Mother of two, entrepreneur, style icon, wife, friend, and immigrant – all of these words describe the incredibly talented, humble and hard working jewelry designer, Gorjana Reidel. Born in Serbia and raised in the United States, Gorjana has always been a go-getter. After working at the Neiman Marcus jewelry counter in Newport Beach at the shy age of 22, Gorjana began making her own jewelry on the floor of her apartment with her husband and business partner, Jason Reidel. Today, the pair are based in Laguna Beach, California where they run Gorjana, a jewelry brand that’s dedicated to making versatile, empowering, effortless, and timeless pieces. With a focus on giving back to the community and fusing so cal style with wearability, Gorjana and Jason love finding inspiration and energy from spending time with their children – ideally at the beach.

GORJANA ON MOTHERHOOD

1. What has been the most rewarding thing for you about motherhood? The most rewarding part about being a mom so far is watching my kids get older and start becoming their own people.  I remember having my son and being so nervous about being a good mom and not messing up. Getting to step back and realize I am doing an ok job and that they are great kids has been so rewarding.
2. What has been the most challenging thing about motherhood and how have you worked through these challenges? The most challenging part about motherhood is the opportunity for self-reflection that your kids give you. They are little reminders to keep working at being a better person. I also always had mom guilt from being a working mom and not being present all the time.  As the kids have grown older I have realized how hard I was on myself and what a good example I have been setting for them, demonstrating that you can do both and find balance.
3. What are three key attributes you want to impart on your kids? Hard work, Kindness and being true to yourself.
4. Running a family business is demanding in itself but what’s it like when the co-founder is your husband? How do you make it work? It definitely ads a layer of complexity and challenge but it really works for us. Over the years we have learned how we work best and it takes a lot of very high communication.  We have learned how to compartmentalize work and our personal lives. For example, we try to not talk about work at home and vice versa. We are definitely not perfect but we get better and better as time goes on.
5. Do you have any advice for other families who are thinking of launching their own business? It is not easy and it can take a toll on your personal relationship if you don’t put the extra work into it.  You have to make sure that you see eye to eye on some major things and also have strong communication.

GORJANA’S TOT PICKS FOR 7+ YEAR OLDS

1. SAM Girl’s Freestyle Coat: I am kind of in love with matching my daughter and I love these jackets.  They are so warm and so comfortable.  The fact that we get to both have them is amazing.
2. Green Toys Sandwich Shop: We make sandwiches at home all the time and I love that my daughter can pretend to make them anytime she wants.  She creates her own restaurant and comes and takes orders.  I love that she uses her imagination and is also learning the concept of what it would be like to have your own restaurant one day.
3. Button Bag Pom Pom Making Kit: My daughter loves to do arts and crafts and this kit is easy and fun.  We love adding pom poms to gift wrapping and the bright colors are so adorable.
4. Copernicus Crystal Growing Cherry Tree: Of course I love this crystal growing tree.  I think it’s so educational for kids to watch the crystals grow and learn about how they are formed.  The tree itself is so beautiful too.
5. Sunnylife 4-in-1 Travel Games: This is great for when we are traveling.  It gives the kids something to do when they get bored and gets them off their devices.