Student Business Spotlight: CS Silver & Hyde
Published: February 18, 2026 | Author: Taylen Hadlock | Read Time: 3 minutes
For Southern Utah University junior Charli Sanderson, creativity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. What began as a college jewelry class quickly turned into a growing, western-inspired brand with customers from around the country. As the founder of CS Silver & Hyde, Sanderson has transformed her passion for turquoise and silver jewelry into a thriving business that is shaped by confidence, community, and creativity.
What makes Sanderson’s story so unique is that she never started making jewelry with the intention of creating CS Silver and Hyde; it was just something she found fun. While attending Snow College, Sanderson enrolled in a jewelry-making class simply because she loved creating things with her hands.
“I’ve always been a very artsy person,” Sanderson said. “I loved jewelry and making things, but nothing like this—this was completely new.
Jewelry had always been part of her life, from friendship bracelets to stamped pieces, but this was her first experience working with silver and turquoise. As she progressed through the class, she realized that this quickly became a passion of hers and that other people had started to take notice of her designs. Eventually, she graduated with her associate's degree, and as a graduation gift, her parents provided her with money and equipment needed to produce jewelry on her own.
She began working on customs for people in her inner circle, and before long, CS Silver and Hyde was established.
“I started up in May 2025, and since then, I have had three successful drops with rings, necklaces, bracelets, and even some of my leatherworking.”
She plans to continue on this trajectory, expanding her skills with new equipment and continuing to push herself to stay creative while maintaining a good work-life balance.
Although she loves her small business and has big ambitions, she also acknowledged how scary and intimidating it can be to own your own business.
“Sometimes it feels scary realizing I am doing this alone, even though I have support from family, friends, and mentors, here it all kinda comes back to me. It feels scary, but I have learned that I really can do it, and I am slowly gaining confidence in myself.”
As CS Silver & Hyde began to gain traction, her confidence grew, largely fueled by an increase in support and visibility. Early on, she struggled with imposter syndrome, unsure whether her work was truly good enough to stand out. That uncertainty began to fade as more people showed genuine interest in her jewelry, particularly through social media. TikTok quickly became her strongest platform, where she recently reached 2,000 followers. The app has allowed her to connect authentically with customers and fellow creatives.
While the creative side of her business fuels her passion, Sanderson is also learning to navigate the realities and risks of entrepreneurship. From meeting with her accountant to adjusting pricing as silver reaches historic highs, she has embraced the challenge of balancing artistry with a strong business mindset.
Despite the stress and uncertainty that often come with owning a business, Sanderson remains optimistic and forward-looking. She credits much of her growth to the support she found through SUU’s entrepreneurship courses, particularly the practicum class, which she described as life-changing. Surrounded by peers and mentors who encouraged collaboration and idea-sharing, she gained confidence not only in her business but in herself.
Looking ahead, Sanderson hopes to create heirloom-quality pieces meant to be passed down through generations, a vision inspired by memories of her grandmother’s jewelry and the stories behind each piece. Sanderson hopes to shape CS Silver & Hyde into something meaningful for generations to come.
For more information on how you can begin your own journey as an entrepreneur, please visit the Larry H and Gail Miller Center for Entrepreneurship in BUS 115 or visit the Entrepreneurship website.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu