As the visionary founder of Luv Aj, Amanda Thomas (@amanda_luvaj) has transformed her passion for design into a powerhouse jewelry brand worn by icons worldwide. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares the journey behind Luv Aj, her creative inspirations, and the tanning routine that helps her accomplish it all.
Q. Tell us a bit about yourself!
A. My name is Amanda Thomas, I’m 37 years old and born and raised in Los Angeles, I’m a jewelry designer and have a brand called Luv Aj that I started when I was 14 in high school. I currently reside in sunny West Hollywood, CA.
Q. How do you maintain your tan while working and designing full time?
A. I literally feel ten times better with a tan, but I have never been a big sun-girlie so my go-tos are Lux Unfiltered bronzing drops in my moisturizer twice a week, and monthly spray tans with the one and only @airbrushbyalexandra
Q. How would you describe the style of jewelry you design?
A. I’m the expert in cool girl jewelry. I’d say Luv Aj is classic with an edge, high quality without breaking the bank, and meant to be pieces that last you season after season.
Q. Which Lux Unfiltered product is your favorite & why?
A. Don’t make me do this, it’s too hard! Ok, it’s got to be Glass Skin. The texture of moisturizer is literally unlike anything I've every used and it’s so hydrating and the perfect base for makeup.
Q. What would be your dream collab?
A. My dream girl, Rihanna
Q. What’s your favorite way to spark creativity?
A. This sounds nuts but I get all my best ideas in the sauna. No phone, no sound, just sweating and thinking–I swear I come up with the best stuff then.
Q. Who is your style icon/muse?
A. Lately my entire screenshot album is Lily Rose Depp
Q. First Lux Unfiltered product you ever tried
A. N°32 Tanning Cream
Q. Largest diamond you’ve ever worked with?
A. 20 carats (lucky girl)
Q. What’s your cocktail order?
A. Espresso Martini, from Cecconis, made by James the bartender, specifically
Q. West Coast or East Coast?
A. West Coast 4 ever
Q. Dream vacation spot?
A. Tokyo is on my list this year, I need to scratch my vintage-shopping itch