When we saw THE Captain Kate McCue sporting one of our rings on TikTok, we were immediately captivated by her trailblazing story and just had to reach out. That initial connection quickly grew into a friendship rooted in shared values and a mutual commitment to empowering others. Captain Kate’s belief that anything is possible aligns perfectly with CONQUERing’s mission to empower people to live with confidence and purpose. Her journey from a young dreamer to a history-making captain mirrors our own commitment to helping people conquer their goals, one day at a time. We couldn’t think of a better partner to join us on this adventure!
The Journey of Crafting the Captain Kate Collection
The story began a few years ago when our CEO, Tammy, spotted none other than Captain Kate McCue wearing a CONQUERing. Over the years she became one of our most loyal and enthusiastic customers until one day early this year when we decided to partner together to create the Captain Kate Collection. We brought our Director of Product Development, Jake, into the fold and all gathered (virtually, of course) to begin dreaming up what this collaboration could become.
From the outset, we knew we wanted to embrace nautical themes—how could we not with a captain at the helm? But we also wanted these pieces to hold deeper symbolism, resonating with everyone—whether they love cruising on ships, boating, exploring the ocean, or even if they prefer to keep their feet on land.
Our challenge was to create designs that captured the essence of the ocean while also speaking to broader themes. The helm, for instance, represents steering your course and taking control of your destiny. The compass is about setting direction and having clear goals, while the anchor stands for strength and stability. These symbols are universal, connecting to the spirit of adventure, resilience, and purpose, no matter where life takes you.
But with our jewelry elements being on the smaller side, we had to get creative to make those intricate details truly stand out. So, the brainstorming began! Ideas were floated, some stayed afloat, while others... well, sank.
Jake then embarked on a quest for inspiration, sketching out designs that would make anyone feel ready to set sail. Once we had concepts we were excited about, we shared them with Captain Kate and they gave us the nod on what they loved and guided us on any necessary adjustments.
Once the designs were finalized, it was time to involve our manufacturers. We created 3D renderings, meticulously reviewed and refined them, and then refined them again. After months of perfecting every detail, the samples were ready—just in time for Captain Kate’s final approval.
With just days before Captain Kate would set sail again, Tammy flew across the country for a photoshoot. Time was tight, but with a few hours to spare, Tammy, Kate, and the photographer brought the collection to life. The shoot was a whirlwind, but the results? Absolutely stunning.
This collection is more than just jewelry—it’s a celebration of courage, leadership, and the excitement of forging your own path. We can’t wait for you to SEA it!
