Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Frascone.
Hi Samantha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Superior Zen Gems in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. At first, it was simply a creative outlet — a way for me to channel energy into something meaningful during such an uncertain time. I had no intention of turning it into a business. I just wanted to share my work. But the response I received from friends and family was overwhelmingly positive, and it pushed me to consider that what I was creating had real value beyond just personal expression. That’s when I decided to take Superior Zen Gems more seriously.
At the time, I was living in Duluth, Minnesota — a city that holds a deep place in my heart. I lived there for eight years, attending college at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where I graduated with honors, and later starting my post-graduate career. The name “Superior Zen Gems” comes from my long-standing love for Lake Superior, and the profound sense of calm and clarity I feel when I’m near her. I wanted the jewelry I create to reflect that same energy — peaceful, grounded, and accepting.
Creativity has always been an integral part of who I am. Ever since I was a child, I’ve struggled to fit neatly into boxes. I found traditional schooling difficult; not because I didn’t care, but because my mind simply didn’t function well within the confines of a 7-hour school day. Coming from a family of healthcare professionals, I often felt out of place — like there was something wrong with me for wanting something different. But what I wanted was simple: I wanted to create. I wanted to make things I was proud of. I wanted to feel lit up by what I was doing.
That urge to create showed up in many ways over the years. In high school, I made YouTube videos — mostly music video edits — and some of them gained thousands of views. I taught myself how to edit and found so much joy in it. I was the girl at lunch talking to her webcam, and I loved it. I also used to make clothes and DIY projects inspired by Tumblr trends, and sold them to people in my community. Looking back, all of these things were seeds that grew into Superior Zen Gems.
A huge part of my story — and of my creative journey — has been my mental health. At age 14, my mom took me to see my first therapist. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety and Depressive Disorders — something that, at the time, wasn’t as openly discussed or understood as it is now. I felt isolated, both at school and within myself. For a long time, I truly didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere. Art became my safe place — the one constant in my life that made me feel seen, grounded, and whole.
Even now, my art is where I return when I need clarity or strength. It reminds me of who I am. And nothing compares to the feeling of knowing something I created is being worn and loved by someone else — that a piece of my story gets to live on through others.
Superior Zen Gems has grown into more than I ever expected. My Instagram community now includes over 1,500 kind, curious, and creative souls who inspire me every day. My ultimate goal is to make people feel seen. Whether it’s through a pair of earrings, a personal post, or just showing up authentically online, I want anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit to know they’re not alone.
This business, this work, this community — it’s what I want to be doing with my life. It’s where my heart is, and I’m proud to finally be stepping into the fullest version of myself: creative, expressive, intuitive, and free.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most creative paths, it’s been anything but linear. Turning a passion into a business is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. I had no formal training in business or marketing, so I had to teach myself everything — from filing sales tax to photographing products to navigating algorithms. It was a lot to take on, especially at the beginning, when I didn’t yet see myself as a “real” business owner.
I also tend to be a deeply intuitive, emotionally driven person, which is both a strength and a challenge. I create from the heart, but that also means I sometimes second-guess myself, or hold back from sharing because I want everything to feel perfect. That tension between creative flow and perfectionism has been a constant learning curve.
There have definitely been moments where I’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure of the next step. But even in those moments, I’ve always come back to the work. Creating jewelry grounds me. It keeps me connected to myself and to others — and that’s what makes the hard days worth pushing through.
I believe in what I’m creating. And I think that’s what makes the difference. When you’re aligned with your work, when it comes from a place of love and purpose, everything starts to flow. I don’t just create to express myself — I create because I want people to feel something when they wear what I’ve made. Not just beauty or joy, but a sense of recognition. A quiet kind of validation. Like who they are is enough. Like they’re not alone. That’s what keeps me going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Superior Zen Gems is a handmade jewelry brand specializing in beaded and resin pieces using real pressed flowers and foliage from nature. I create earrings, rings, and accessories that are inspired by the natural world — not just in look, but in feeling. I want my jewelry to evoke a sense of peace and connection. The kind of “zen” you feel when you’re standing next to a lake or walking through the woods — that’s the energy I try to hold in every piece.
What sets my work apart is the intention behind it. These pieces aren’t mass-produced or trend-driven — they’re made with care and meaning. I think people connect with that. What I’m most proud of is the way this work allows me to connect with others.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
While I’ve never had a traditional mentor in jewelry or business, I’ve been deeply shaped by the people around me — in ways that go far beyond career advice.
My parents have had a huge impact on the person I’ve become. My mom worked as a nurse for many years and taught me what it means to show up with care, gentleness, and integrity. My dad’s story is one of resilience — he came from poverty and went on to become the EMS Medical Director at Regions Hospital for 47 years. From them, I learned the importance of kindness, hard work, and creating with intention — not just to be seen, but to share something meaningful.
Some of my closest friends are also constant sources of inspiration. One of my best friends is an incredible illustrator, and another is a gifted singer. Being surrounded by people who value creativity and self-expression has helped me stay grounded in who I am and what I want to bring into the world.
Growing up, I found so much comfort and courage in the creators I watched on YouTube. Even though those connections were parasocial, they had a real impact on me. They helped me feel less alone and gave me the confidence to be creative, to express myself, and to believe that sharing my ideas could actually matter.
Now that I’m older, I find myself drawn to more introspective creators — people who flourish effortlessly by just being themselves. Alexis Rakun, Jessie Reyez, and Florence Given have all shaped how I view storytelling, presence, and vulnerability. They showed me that being open on the internet isn’t just powerful — it’s a form of connection and true expression. They taught me that it’s possible to change someone’s perspective on themselves and their creativity simply by being real.
And finally, while I may not have had direct mentorship in jewelry or art, I’ve found deep guidance through my yoga practice. I’ve had teachers and mentors who helped me connect inward — and that connection spills into everything I make. The people and practices that have helped me stay grounded are the same ones that allow Superior Zen Gems to exist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/superiorzengems
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superiorzengems/
- Facebook: Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573700596239 (or search “Superior Zen Gems” on Facebook)
