Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Dinkins
Hi Sydney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Jewelry is more than just adornment; it is a form of expression, a channel for empowerment, and a bridge to culture and history. My name is Sydney Dinkins, and I am the designer behind Eunoia, an accessory company rooted in the philosophy of embracing confidence, positive energy, and holistic well-being.
The name Eunoia means “a pure, well-balanced mind and a good spirit,” encapsulating the very essence of what I strive to create with my designs. My journey as a jewelry artist began in the summer of 2020, during a time of global uncertainty and personal reflection brought on by the pandemic. Crafting jewelry became a sanctuary—a way to relieve stress and anxiety. As I combined crystals, colored beads, and metals, I discovered not only the joy of creating something beautiful but also the transformative power of wearing it.
At Eunoia, each piece is intentionally crafted to resonate with the wearer, offering a sense of authenticity and beauty in both mind and body. The crystals and beads I use are more than decorative—they carry energy and meaning, inviting introspection and connection.
Celebrating African Heritage
Eunoia is deeply inspired by the richness and beauty of the African diaspora. The materials I use, such as crystals, waist beads, and gold, are reminiscent of traditional African jewelry and metals, creating a tangible link to the continent’s cultural heritage. Through my designs, I hope to honor this legacy while empowering individuals to embrace the qualities of beauty, excellence, and resilience that run through their veins. Whether someone is aware of their African heritage or not, I aspire to awaken a sense of pride and connection to the continent’s enduring influence.
From Passion to Recognition
What began as a small venture quickly gained momentum. Selling my jewelry at Spelman College’s Market Fridays—a vibrant space for student entrepreneurs—was a pivotal moment. It provided me with the platform to showcase my work, connect with my peers, and build a loyal customer base. Since then, I’ve completed over 200 sales transactions and expanded Eunoia beyond commerce, integrating it into the art world.
Eunoia has been featured in several prestigious exhibitions:
Seven pieces showcased in the Good Mirrors “Witness” exhibit, curated by Tina Lawson-Knowles and Genel Ambrose.
Twenty pieces displayed in The Celebration of Black Joy exhibit at the Atlanta University Center’s Creators X Curators exhibition.
My piece “In My DNA” recognized at the AUC Art Collective’s The Art of Hip-Hop exhibition.
Featured at the Fall Festival art and film gallery hosted by RE:IMAGINE, 12 to 21, and Spelman Film Fusion.
I was also honored to be selected as a recipient of the Blackstone Entrepreneurship Fellowship through Spelman College’s Innovation Lab, further affirming my vision for Eunoia as a business and art form.
Empowering Through Art and Community
Eunoia is more than jewelry—it’s a celebration of Black excellence, a call to introspection, and a commitment to holistic well-being. My designs encourage wearers to reflect on the colors, materials, and meanings that resonate with them, empowering them to feel confident and authentic in every facet of life.
Looking ahead, my vision for Eunoia extends beyond fashion. My short-term goal is to establish a physical store where Eunoia can thrive as a hub for creativity and community engagement. In the long term, I want Eunoia to uplift emerging artists and small businesses while supporting mental health initiatives. Mental health is the foundation of Eunoia, and I believe it’s vital to create spaces where individuals can express themselves creatively while also nurturing their well-being.
Community engagement is at the heart of my work. I want Eunoia to not only empower individuals through fashion but also give back to the community that inspires me. Together, we can create a movement that celebrates art, culture, and the holistic well-being of mind and body.
Through Eunoia, I hope to inspire others to embrace their authenticity, connect with their heritage, and find beauty and strength in themselves and the world around them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had the pleasure—and the challenges—of taking on multiple responsibilities. This includes being the content creator, handcrafting the products, marketing to customers, and managing sales. While this has allowed me to showcase my dynamic skill set, it has also made balancing everything, especially as a student, quite difficult.
Receiving the Blackstone Fellowship was a game-changer, providing me with valuable resources and strategies to address some of these challenges. Through the fellowship, I learned to better navigate my responsibilities by utilizing online tools like automated replies and inventory tracking, which have significantly improved my workflow and efficiency.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder and designer behind Eunoia, an accessory company that merges artistry, culture, and purpose. Eunoia specializes in handmade jewelry designed to empower wearers by promoting confidence, holistic well-being, and self-expression. Each piece is intentionally crafted with materials such as crystals and beads that carry deep cultural and personal significance, drawing inspiration from traditional African jewelry and celebrating the beauty of the African diaspora.
What sets Eunoia apart is that it is not just a business—it is an extension of my artistry. Beyond being a functional accessory line, it is a platform for storytelling and cultural preservation. My passion for art has allowed me to showcase my work in museum exhibitions such as Good Mirrors “Witness” and The Celebration of Black Joy, where my designs are celebrated not only as fashion but also as meaningful art pieces. These opportunities have solidified my belief that Eunoia bridges the gap between wearable art and fine art.
I am most proud of how Eunoia has grown to reflect my personal values of creativity, community, and cultural connection. Each design is created with the hope that it resonates with the wearer, helping them connect to themselves and their heritage in a meaningful way. Whether it’s through the energy of the crystals, the vibrant colors of the beads, or the aesthetic appeal of the design, my work invites introspection and celebrates authenticity.
Eunoia isn’t just about selling jewelry—it’s about inspiring others to embrace their individuality, connect with their heritage, and celebrate their holistic well-being. This fusion of art, culture, and empowerment is what sets Eunoia apart and keeps me passionate about creating.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely! Two of my favorite apps are Canva and Pinterest. Canva is my go-to for creating marketing strategies and connecting with diverse audiences through visually engaging content. Pinterest serves as both a source of inspiration and a practical tool to drive traffic to my website and Instagram by showcasing my designs in creative and relatable ways.
I also draw a lot of guidance from spiritual and self-help books that have shaped my approach to life and work. These books have helped me build a brand framework that prioritizes mental wellness and intentionality. Some of my favorites include The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz. Each of these has taught me valuable lessons about authenticity, creativity, and nurturing connections.
Music plays an equally important role in my creative process. I intentionally set the right mood while designing to ensure that only positive energy is infused into my work. Some of my favorite artists who influence my mindset are SZA, Sade, Doechii, Cleo Sol, Minnie Riperton, and Alex Isley. Their music helps me focus, stay inspired, and bring the best version of myself into every piece I create.
Together, these tools, books, and music enable me to stay balanced, motivated, and intentional in my artistry and business.
Pricing:
- Waist beads range from 20-40$
- Bracelets range from 12-15$
- Rings range from 9-12$
- Custom pieces vary
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shopofeunoia | @__itssyd__
- Pinterest: @thingzthatmakemehappy
- LinkedIn: Sydney M. Dinkins
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/camponton?igsh=dDNyZnUybDRoZWh5
https://www.instagram.com/idyllicshooter?igsh=MTJyMncxM3pqZnI3Mg==
