ABOUT

ABOUT SISSY

My jewelry represents a journey—all the people and places that have brought color, joy, and authenticity to my experiences. Through my designs, I translate moments of splendor into wearable inspiration.

I’m honored to see my pieces worn by well-known clients in entertainment, news, the arts, fashion, and government: Julianne Moore, Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Mariska Hargitay, Christie Brinkley, Norah O’Donnell, Leslie Stahl, Joy Behar, Gayle King, Debra Messing, Robin Roberts, Lara Spencer, Jessica Seinfeld, Ali Wentworth, Nicole Miller, Rose Styron, Sheila Johnson, Brooke Shields, and Pamela Brown.

I was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up surrounded by a vibrant, accomplished family. My mother was a White House social secretary; my father, a Washington Post correspondent; and my aunt and uncle, global ambassadors. As an adult, I’ve been inspired by the drive and creativity of my sister, actress Ali Wentworth; brother-in-law and Good Morning America anchor George Stephanopoulos; and my late father-in-law, legendary newsman Mike Wallace.

My designs reflect a curiosity and sensibility instilled by my upbringing and my travels. As a child, I was drawn to the brilliance of shells and gemstones I discovered along the beaches and boundaries of Cape Cod. As a Producer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, my love of colorful gems and early metal craftsmanship began to meld. Eventually, inspired by my beloved grandmother’s travels to the Far East, I too would venture out, across America, Asia, North Africa, and Europe—explorations that compelled me to formally establish my passion as a career: Sissy Yates Designs.

PHILANTHROPY & FUNDRAISING

Doing what I love isn’t complete without sharing my success. At Sissy Yates Designs, we believe that by helping people in need, we amplify our connection to humanity, the earth and one another.

We proudly support charities by donating a percentage of proceeds from private trunk shows, specially created charity designs and community outreach.

In addition to the organizations below, we also support: Baby Buggy, Save The Children, Leukemia Society, Breast Cancer Awareness, Joyful Heart Foundation, and Children’s Law Center.

COLLABORATION

To collaborate with Sissy Yates Designs on a fundraiser or charity event, please contact us. We are eager to help raise funds and awareness for non-profit organizations.

KIGUTU HOSPITAL

Village Health Works (in Burundi) is building a 150 bed state-of-the-art teaching hospital on a mountain that just ten years ago was war-ravaged and barren. The Kigutu Hospital, Women’s Health Pavilion will provide essential and emergency obstetrics and surgical care, with a special focus on the health needs of women and children. The story of how they transformed an empty mountain into a bustling campus where hundreds of people receive clinical care, academic instruction, tools for income generation, and cultural reinforcement is truly unbelievable and still being written.
Sissy Yates Designs is committed to helping in this effort! 100% of proceeds from the sale of the Village Health Charm will be donated to Village Health Works!

WOMEN FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

Women For Women International provides services, tools and resources for survivors of war, civil strife and other conflict. For this essential organization, Sissy Yates Designs created the Mina necklace. A percentage of each necklace sale benefits women in need.

KARA KENNEDY FUND

The Kara Kennedy Fund was established in 2014 by her friends and family. The Fund’s goal is to create an endowment to support programs at selected nonprofits that embody Kara’s commitment to public service, literacy, children and, most especially, her love of swimming.

AUTISM SPEAKS

Autism Speaks is an organization close to Sissy’s heart. For the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, she created a “Wear It Blue” bracelet sold at charity fashion shows to support the organization. Children and adults around the country wear this tribute on behalf of Autism Speaks. A portion of sales from selected trunk shows also goes to this indispensable organization, which advocates for individuals and families in need, and to fund research into autism’s causes, treatments for the condition, and we hope in time, a cure.

BABYLOVE DC

Sissy Yates serves on the board of BabyLove DC, which collects and distributes gently used baby gear, clothing and supplies to families in need in the nation’s capital. Besides donating a portion of trunk show proceeds to this cause, we also created a custom bracelet featuring Liberty of London prints and a special silver heart charm. The bracelet we created helps to raise awareness of this crucial organization.