Women Who Make Waves: Celebrating International Women’s Day

At Dune Jewelry, we believe in the power of women—those who chase dreams, break barriers, and redefine industries. Our story began at a kitchen table, where Holly Daniels Christensen transformed a passion for jewelry into a global brand, proving that resilience and vision can create something extraordinary.

As a female-founded, 80% female-led company, we believe that jewelry is more than an accessory—it’s a way to tell your story, to honor the journey you’ve taken, and to carry a piece of your world with you, always.

A Visionary Woman, A Legacy of Empowerment: Holly Daniels Christensen

Anyone who can take a project that started at their kitchen table and transform it into a multi-million dollar company is a force to be reckoned with. Holly Daniels Christensen, Founder and Designer of Dune Jewelry, did just that.

What began as a creative outlet—infusing jewelry with sand and elements from meaningful locations to her—quickly became a global brand built on storytelling, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Holly’s path to success wasn’t paved for her; she built it herself. Leaving home at 15, she worked her way through a diverse array of jobs—from zookeeper to real estate agent—before taking the ultimate leap of faith in 2010.

With no formal business background, but a relentless work ethic and unshakable belief in her vision, she grew Dune Jewelry into the world’s only experiential jewelry brand, earning accolades like the 2016 Woman-Owned Business of the Year for Massachusetts and New England and 2024 Best Destination Jewelry Brand, among others.

More than a businesswoman, Holly is a champion for women in entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and empowerment at Dune. Every piece of jewelry tells a story—and every woman who wears it carries her own journey, strength, and resilience.

This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the remarkable women who inspire us—visionary collaborators who bring their own unique stories to life through Dune’s jewelry.

The women whose stories resonate with us come from across the working world. Some have built farms, restaurants, design studios, and consultancies; others have made their mark in industries that until recently kept women on the margins, from venture capital and engineering to maritime trades, sports broadcasting, and even the online casino sector, where female founders and operators have begun reshaping a space long defined by men. What unites them isn’t the field they chose but the way they showed up to it—on their own terms, with the work as the argument.

From navigating unchartered waters to embracing the challenges of the fashion and modeling worlds, these women have carved their own paths, redefining what it means to lead.

Let’s take a closer look at the fantastic female collaborators who make Dune so great.

Captain Kate McCue: Navigating New Horizons

The first American woman to captain a major cruise ship, Captain Kate McCue has spent her career proving that the helm of a ship is not just a man’s domain.

After more than two decades at sea, Captain Kate is charting a new course, departing from Celebrity Cruises, but her journey is far from over. She has commanded with strength, intelligence, and authenticity—earning her the respect of mariners worldwide.

Reflecting on her career, Captain Kate shared:

“I’ve spent the last 22 years on 11 ships in the Royal Caribbean Group, from 2nd Officer to Captain. I have seen some of the most beautiful places, met inspiring and wonderful people, and had opportunities to live my 12-year-old dream out loud! “I’ve got too much salt in my veins to leave the sea behind.” – Captain Kate (Crew Pages)

Captain Kate isn’t leaving the sea behind; as she sets sail on new horizons, she embarks on a new nautical affair with Dune Jewelry—the launch of the Mariner’s Moonstone Collection.

Inspired by the seafarers who navigate the open ocean, this collection features a timeless nautical knot motif, a symbol of connection and strength. At its center, a luminous rainbow moonstone glows with an ethereal light—a gemstone long believed to guide and protect mariners as they voyage into the unknown.

With Captain Kate’s fearless spirit as inspiration, the Mariner’s Moonstone Collection is a tribute to all women who steer their own course, whether on land or at sea.

Christine Kesteloo: From Landlocked to Living on the Ocean

From a small farming town in Iowa to a life spent on the open ocean, Christine Kesteloo has redefined what it means to travel. A content creator, world traveler, and former cruise director, Christine has explored 108 countries and counting, making the world her home alongside her seafarer husband.

Her love of jewelry is deeply personal—each piece she collects marks a moment in time, a memory she can wear.

“My jewelry is my storybook. I can look at a piece and tell you where I bought it and how I was feeling at that moment.” she says.

Her travel-inspired collection with Dune Jewelry reflects that philosophy. Featuring stones and elements from around the world, it invites you to wear the places that shaped you, the ones that call you home, and the ones still waiting on you.

Camille Kostek: Living for the Moment, Then Taking It With Her

As a TV host, model, and actress, Camille Kostek has spent her career inspiring others to embrace confidence, adventure, and joy. From walking the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway time and time again to exploring some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, Camille’s journey has always been about living in the moment.

“Remember to live for the moment, then take it with you.” – Camille Kostek

Her signature Camille Collection with Dune Jewelry embodies that same spirit—elevated, elegant, and completely customizable, allowing you to capture the memories that mean the most to you.

Camille, now globally-recognized and successful model, host, and actress, reminds us to chase what sets our soul on fire.

Honoring Women Who Make Waves

Whether navigating the seas, traveling the world, or making an impact in their own communities, these women represent what it means to lead with purpose.

At Dune Jewelry, we believe that every woman’s journey deserves to be celebrated. As Holly Daniels Christensen built Dune from her kitchen table to a globally recognized brand, she did so with the support of strong, talented women who shared her vision.

This International Women’s Day, we invite you to honor the fearless women in your life—those who have inspired you, supported you, and encouraged you to embrace your own journey.