Al Sandimirova
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Al Sandimirova is an indigenous, queer, trans, non-binary, refugee, and activist who is the founder, CEO, and Jewelry designer behind Automic Gold.[3]
| Pronouns | they/them[1] |
|---|---|
| Gender identity | transgender dyke[1]/nonbinary[2] |
| Known for | Automic Gold |
Biography
Sandimirova is originally from Tatarstan[4], an independent republic of Russia, and is indigenous of Chuvash descent.[5]
Sandimirova came to the U.S in 2009 as an LGBT refugee.[6] Because the US was in an economic crisis and they were an undocumented immigrant, Sandimirova struggled to find work. In order to make money, they began their own business buying used gold and diamond jewelry and repairing them.[7]
In 2013 Sandimirova became certified in diamond grading through the GIA[8]. They then went on to graduate from the Jewelry Arts Institute for jewelry making in 2015. In 2016 they completed both the jewelry making course and the stone setting course from Studio Jewelers LTD.
After having friends purchase their self-designed jewelry, Sandimirova decided to start their own business. They launched Automic Gold in 2017.[9]
Sandimirova uses their brand and their platform to create inclusivity for people of every gender, size, and skin tone, often using models who are plus-size, non-cis, non-white, or disabled. Automic Gold’s “radically ethical” mission includes a refusal to photoshop their models, transparent business practices, sustainable sourcing of their materials, and refusing to take investments.[10]
Quotes
“I really care about inclusivity because this is how I see the world. As a genderqueer person, I never shop by the specific gender. I always shop with both genders. So, for me it’s just normal, it's an extension of who I am. So, when I created this brand, it’s not for men, it’s not for women, it’s just for everyone. You don’t need a category. And the same for sizes. For me, it was never the question, what sizes to make. People come in all sizes, so make jewelry in all sizes. And of course, in hiring and giving representation to people of color: This is just the world around me, why not show it? I think it should be the norm.”[7]
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Costs of Identity: Running a business as an LGBTQ+ person". Chasing the Dream. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ↑ Harrison, Olivia (17 September 2020). "The Founder Of This Inclusive Jewelry Brand Wants You To Leave Your "Amazon Mindset" At The Door". refinery29.com. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ↑ Marie Preston, Ashlee (20 November 2021). "These Trans Entrepreneurs Of Color Are Closing Out Trans Awareness Week With Messages Of Hope". Forbes. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ↑ "Alena Sandimirova | We are Witnesses: Becoming an American". The Marshall Project. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ↑ "Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor". Disorient. 1 (4). 4 December 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ↑ "15 LGBTQ Sustainable Businesses To Support This Pride Month & Always". Live Kindly. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Automic Gold: An LGBTQ+ Business Success Story" (video). PBS. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ↑ "Reply to @crackedshell77 how I started! #jeweler #jewelrymaker #gemolo..." TikTok. 3 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ↑ Lawrence, Shammara (29 January 2021). "Meet The Designers Tackling Fashion's Plus-Size Accessories Problem Head-On". Elite Daily. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ↑ Athena, Luna (25 March 2023). "Yes, Brands Can Be Radically Ethical And Profitable". Ravishly.
