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In just a few years, Twenty-Eight Minna has grown from a personal dream into a jewelry brand that reflects the life I live—and the life I wanted to reclaim. This is my story: how I became a mom, lost sight of myself, and found a way to create jewelry that fits real life without compromise.
I planned to start a clothing business in 2019, just before COVID hit. But life had other plans. I got pregnant back-to-back, and in what felt like no time at all, I was a mom of two under two. Balancing full-time work and newborns was overwhelming. There were so many responsibilities pulling me in different directions, and somewhere along the way, I stopped feeling like myself.
Pictures of Aminna "Minna" with her infant sons.
By the time I turned 30, I realized I had lost more than sleep — I had lost me. Caring for everyone else and trying to keep my career on track left little room to nurture my own identity. In 2022, I decided it was time to focus on myself, and that's when Twenty-Eight Minna was born. The name marks the moment I last felt like me and knew who I was — not just as a mom or a wife, but as Aminna "Minna".
I’ve always loved jewelry, even when I was a child. I used to design and sell handmade pieces at local art fairs, thrilled by the idea that something I created could make someone feel beautiful or confident. As I got older, jewelry became my way to express myself, lift my mood, and feel a little spark of joy even on tough days.
When I became a mom, I realized the jewelry I loved didn’t exist for the life I was living. Affordable pieces from department stores would irritate my skin. Some would tarnish after a few wears, and I’d be left unable to enjoy them. The more luxurious options were beautiful, but expensive and impractical — they weren’t made for everyday life.
I wanted jewelry that could keep up. Waterproof, tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, and versatile — pieces I could wear from the school drop-off line to work meetings, to date nights, to quiet moments at home. Jewelry that could endure the life of a busy, hands-on parent without losing its elegance; jewelry that is mom-life proof.
I started Twenty-Eight Minna because I saw a gap for women like me. Life doesn’t pause, and the small things that help us feel confident shouldn’t either. Jewelry can be that reminder of yourself — something that carries you through routines and responsibilities while still feeling intentional and beautiful.
Being a mom taught me how much thought and care goes into every day. I wanted to create jewelry that reflects that same thoughtfulness: strong, reliable, yet beautiful, so it feels effortless to wear.
When I officially launched Twenty-Eight Minna in 2024, my goal was simple: create and curate pieces that could endure real life while celebrating individuality. Every detail, every finish, every choice was about balance — luxury that works for everyday moments.
I wanted jewelry that could move with me — from errands and playdates to work presentations and nights out — without ever feeling fragile or high-maintenance. I wanted each piece to make me feel confident, appreciated, seen, and I wanted each piece to do the same for every woman who wears them.
Twenty-Eight Minna has grown into a brand I’m proud of — a Black-owned, woman-led company that honors women living fully, without compromising elegance or practicality. I see our jewelry as a way to reclaim identity, spark confidence, and celebrate life’s everyday moments.
For me, this brand isn’t just about jewelry. It’s about carving space for myself and other women to feel visible, valued, and empowered — even in the middle of life’s busiest seasons.
McKenzie Kerry, 2024 Miss Iowa USA, wearing the Twenty-Eight Minna Mesh Semi-Hoop Earrings. Photo courtsey of McKenzie Kerry's Instagram account.
