By Lola Magazine
When two hard-working moms from Shreveport, Louisiana, found themselves quarantined during COVID with four little girls bouncing on beds and dancing with wooden spoons, they had no idea they were about to launch a jewelry brand that would spread across the United States.
Meet Jenny and Anna—wives, mothers, former teachers, and the creative force behind Sandy + Rizzo, the colorful, joy-filled accessory line that has captured the hearts (and ears) of women everywhere. Between their two families, they’re raising daughters Ellie, Kate, Harper, and Annabelle. While the girls play, these two friends pour resin, paint, design, and dream. The good news is, to them, it never grows old and they love what they do, every single day.
A Friendship That Sparked a Business
Jenny and Anna’s friendship began the way many mom friendships do—through their daughters. Jenny once taught Anna’s little girl, and from there, the two women built a bond rooted in motherhood, shared dreams and creativity. “It’s not always easy to make friends as adults—but somehow we found each other, and then we built a business together.”
Both are teachers by training—Jenny is also an architect who taught art at a local private school, and Anna was an English professor. Their professional paths followed the traditional script: go to school, earn degrees, start careers and work in the day-to-day grind. But deep down, both women wanted more. During the stillness of the pandemic, they found that missing piece: creating together. One thing is clear when listening to these business partners: they share a deep respect and commitment to one another as friends. Their shared value of woman-to-woman connection is real and inspiring. At the core of this business relationship is a friendship that is not taken for granted, but cherished.
Creating Beauty in a Chaotic Season
What started as a simple quarantine project quickly turned into something bigger. The two friends experimented with resin pours, painted sheets of acrylic, and cut their earliest designs at home. In fact, they continue this process today—every single piece they produce is designed and touched by their hands.
Their first milestones were small but mighty: supportive girlfriends who wore the first earrings, Facebook Live “unboxings” where their humor and authenticity drew in viewers (known as Pink Ladies), and local events where their designs caught on as affordable, must-have accessories. “Our daughters still joke that they are the reason Sandy + Rizzo was born.” Then came the Red River Revel in 2021—a breakout moment where Sandy + Rizzo went from a side project to a serious business. Today, they are a Revel staple and have been there every year since.
A Brand Built on Connection
A Brand Built on ConnectionFrom the start, Jenny and Anna leaned into community. They asked questions, sought advice from other female entrepreneurs, and celebrated every “yes” along the way. “We’ve been blessed by women who’ve been generous with their wisdom.” Shreveport jewelry designer, Allison Rymes of the Gilded Oyster on Line, mentored them through growing pains. “Women really want to help others,” they add. “There’s enough sparkle to go around,” they add.
Jenny and Anna pay the gift of mentorship forward and hope to continue building a community of ladies supporting other ladies – even mentoring their own daughters to find what they love and follow their dreams rather than being stuck in a mold that is pre-engineered for them.
The Sandy + Rizzo Show
That same spirit of connection defines their brand today. Monday Night Live has become a ritual, drawing women from across the country to laugh, sip wine, and shop together. In fact, you will find Lola Magazine tuning in and enjoying the fun as new designs are featured. “It’s like checking in with friends—we’re not just selling jewelry; we’re creating a movement for women.” The show is part comedy, part fashion forecast, and all heart. Nothing is scripted; it’s simply Jenny, Anna, and their Pink Ladies having fun together.
What Sets Them Apart
Unlike many accessory brands, Sandy + Rizzo designs and manufactures everything themselves. Every pattern is hand-poured, every design original. “Our art is o
ur secret weapon. We’re not just designers—we’re artists.” That commitment to craft has taken them far. Today, Sandy + Rizzo jewelry can be found in more than 900 stores across 30 states, and most recently, they were featured on Vogue platforms- not once, but twice. Even still, the brand remains deeply personal.
So What’s Next?
For Jenny and Anna, Sandy +Rizzo is more than a business—it’s a legacy. Their daughters have grown up watching two strong women build something from nothing. “We want our girls to know they can do anything.” The road hasn’t always been easy. “When you rocket ship to the top, you eventually plateau,” they say. “And that’s okay. Sustaining a business is its own kind of success.”
Today, they employ four women, manage wholesale and retail operations, and continue to pour their creativity into every collection. Looking ahead, they dream of expanding but vow to always stay hands-on with the art. “We always get it done. We don’t have a roadmap—we just keep creating, and it keeps working.”
From Lisa Frank-inspired childhood dreams to a nationwide jewelry movement, Sandy + Rizzo is proof that sometimes the best businesses are born not from a business plan, but from friendship, creativity, and a whole lot of laughter.
What’s In A Name?
One sweet, one brassy—think Oklahoma determination meets Louisiana sass.
It all began as a costume joke, and soon the Grease-inspired personas became part of their brand’s playful DNA.
Lola loves Sandy + Rizzo—and we know you will too.
You can catch Sandy + Rizzo at local events like the Red River Revel, regional holiday staples like Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson, Mississippi and every Monday night on their Facebook Live.
Their products are sold at many local boutiques and retailers, and you can also shop online.