Young Rock by Nana designer turns bracelet kit into growing jewellery business

Young jewellery maker Cristiana Martin is turning an early birthday gift into a small but growing accessories brand, Rock by Nana, offering handmade bracelets, necklaces and anklets for children and adults.

Martin said the business name comes from Nana, a nickname she has had since she was about four years old. Her interest in jewellery started after she received a bracelet kit around her eighth birthday. The first pieces, she said, did not come out well, so she used TikTok and YouTube to learn better methods.

With support from her parents, Martin improved her technique and began producing pieces using stretch string, beads and wire that helps guide the beads onto the cord. She said the process can still be tedious, especially when a piece breaks, but practice has made her faster. On a good run, she said, she can make about 10 bracelets in an hour.

Rock by Nana includes collections for different occasions and customers. Martin showed pieces from her Mother's Day collection, a Jamaica Day collection, and a children’s line, which she described as her favourite because of the colours. She said the children’s pieces range from $200 to $500, while some other bracelets are priced at about $1,200.

The young entrepreneur said her items are being sold at Things Jamaica and at Devon House, as well as at the airport. She usually makes bracelets on weekends, balancing the business with school and, previously, gymnastics and other sports.

Martin said she sees Rock by Nana as a side hustle she intends to build further. She said she enjoys working with colour combinations and wants the brand to keep growing.