Living Bold, Living Grateful: A Holiday Reflection from Susan

From My Heart to Yours—A Season of Gratitude

Hi, I’m Susan, the founder of AVILA. As the holidays approach, I find myself reflecting on all the moments that shaped this past year—big and small, joyful and challenging. Gratitude is a practice that has guided me not only in life but also in creating AVILA’s designs.

This season, I want to share what gratitude means to me and how it inspires the jewelry I create for you. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of connection, reflection, and the bold, inspired lives we’re building every day.

Why Gratitude Matters More Than Ever

Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a mindset that transforms how we see the world. For me, it’s about savoring the small wins, like completing a new jewelry collection, and cherishing the big ones, like connecting with amazing customers like you.

During the holidays, gratitude has an even deeper meaning. It’s a time to honor what truly matters—whether it’s family, personal growth, or the little things that make life beautiful, like a piece of jewelry that tells your story.

Jewelry That Reflects Gratitude

At AVILA, I design every piece with intention and meaning. My hope is that when you wear one of my designs, it serves as a personal reminder to live boldly and celebrate your unique journey.

This season, I want to highlight a few pieces that capture the spirit of gratitude:

- Azure Edge Earrings: A celebration of clarity and resilience—perfect for grounding yourself in strength.

- Flame Dancer Earrings: For the bold, passionate moments that ignite your spirit.

Every AVILA design is handmade with care, blending timeless style with a modern edge to reflect the powerful, inspired women who wear them.

How I Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude has been a guiding light for me, especially as a small business owner. Here are a few simple ways I bring gratitude into my life—and you can, too:

1. Wear Your Gratitude: I love choosing a piece of jewelry that reminds me of a moment or value I hold dear.

2. Celebrate Small Wins: Every milestone, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

3. Say Thank You: Taking time to thank the people who support and inspire you can be transformative.

This practice has deepened my connection to the world and to the AVILA community.

Giving Back: Gratitude in Action

At AVILA, gratitude drives everything I do, from sourcing materials ethically to creating timeless designs that support women in living bold, inspired lives. This season, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to give back—whether through meaningful collaborations or supporting sustainable practices.

Every AVILA piece you choose is part of that story. When you wear or gift AVILA, you’re sharing not just jewelry but a message of connection, inspiration, and care.

Thank You for Being Part of the AVILA Journey

To every customer, supporter, and friend: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your belief in AVILA makes it possible for me to do what I love, and I’m endlessly grateful for your support.

As we head into the new year, let’s carry the spirit of gratitude with us. Together, we can embrace the beauty in life, live boldly, and continue inspiring one another to shine brightly.

With gratitude and love,
Susan

The AVILA Holiday Gift Guide: Support Local & Shop Thoughtfully

The AVILA Holiday Gift Guide 2024- Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season

I wrote this with one purpose in mind: to highlight the incredible local businesses and artists who make Jacksonville such a special place. As a supporter of community and entrepreneurship, I believe it’s important to shop locally and thoughtfully, especially during the holiday season. Not only do you support small businesses, but you also gift your loved ones unique, meaningful products that carry the spirit of our city.

The items and experiences I’ve included in this guide come from people who put their heart and soul into their craft. From wellness gifts to creative art and self-care, these picks reflect a variety of passions and lifestyles, perfect for the women in your life who appreciate quality, beauty, and community. I hope this guide inspires you to explore local treasures and give gifts that truly matter.

Beauty & Wellness Gifts for Women Who Love Self-Care

Geode Necklaces by AVILA

These stunning pieces radiate positivity and strength, perfect for anyone on a self-care journey. A wearable reminder of empowerment and beauty.

Shop AVILA’s Gypsy Geode Necklaces here: AVILA Geode Necklaces

Samson Strength & Performance PT – Runner Programming

Help your favorite athlete reach new heights with a custom runner’s program. Perfect for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.

Learn more: Samson Strength & Performance PT

Face Refinery Jax

Give the gift of glowing skin with services like facials, lash lifts, and brow laminations. This local spot in Jacksonville Beach is a gem for beauty lovers.

Book an appointment here: Face Refinery Jax

Autumn’s Mane Magic

Help someone achieve their dream hair color with Jacksonville’s own Autumn Eltringham, a Redken-certified hair artist specializing in color transformations.

Book your appointment here: Autumn's Mane Magic

Art, Music, and Experiences

Atlantic Beach Arts Market

Handmade jewelry, pottery, and unique gifts from local artists. A one-stop shop for creative and meaningful presents.

Visit their site here: Atlantic Beach Arts Market

Jacksonville Surf & Paddle

Chic swimwear, beach-inspired accessories, and even surf lessons! This shop combines style and relaxation perfectly.

Check them out here: Jax Surf & Paddle

AVILA Handmade Earrings

Lightweight and versatile, these earrings are perfect for travel-loving fashionistas.

Explore them here: AVILA Handmade Earrings

Olivia Gonzalez | Garage Roses Art Studio

Vibrant, textured floral art created by palette knife artist Olivia Gonzalez. These pieces radiate joy and make a stunning addition to any space.

Shop her art here: Olivia Gonzalez

Tiger Records
For the vinyl collector or music enthusiast, Tiger Records offers a curated selection of records and more in the heart of Riverside.

Check them out here: Tiger Records

Abri Summerer Photography & Videography
Capture life's beautiful moments with stunning photography or videography from this talented local artist. Perfect for personal or professional needs.

Explore Abri’s portfolio here: Abri Summerer

Coffee, Eats, and Life Hack Favorites

SIC Cups

Eco-friendly, durable drinkware designed for an active lifestyle. Great for coffee, cocktails, or hydration on the go.

Browse their collection here: SIC Cups

Ink Coffee & Co.
Treat the coffee enthusiast in your life to the best brew in Jacksonville Beach. Grab a gift card or visit their cozy café to see why this spot is a local, and my personal, favorite. Also, the best barista in 32250!

Learn more here: Ink Factory Brewing

Hoby’s General Store & Honey

Delicious local honey, artisanal jams, and gift-ready baskets—ideal for the foodie or wellness enthusiast.

Explore Hoby’s offerings at their Mandarin location or here: Hoby's Honey & General Store

Supporting local businesses is more than just a transaction—it’s about fostering a sense of community and giving back. Each of the businesses and artists featured in this guide is a testament to the creativity and resilience of our city. This holiday season, let’s make our shopping experiences a celebration of Jacksonville’s talent and heart. Tell them Susan at AVILA sent you! Happy gifting! 🎁

Autumn 2024 Vibes: Embracing Jewel Tones with a Boho Twist

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, we’re embracing the rich, luxurious colors that define Autumn 2024. This season, it’s all about jewel tones – think deep amethyst, rich emerald, and regal sapphire – with a unique twist. These colors aren’t just bold; they bring a timeless yet earthy, boho-chic vibe to any wardrobe, infusing both energy and elegance.

At AVILA, we’re leaning into this stunning palette, focusing on amethyst for a unique touch of boho-meets-refinement. Amethyst, a stone known for its captivating purple hue and grounding properties, beautifully captures the spirit of fall – offering not only a visual pop but a sense of calm and balance that aligns with the seasonal shift.

Jewel Tones: Polished and Earthy

Jewel tones may be rich and bold, but when paired with natural elements and artisanal details, they create a vibe that’s less “opulent” and more “organic.” This autumn, boho and earthy aesthetics are coming together with these vibrant tones, creating a look that’s both free-spirited and polished. With amethyst, the enchanting purples can elevate a simple outfit or add a hint of mystery to an everyday look. This versatile stone offers a sense of sophistication without taking away from the bohemian feel, striking a beautiful balance between polished elegance and organic charm.

Why Amethyst Is the Season’s Must-Have

Amethyst isn’t just about color; it’s about energy. Known for its soothing and protective qualities, amethyst has been used throughout history as a stone of peace, intuition, and stability. As we enter the cooler months, amethyst accessories bring a bit of warmth to our lives and help ground us amid all the seasonal bustle.

For those who love a boho-inspired look but want to keep it timeless and polished, amethyst is the perfect choice. It pairs beautifully with neutrals like cream, taupe, and brown, adding a dash of color without overwhelming the look. Or, if you’re feeling bold, try layering it with other jewel tones like emerald and sapphire for a truly striking statement.

How to Wear Amethyst This Fall

1. Layered Necklaces – Stack delicate amethyst pieces with gold or bronze chains to capture that effortless, layered look. This adds texture and depth to any outfit, making it both earthy and chic.

2. Statement Rings – A chunky amethyst ring serves as a powerful focal point, especially when styled with boho-inspired fabrics and patterns. It’s an easy way to bring a hint of mystique and sophistication to your look.

3. Earrings with a Pop of Purple – Earrings featuring amethyst stones give a subtle yet striking touch to a neutral or jewel-toned outfit. It’s a way to enhance your style with color and capture the essence of autumn's vibe.

4. Bracelets with Positive Affirmations – Our Positive Affirmation Series at AVILA pairs amethyst with meaningful quotes that uplift and inspire. With the calming energy of amethyst and words that resonate, these pieces add a heartfelt touch to your fall look.

Why Jewel Tones Are Here to Stay

In fashion, jewel tones aren’t just a fleeting trend; they’re a return to something classic. These colors transcend seasons, offering a timeless beauty that feels fresh year after year. For those who love the earthy, free-spirited style of boho but want a more polished aesthetic, amethyst and other jewel tones offer the perfect solution.

AVILA’s Take on Autumn 2024

This fall, we’re thrilled to offer pieces that capture the magic of amethyst. Whether it’s a bracelet that reminds you to live boldly, a necklace that channels inner peace, or a ring that grounds you in the moment, each piece is designed to be both a style statement and a source of personal inspiration.

Explore the AVILA collection and embrace the Autumn 2024 jewel tone vibe with us. Let’s celebrate this season of richness and warmth – earthy, polished, and endlessly inspiring.