It Began with a Simple Prayer

No Other Name Jewelry began with a simple prayer. I was living a comfortable life in California with a steady job, church, friends, and family, but something always felt out of place. So, I prayed that God would reveal to me how I could live out my unique God-given passion and talents for a greater purpose. 

Now a remarkable thing happens when we pray: God answers. He may not always answer immediately or in the way you are expecting, but be prepared—  you may be in for the journey of a lifetime. Afterall, His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). 

This was definitely true for me because God answered my prayer with an unexpected and challenging call: He invited me to take a step of faith, uproot from everything secure and familiar, and move to New York. I felt terrified yet hopeful all at once! With little more than my life savings, mustard seed faith, and just enough courage, I embarked on a journey filled with uncertainty with only one constant: God walking with me every step of the way. 

Though I’ve always had artistic interests and considered myself a creative spirit, I felt as if I was truly starting from square one. A nagging doubt whispering You have no idea what you’re doing constantly echoed in my mind. But God was there.

“When I was preparing a portfolio for design school applications and I felt lost because I didn’t have the proper art supplies, God prompted a friend who was moving to give me all of her art materials. 

When I committed to use all of my life savings to study jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), God gave me the courage to take the leap of faith. 

When I was exhausted from the program’s heavy workload and felt distant from God, He surprised me with a reminder of His presence as I was randomly browsing clothes at a thrift store: Proverbs 3:5-6 sewn into the label of a shirt. 

When money was running out and I didn’t know how I would continue, God provided.“

After graduating from FIT, I landed what seemed like a “dream job” designing for popular, trendy jewelry brands. I felt blessed that I had a job that paid the bills and allowed me to be creative but as time went on, God continued pulling at my heartstrings. Deep down I knew God had more in store for me.

During this time I was reminded of how hard it was for me to find a quality, meaningful gift for a friend who was going through a difficult time. I couldn’t find anything that was quite right— everything either looked cheap, old-fashioned, or was really expensive. So I thought, Maybe I can make something myself? Ever since then, God planted a seed in my heart: perhaps there was a way I could create something that weaves together beauty, quality design, and faith. 

When I began handcrafting modern, scripture-inspired jewelry as a gift for my friends, I was amazed at the stories of God’s love and faithfulness that were evoked by each special piece. I experienced how a small piece of jewelry can be a huge encouragement for someone going through struggles and difficulties. This was life-changing for me! I discovered deep fulfillment when I began creating pieces that served to remind people of their personal encounters with our almighty Heavenly Father. 

After years of praying and asking God, please tell me what you want me to do. What is the brand that YOU want? No Other Name Jewelry was born! 

When I was thinking about a name for this brand people would tell me, “Just use your own name, people love to buy designer name brand stuff. You will be famous!” Well, honestly this thought didn’t excite me; I am naturally an introvert the world doesn’t need another famous designer, this world needs the love of God! 

I prayed for a very long time about what to name this brand and No Other Name came to me! I hope No Other Name Jewelry will encourage everyone to keep their eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus and in doing so, feel loved, understood, and empowered to live out their unique God-given potential in their daily lives.

Jewelry without meaning is just a piece of metal, just like how life without purpose would be like salt losing its taste.

Youning C.
Founder & Designer of No Other Name Jewelry
New York