Meet the Maker: Trish Houghtling, the Heart Behind Crafted by Citrus

Hello, lovely! I’m Trish Houghtling, the proud owner and chief designer at Crafted by Citrus Jewelry, and I’m so excited to share a little bit about my journey and the story behind this wonderful brand. Let me take you behind the scenes of how Crafted by Citrus came to life and what keeps me inspired every day. Grab your coffee, and let’s dive in!

For many years, I worked in technology sales, connecting people to solutions in boardrooms and offices. It was a career that served me well, but something was missing—my heart wasn’t fully in it. I’ve always been drawn to creative expression and the idea that jewelry can be much more than just something pretty—it can be an extension of who we are, a reflection of the milestones we celebrate, and a way to connect to our most cherished memories. That’s when I realized that I needed to do something I truly loved. Enter Crafted by Citrus.

I was incredibly lucky to step into this journey when I took over the brand from Karen Lamont, the founder of Crafted by Citrus. Karen was the original creative force behind the brand, with a vision for jewelry that could help people celebrate life’s special moments. Karen and I shared the same passion for meaningful design, and together, we dreamed of growing Crafted by Citrus into a place where women could find jewelry that connected them to their personal stories. I couldn’t have been more excited to take over, knowing that I was carrying forward such a legacy.

Though Karen and I worked closely to transition the business, our shared goal was to expand Crafted by Citrus beyond its beginnings and reach more women who were looking for jewelry that wasn’t just beautiful—but meaningful. We both felt strongly that this brand had so much potential to grow and to help people celebrate life’s milestones, memories, and connections. And I’m thrilled to continue that vision as the heart and soul of the company.

As a Toronto-based jewelry brand in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bloor West Village, we’re all about creating pieces that resonate with you. While we’re currently an online-only shop, I dream of expanding into retail spaces in the future. For now, I’m focused on bringing beautiful, handcrafted jewelry straight to your doorstep, offering designs that speak to life’s most important moments.

One of the things I love most about being the designer behind Crafted by Citrus is that every piece I create is filled with meaning and intention. It’s not just about looking good (though you’ll certainly do that too!), it’s about wearing something that represents you and your story. Whether it’s our Canadiana Collection, which celebrates Canadian heritage with pieces like the Canadian Penny Ring, or the Morse Code Necklace, where you can secretly express something meaningful in code, each design is created to hold a special significance. I also love creating pieces like the Pink Tourmaline Gold Necklace, which symbolizes love and healing, and the Mother Daughter Seed Necklace, a perfect way to represent that lifelong bond.

But what really excites me is seeing the Crafted by Citrus pieces come to life in the lives of our incredible customers. It’s not just about selling jewelry—it’s about making memories. Whether you’re purchasing a gift for someone special or treating yourself, I want each piece to serve as a constant reminder of the beauty and meaning in your life. Jewelry should celebrate the moments that matter to you, whether it’s your wedding anniversary, birthdays, or just those sweet, everyday moments we hold dear.

While our online shop allows me to connect with people all over, I’m also passionate about making Crafted by Citrus a brand that’s ethical and sustainable. I carefully source our materials and ensure that each piece is crafted with the utmost care and quality. Whether you’re sporting a silver morse code bracelet or one of our women's ready to wear necklace chains, you can rest easy knowing that each design is made with heart—and made to last.

The best part of this whole journey is knowing that you, our amazing customers, are part of it. I truly believe in the power of intention—and every Crafted by Citrus design is a reflection of that. So, whether you’re looking for a decade necklace to celebrate a milestone or a custom piece that speaks to your unique story, I hope you’ll find something that resonates with you.

Thank you for being a part of this beautiful community. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Here’s to continuing to grow, shine, and embrace life’s special moments with a little extra sparkle!

P.S. I’m always here if you ever need help picking out the perfect piece. Let’s chat anytime!

xo

Trish