About Us
Two Women, Two Countries, One Dream: Creating Possibilities Beyond Limitations
Hi, we're Claudia Zhu and Teresa Cai – co-founders, sisters-in-law, and jewelry makers. We believe everyone deserves the chance to create something beautiful, no matter their circumstances or where they are in the world.
Claudia's Story: From Toronto Layoff to Finding Purpose
I'm Claudia, and I live in Toronto, Canada with my family. In 2020, during the pandemic, I was laid off from my job. As a mom, I suddenly found myself at home, facing an uncertain future and wondering how I could contribute to my family's income while being there for my children.
During those long, quiet days, I picked up my first pearl and started making jewelry – not as a business plan, but simply as something to do with my hands while my mind worried about bills, about the future, about how to help my family.
My friends encouraged me to try selling on Etsy. I was nervous, but I took the leap.
That small decision changed everything.
My Etsy shop didn't just bring in extra income – it gave me back my confidence. It proved I could contribute financially while being present for my kids. I'm forever grateful to Etsy and every customer who believed in my work during that difficult time.
Teresa's Story: Finding Independence from China
Meet my co-founder and sister-in-law, Teresa Cai.
Teresa lives in China and was born with a congenital condition that means she cannot walk independently and relies on a wheelchair for life. As a single woman with a disability, she has faced double challenges – society's limitations on what disabled people can do, and the pressure to be financially dependent on family.
But Teresa has never let those expectations define her.She has an incredible eye for design and meticulous attention to detail that makes every piece special. As we video-chatted and shared ideas, we realized something powerful: if traditional workplaces weren't accessible to her, we could create something that was. An online business doesn't care if you work from a wheelchair.
Teresa joined me as co-founder, and together — across time zones and borders — we've built something that gives both of us purpose, income, and independence.
Our Mission
As our business grew, friends around us – moms who needed to stay home with their children, full-time workers who needed extra household income – started learning from us. They needed income, but traditional work couldn't meet their need for flexibility.
We saw ourselves in every one of them.
We taught them how to make jewelry, source materials, and set up online shops. Some built thriving businesses, others make a few hundred dollars a month – and for their families, that makes all the difference.
This is why this website was born.
What We Offer
Handmade jewelry
Finished pieces crafted by us — natural pearls, crystals, and wire crochet jewelry made with care and ready to wear.
DIY kits & materials
Carefully curated kits with everything you need to make a specific piece, plus raw materials — natural pearls, crystals, beads, wire, and components — available individually.
YouTube tutorials
Step-by-step video tutorials on our YouTube channel to guide you from beginner to confident maker — covering techniques for every kit we sell.
Quality sourcing
Teresa in China oversees product sourcing and quality control, ensuring every material we carry meets the standard we'd use in our own jewelry.
International shipping
We ship to all of North America, the UK, and major European cities — so wherever you are, you can start making.
Who we're here for
● Moms who need to stay home with children but want a creative and productive outlet
● Anyone curious about handmade jewelry and wanting to learn from scratch
● People with disabilities looking for flexible, accessible creative work
● Crafters who want quality materials without buying in large quantities
You don't need a big budget, business experience, or to be in a specific country. You just need a starting point — and that's what we provide.
Giving Back
Because of Teresa's journey, we deeply understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
We commit 1% of all our revenue to disability employment organizations:
- March of Dimes Canada – Helping Canadians with disabilities gain employment opportunities
- China Disabled Persons' Federation – Promoting employment and rights protection for people with disabilities in China
Every purchase you make contributes to building a more inclusive world.
What our customers say
"I never thought I could make jewelry. The kit came with everything and the YouTube tutorial walked me through every step. My first necklace turned out beautifully!"
— Jennifer, Calgary
"As someone with chronic illness, being able to work at my own pace is everything. The kits are clear, the materials are lovely, and the tutorials are so easy to follow."
— Amanda, Vancouver
"I ordered the pearl bracelet kit for a rainy day project and ended up making three! Great quality materials and fast shipping."
— Michelle, Montreal
Meet the Founders
Claudia Zhu | Toronto – Co-Founder
Former corporate employee, now mom entrepreneur. Manages customer relationships, marketing, and global logistics.
Teresa Cai | China – Co-Founder
Wheelchair user and designer. Oversees product sourcing, supplier relationships, and quality control. Disability rights advocate.
Across 12 time zones, we've built something neither of us could have created alone.
FAQ
I've never made jewelry before. Can I really do this?
Yes! Our kits include all the materials you need, and our YouTube tutorials walk you through every step at beginner-friendly pace.
Do I need to buy a full kit, or can I order individual materials?
Both options are available. We offer curated DIY kits for specific designs, as well as individual materials — beads, pearls, wire, metal components — so you can mix and match.
Where can I find the tutorials?
Our YouTube channel has step-by-step tutorials for every kit we sell. You'll find the link in our shop and on our social media pages.
I have a disability. Can I still do this?
Absolutely. Our kits are designed to be accessible, and you can work entirely at your own pace. Teresa herself manages much of our business from her wheelchair.
Can I order from the US or Europe?
Yes! We ship to all of North America, the UK, and major European cities.
Which organizations receive the 1% donation?
March of Dimes Canada and China Disabled Persons' Federation. We share updates on our social media.
Contact Us:
Email: uniquejewelryCaice@gmail.com
Instagram: @uniquejewelryCaice
With love from Toronto and China,
Claudia Zhu & Teresa Cai