Our Story

Hello!

I'm Carrie Khodanian, the owner and founder of Stella & Tide.

I started S&T in 2018 with a search for dainty jewelry that didn't break the budget. In the midst of my failed searches, a new business was born.

I began to create pieces for women who were looking for exactly what I had failed to find—elegant, feminine jewelry.

Somewhere along the way, I decided to take a chance and incorporate my Catholic faith into the jewelry of S&T. The rest was history!

There's something so special about a handcrafted piece that I've always loved. I spent many afternoons during my childhood with my mom and sister creating our own jewelry with friends.

These special memories have kept my passion for jewelry making alive, and now I can share them with you.

Behind the Name

When I started the business, I had a name that I loved (Stella) and a coastal vision, so I chose the name "Stella & Tide."

Later, I learned about Stella Maris (Our Lady, Star of the Sea), an ancient title for our Blessed Mother. And just like that, I realized that Mary had her hand in this business all along.

In the 5th century, sailors began to use the title of Stella Maris to ask Mary for help in times of trouble. Eventually, they began to refer to the North Star as "Stella Maris" due to its ever-guiding light.

I believe our dainty Catholic jewelry can serve a similar purpose. When the storms of this life come our way, these small pieces can serve as big reminders to turn to Christ through our Blessed Mother and the saints.

I hope our jewelry helps to guide you toward an eternal home with God.

xoxo
Carrie

P.S. You can learn more about Our Lady, Star of the Sea in this blog post.

Meet the Owner

Owner & Founder
Carrie Khodanian

Carrie lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with her husband, Gary. At S&T, her main responsibility is creating all of our handmade jewelry pieces. Since 2018, she's made over 10,000 dainty catholic pieces by her own hands! She's also responsible for managing all daily operations in the business (everything from designing new pieces to shipping customer orders).

Carrie and Gary converted to Catholicism in 2016, and her confirmation saint is St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Carrie loves to spend time outside, and her favorite place in the world is the beach. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction/thriller books and riding bikes.

Meet the Team

Website & Marketing
Gary Khodanian

Gary is Carrie's husband and has been helping with Stella & Tide since day one! Today, he's responsible for website design + functionality, digital marketing, and all things technology at S&T.

Gary and Carrie started dating in high school and have been married for over 8 years. Gary is passionate about marketing, and he spends his free time reading, relaxing at the beach, or running his men's Catholic jewelry business, Ark & Armor. His confirmation saint is St. Christopher, and his favorite author is J.R.R. Tolkien!

Order Shipper
Jani

Jani is Carrie's mother and Gary's mother-in-law. Though she's helped seasonally over the years, she officially joined the S&T team in 2021 as our Order Shipper! Her primary responsibility is to prayerfully package and ship all customer orders.

Jani resides in Freeport, FL with her husband, Michael. Her confirmation saint is Saint William of Rochester, and she enjoys home decor and crafting in her free time. One of her favorite books is Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey.

Customer Support Representative
Molly

Molly joined the team in 2021 as our Customer Support Representative! She's responsible for helping every customer have a wonderful experience with S&T. If you get in touch with us via email or chat, you'll hear from her!

Molly currently resides in Montana with her husband and two children. Her confirmation saint is St. Monica, and she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family! Some of her favorite books include the Introduction to the Devout Life and Rome Sweet Home.

Ave Maris Stella, Dei Mater alma, atque semper Virgo, felix caeli porta.

Hail, Star of the Sea, God's own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav'nly rest.

From "Ave Maris Stella," a Marian hymn from the Middle Ages