afraid of challenges because it's those times that make the achievements so much better. I've gotten to learn alongside my business, and it's been a really cool journey so far.
-How would you describe your work?
It’s hard to put our work into words because there are so many different things we make and create. But if I had to sum it up into a few sentences... We specialize in handcrafted sterling silver wearable art that inspires and empowers you to live in your true magic. From daily armor to jaw-dropping statement pieces, our work is meant to be with you through the journey of life and beyond. Magic is everywhere, especially inside of us and it’s about setting the intention to embrace and lead with that sentiment in life.
-What inspires you and brings you the most satisfaction in doing your creative endeavors?
Honestly? It’s my customers... they are truly the best. The fact that I get to work with my husband while doing something I love (and am good at) for work is a true blessing. But it's not always easy to be a working artist. There is a lot of pressure, self-doubt and limiting beliefs that we have to push through. But it’s the constant support of our customers, kind words, reviews, and deep conversations about life and art that really inspires me to keep going, keep pushing and lead by example. Beyond that it is the fact that we are putting beauty and confidence into the world with every piece we make.
Socials:
Instagram: @acidqueenjewelry
Facebook: facebook.com/acidqueenjewelry
Pinterest: Pinterest.com/acidqueenjewelry
Comments