Al Sandimirova: Difference between revisions

'''Al Sandimirova''' is an indigenous, queer, trans, non-binary, refugee, and activist who is the founder, CEO, and Jewelry designer behind Automic Gold.<ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestheculture/2021/11/20/these-trans-entrepreneurs-of-color-are-closing-out-trans-awareness-week-with-messages-of-hope/?sh=462f3a47260f</ref>

Sandimirova is originally from Tatarstan<ref>https://www.themarshallproject.org/we-are-witnesses/immigration/alena</ref>, an independent republic of Russia, and is indigenous of Chuvash descent.<ref>https://www.queerasiansocialclub.com/dis-orient-vol1-issue-4</ref>

Sandimirova came to the U.S in 2009 as an LGBT refugee.<ref>https://www.livekindly.co/lgbtq-sustainable-businesses/</ref> 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.<ref name=":0">https://www.pbs.org/video/atomic-gold-lgbt-business-success-story-vyxxmp/</ref>

In 2013 Sandimirova became certified in diamond grading through the GIA<ref>https://www.tiktok.com/@automicgold/video/7070927859442797866?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en</ref>. 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.<ref>https://www.elitedaily.com/p/meet-the-designers-tackling-fashions-plus-size-accessories-problem-head-on-59573080</ref>

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.<ref>https://www.ravishly.com/yes-brands-can-be-radically-ethical-and-profitable</ref>

[https://www.automicgold.com/ Website]

 

[https://www.instagram.com/alsandimirova/ Instagram]

 

[https://www.tiktok.com/@al.sandimirova TikTok]