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

Hi Tan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business honestly started by accident. I’ve always loved anklets, and after losing a custom one I had made on a girls’ trip, I tried to find a replacement online. Nothing felt like me, so I decided to make my own. When I wore it to work, my co-workers started asking me to make anklets for them. Then I made a bracelet, and they all wanted one too. Before I knew it, people were stopping by my desk asking me to create pieces just for them.

Around that same time, my job went through layoffs. While I was grateful my position wasn’t affected, it made me pause and think about what I would do if things changed. I decided to try my first pop-up shop and made $300 — but more than the money, I realized I was doing something I truly loved. When someone tried to buy my jewelry before I had even finished setting up my table, I knew I was onto something. What started as one lost anklet turned into a purpose-driven brand focused on helping people feel confident and walk away smiling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My jewelry is centered on intention, connection, confidence and Luv. I create handcrafted gemstone jewelry designed to help people feel seen, uplifted, and confident the moment they put it on. What sets me apart is the experience — I invite people to try pieces on, feel the difference, and leave smiling. That’s why I proudly call myself a smile maker.
My professional journey wasn’t traditional or easy. What started as a creative outlet grew through consistency, community, and faith. Balancing a full-time job while building my brand came with challenges, but I learned that confidence grows through action and showing up even when things feel uncomfortable. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. What I want the world to know is that my brand was built with heart and purpose — I create wearable confidence that remind you that you’re beautiful, loved and deserve to shine exactly as you are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town, I’d introduce them to vegan eats that would absolutely blow their mind — the kind where you forget it’s plant-based. We’d hit Purely Plant for Caribbean- and Latin-inspired flavors, grab the best plant-based pizza ever at Pizza Verdura Sincera, and end with fully vegan melt in your mouth cinnamon rolls stacked with toppings at Cinnaholic.

We’d spend time at Atlantic Station, catch a concert, comedy show or attend a line dance class, unwind at Callaway Gardens and a spa day, and finish with something creative like a candle-making class or sip & plant class.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shout out goes to the people who supported me before this was a business — my family, friends, and co-workers who became my first customers, the pop-up shoppers who took a chance on my brand, and the women who leave my table smiling. Every order, conversation, and “you should keep going” helped turn a passion into purpose. Most of all, I thank God for continually opening doors and giving me the courage to walk through them.

Website: Www.Luv2beadjewerly@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luv2bead

Facebook: Luv2bead

Youtube: Luv2bead Jewelry & More

Other: TikTok: Luv2bead

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