Lines We Love: Shoshanna Lee

By Julie

I want to introduce you to a line of jewelry making its mark on the fashion scene and one that should be recognized for craftsmanship and positive energy. Shoshanna Lee Jewelry is a line based on natural beauty; the designer, Sandee Zahn, finds inspiration from precious stones she hand picks. Known for her beautiful tassels and two-tone chains, the sophisticated and natural aesthetic of the hand-crafted line is a great accessory for any unique and feminine woman.

Here's a closer look at Sandee Zahn and Shoshanna Lee's latest designs.

 How did you decide to start your own business? And what was the process like for you to break out on your own?

I didn’t really decide to start a business, the business decided to start me. I took my daughter Sammy to a bead store to learn how to make wrap bracelets. I found these beautiful raw sapphire beads and beaded my very first bracelet. I made one for a holiday party where they had a gift exchange. When the girls at the party saw the bracelet, they all wanted one. I had some extra and sold my first two bracelets that night. The next day I decided to bring some more I had made to a store. They bought five of them and sold out the same day. That was the beginning of Shoshanna Lee Jewelry and breaking out on my own.

Where do you draw inspiration for your jewelry line?

I draw inspiration from the precious and primitive elements of the stones. I also spend a lot of time looking at different types of stones from all over the world and study designs across all areas of fashion.

3. What would you say have been the biggest wins (and biggest losses) of building your own business?

There are three areas that are all equally my biggest win. In no order of priority, the first is the recognition of my personal style that is reflected inShoshanna Lee’s collections, which has given me a boost of confidence. The second is the incredible support I receive from my family and friends. The third is facing lots of new challenges and learning how to overcome them so I can get to the next level.

 How would you describe your personal style?

Classic with a bohemian twist.

If you could pick 5 fashion must-haves for every woman, what would they be?

1. White button down blouse

2. Anything mint green for spring

3. Great bag

4. Only one ‘trendy’ piece, i.e. scarf, hat, driving gloves

5. Loving man on your arm

Where can we find Shoshanna Lee being sold? What are your hopes and dreams for the business in the future?

Please look at my website because I am in too many boutiques to list them all here, although I have listed a few below:

Wolf & Badger, London, England

Bloomingdales, Santa Monica, CA

Enaz, Highland Park, IL

DNA, Las Vegas, NV, Atlantic City, NJ

Elements, Chicago, IL

Root’d, Park City, UT

My hope is to be a household name, known for price point and good quality jewelry handmade in the USA. And, a reality TV show of my business on Bravo like Rachel Zoe.

 Tell us a little more about your job. What makes you excited to go to work every day?

Being creative and learning new things everyday is exciting. My job goes far beyond selecting stones and beads and designing my collections. I have to run Shoshanna Lee everyday, sometimes late into the night and weekends. This includes understanding the business side of a jewelry company, managing costs, making a profit, working with my team, being the boss, promotion, sales, making decisions, and most importantly, lookingafter my clients.

 What's your favorite piece in the line right now and why?

My favorite piece is my Stella Collection which is 10mm Sapphire Beads with snake clasps. It is sophisticated with a trendy twist and it is current in respect to the year of the snake. It is also at an affordable price point.

I can't get enough of all the gorgeous stones and mixed metals, but Sandee's positive energy and enthusiasm might just take the cake.

For more product details, please visit Shoshanna Lee.

XOX