In creating the online jewelry brand, Meridiem the Label, two San Jose State alumni provide customers with minimalist gold and silver necklaces and bracelets while also giving back to their community.
Tiffany Nguyen and Matthew Delos Santos, who both graduated from SJSU in 2019, are friends and co-owners of the business. They met through mutual friends as undergraduates and bonded over their interest in wearing and buying jewelry.
Nguyen said she always wanted to own a jewelry business and when shelter-in-place mandates were enacted in spring, she and Delos Santos began researching the steps and paperwork required to establish an online retailer.
“I had a lot of extra free time just staying at home,” Nguyen said over the phone. “Just the thought of [having a business] really ignited a fire in me and I knew this was something that I had to bring to life.”
Nguyen said she and Delos Santos searched online for manufacturers that provided ethical working conditions.
“[Delos Santos and I] wanted to make sure [our manufacturers] paid workers proper wages while being able to provide the quality of jewelry that we wanted,” she said.
Since Meridiem the Label launched in September, its Instagram page has accumulated 341 followers as of Nov. 17.
Meridiem is Latin for “glow,” and Nguyen said the pair chose to name their brand after this word to encapsulate the business’ goal of spreading more positivity in the community by donating its proceeds to people in need.
The business currently donates 10% of its earnings to Operation Underground Railroad, a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Nguyen said the beneficiary will change every three months and anyone can email the business to recommend charities.
“We want to make a jewelry brand where we can give back to the community and not just focus on the business and profit,” Nguyen said.
Delos Santos said in addition to creating a business that gives back to the community, he and Nguyen also wanted to sell simple jewelry that could be worn for every occasion.
“I just see a lot of younger people wearing snug and choker types of jewelry and I feel like [Meridiem the Label] fits that type of style,” Delos Santos said over the phone.
Jesus Cerda, an SJSU alumnus and customer, said over the phone he doesn’t usually like to wear flashy accessories and likes the brand’s simple designs.
“I’ve never been someone to wear too much jewelry, but I feel like these complement my style so well,” Cerda said. “lt gives [my outfits] a very clean look.”
Like Cerda, Brian Andres, an SJSU business administration senior and Meridiem the Label model, said over the phone that he appreciates how the jewelry easily matches with any of his outfits.
“The fact that [Nguyen and Delos Santos] chose a minimalistic [style] is honestly perfect to me,” he said. “I use it for everyday use. If I want to go hang out with some friends, I’ll throw a couple pieces on.”
Andres said he also admires how Delos Santos and Nguyen prioritize serving their community and customers.
“So many [jewelry] brands focus on making profit,” Andres said. “I love how [Nguyen and Delos Santos] donate their earnings . . . because it really shows who they are as people and what kind of business they want to build.”
