On this week’s episode of the Fashion Crimes Podcast, Holly Katz takes us back to her summer road trip to Charleston, South Carolina, where she visited the charming new brick-and-mortar store of the *Goldbug Collection* on Spring Street.

 

Founded by sisters Mini Hay Avant and Kathleen Hay Hagood, Goldbug is a local jewelry line born out of Croghan’s Jewel Box, their family’s iconic jewelry store in Charleston.

 

As fourth-generation jewelers, these sisters have reimagined Southern charm with their unique costume jewelry, sending their bug-inspired creations all over the country.

 

In this episode continuing her #womensupportingwomen series, she stops in and sits down with the Goldbug Collection team member Riley Steinhour while Mini and Kathleen were away to learn all about the brand’s inspiration, how it came to life, and why Goldbug is taking Charleston by storm.

 

Be sure to head over to our YouTube Channel to watch this fun in-store interview!

 

KEY TOPICS:

 

The Goldbug Story: From Family Tradition to Fashion Forward

Mini and Kathleen, raised in a family of jewelers, began designing jewelry inspired by Charleston’s low country beauty. From palm fronds to local bugs, the sisters turned their love for nature into a costume jewelry line that blends nostalgia and playfulness. #bugstobeautiful

 

Holly and Riley explore the roots of the brand, which started in Croghan’s Jewel Box, a century-old jewelry store in Charleston, and how their family’s engraving expertise has added a personalized touch to their pieces.

 

The Charm of Bug-Inspired Jewelry

Holly and Riley dive into one of Goldbug’s signature elements: jewelry inspired by Charleston’s Palmetto Bug. While this Southern roach may not seem like a likely muse, Mini and Kathleen transformed it into an emblem of the region’s character and charm. #what?!?!

 

The line also features okra-shaped pieces, peanuts, and fireflies, reflecting the beauty of everyday Southern life. 

 

Riley shares how these quirky pieces resonate with customers, turning Charleston’s pests into wearable art.

 

The Craft of Customization and Engraving

A hallmark of Goldbug jewelry is its customization. With engraving passed down as a family trade, Goldbug offers bespoke pieces that customers can personalize with initials, dates, or symbols.

 

Riley showcases popular items like the “Forget Me Not” pendant and the baby puffy hearts, which make perfect gifts for loved ones.

 

Whether it’s a charm that commemorates a special moment or an engraved token with sentimental meaning, Goldbug’s pieces are a fusion of family history and modern design.

 

Mixing High and Low Jewelry Styles

Holly discusses one of her favorite aspects of the Goldbug collection: its versatility in styling. Riley highlights how the costume jewelry can be easily paired with fine jewelry for an effortlessly chic look.

 

Holly shares tips on mixing real and costume jewelry to create a bold yet timeless style. Whether it’s stacking bangles or layering necklaces, Goldbug pieces offer the perfect balance of playful design and classic elegance.

 

Why We Love the Goldbug Collection:

She wraps up the episode by expressing her love for the *Goldbug Collection* and why she is passionate about supporting women-owned, small businesses. #YYAASSSS

 

Goldbug’s combination of family heritage, creativity, and Charleston flair makes it a must-visit destination for any fashion lover. With pieces that tell a story and celebrate Southern charm, Goldbug is more than jewelry—it’s a celebration of artistry and community.

 

Holly encourages her listeners to check out the store online, follow them on social media, and discover how they can add a little bug love to their own collections. We would have never believed it until we saw it, but only Goldbug can create beauty and style from everyday things can be easily overlooked. 

We were so impressed by their collection we can't wait to see what they will think of next.

Watch the full interview on our YouTube Channel here!

 

Follow at https://www.instagram.com/goldbugcollection/

Shop at https://goldbugcollection.com/

 

 

With one last look at summer and heading into the Fall, be on the lookout for more news fromMini and Kathleen at the Goldbug Collection in the future - and more women-owned businesses you need to know!

Please share this episode with those you love and keep listening to the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST – the best fashion friend you never knew you needed!  

 

We are here every week wherever you get your podcasts – and on YouTube – to help women over 40 and beyond build confidence through learning about fashion by avoiding common style mistakes.

 

Whether you’re over 40 or just love unique jewelry, this episode is for YOU!

Share with a friend or someone you know who needs fashion help, the fashion hotline is always open.