Design Thinking: Zepplin The Label

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

In Graduate School, professors loved to discuss "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables companies to understand consumer needs.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

In this article series, I contacted different companies to learn how organizations apply Design Thinking. I spoke with Zepplin The Label founder Anna Zepplinto learn more about the company.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

1. What makes Zepplin The Label different from other brands?

What makes Zepplin The Label different is the level of mindfulness and intentionality behind every piece.In a world that encourages overconsumption and fast trends, I’m very focused on creating jewelry that feels meaningful and lasting. I produce in small batches, and many designs incorporate hidden inscriptions in Latin and Italian, sacred motifs such as labyrinths, evil eyes, pearls, and protective stones like onyx, as well as elements of numerology and symbolism.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

The goal is to create what I call intentional adornment, pieces that feel energetically significant. When someone puts on one of our designs, I want them to feel a shift in confidence, presence, and joy. Jewelry should not just decorate you, it should empower you.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

2. How has Zepplin The Label evolved since its founding?

The brand has evolved tremendously alongside my own personal journey. I started Zepplin The Label while pregnant with my first child, initially balancing it with a corporate career. In 2023, I decided to fully dedicate myself to building the business. Since then, I’ve grown not only as a designer but also as a founder, entrepreneur, and mother.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

Being largely a one-woman operation has forced me to learn every aspect of running a brand, from product development and manufacturing to marketing, storytelling, and wholesale partnerships. Over time, I’ve developed a clearer point of view and a stronger creative vision. Today, I see the brand as an immersive world: a space where women step into beauty, creativity, and self-expression and feel inspired by how they choose to show up.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

3. How does Zepplin The Label incorporate its mission and vision into its products?

The brand is rooted in the idea of joyful adornment and the belief that what we wear can influence how we feel and how we move through the world.I’m deeply inspired by the psychological concept of clothed cognition, which suggests that our clothing and accessories can impact our confidence, mindset, and behavior.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

Through sculptural forms, symbolic details, inscriptions, and meaningful materials, I try to create pieces that act almost like modern talismans, reminders of self-worth, strength, and beauty.Ultimately, the mission is to help women understand that personal adornment is a powerful type of self-care and self-expression. It’s not superficial, it’s transformative.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to start their own business?

Start before you feel completely ready, but also be honest about the mental and emotional commitment it takes.Building a business is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also demanding. Even successful founders experience self-doubt, setbacks, and constant challenges. Having the resilience to navigate uncertainty is just as important as having a good idea. I’ve learned to support my mindset through practices like meditation, reading, and developing metacognition, the ability to observe my thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them. It helps me keep perspective.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

At the end of the day, I remind myself that business is important, but health, relationships, and personal fulfillment matter more. Give yourself grace. Growth is rarely linear, and the “finish line” often keeps moving. That’s part of the journey.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

5. What’s the future of the company?

I see Zepplin The Label continuing to evolve as both a brand and a creative platform. We’re beginning to expand into fine jewelry, which is incredibly exciting, while also growing our direct-to-consumer presence and wholesale partnerships in a thoughtful, sustainable way. I’ve come to understand that building a meaningful brand is a slow burn, and I’ve fully committed to that path.

Image courtesy of Zepplin The Label.

What inspires me most is hearing the stories behind how customers wear our pieces, wedding days, promotions, motherhood milestones, and personal achievements. Jewelry becomes part of people’s memories.My hope is that Zepplin The Label becomes part of women’s everyday ritual and wardrobe rotation, a source of confidence, beauty, and joy. In a chaotic world, I want the brand to offer a small but powerful pocket of meaning and inspiration.