Erin Cummings is not your typical fashion founder. That is exactly the point and it’s exactly why her brand is gaining attention.
A 2009 alumna of the Barton School of Business, Cummings is a serial entrepreneur, investor and member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Her latest venture, Armine + Ambrose, is a semi-fine jewelry brand rooted in intention, identity and storytelling. The brand recently reached a major milestone with a showcase during New York Fashion Week.
The moment was not without reflection. Leading up to the showcase, Cummings openly shared the reality many founders face, questioning whether she belonged in the room while choosing to show up anyway. That mindset has become a defining part of her journey and a message she now carries forward through both her brand and her platform.
“I didn’t come from a traditional fashion background, and for a long time I thought that meant I wasn’t qualified to be in rooms like New York Fashion Week,” said Cummings. “But building this brand has taught me that you don’t have to feel fully ready to say yes to something big. You just have to be willing to show up and figure it out.”
Her takeaway is simple. You do not have to feel fully qualified to say yes to a big opportunity. That mindset shows up in the way Armine + Ambrose encourages individuality and intentionality over trends, and in the way she has built the company.
The foundation of Armine + Ambrose is deeply personal. The brand’s name comes from Cummings’ children, Kollin Ambrose and Charlotte Armine, carrying forward family legacy while establishing a distinct and memorable identity. That balance of meaning and modernity is reflected across every aspect of the brand.
What began as a personal creative pursuit has evolved into a growing semi-fine jewelry brand featuring 14k gold and platinum-plated hoops, rings and accessories. Each piece is designed to blend style with meaning, reflecting Cummings’ belief that what you wear should say something about who you are. That mindset encourages customers to stand out with confidence. The brand’s tagline, “Bold in the ordinary,” reinforces this philosophy, inviting wearers to find meaning in everyday moments and wear pieces that reflect personal milestones and identity.
Cummings’ approach to entrepreneurship has always centered on building with intention. Before launching Armine + Ambrose, she founded multiple ventures spanning wellness, lifestyle and founder-focused platforms, including YESyoga and Built on YES. She is also an active angel investor, supporting female-led companies through organizations such as Golden Seeds and the Houston Angel Network.
Her impact extends to the Barton School, where she has played a key role in strengthening student opportunities and industry connections. Alongside her husband, Kyle, Cummings helped establish the Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund, giving students hands-on experience managing real investment portfolios.
“Erin represents the entrepreneurial mindset we aim to develop at the Barton School,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “She brings together creativity, discipline and authenticity in a way that resonates. Her ability to build meaningful ventures while empowering others reflects the very best of our community.”
That entrepreneurial mindset was on full display at New York Fashion Week, where Armine + Ambrose participated in an open house hosted by its manufacturing partner, Elite. The event brought together designers, creators and industry professionals, offering Cummings a platform to showcase her brand on a global stage.
Now based in the Houston area, Cummings continues to grow Armine + Ambrose while remaining actively engaged with the Barton School. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, the Entrepreneurship Committee, and as Chair of the Alumni Engagement and Impact Committee, she plays a vital role in shaping the School’s direction. Through her continued support of student-focused initiatives, she is helping develop and inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Her journey underscores a broader message. You do not need a traditional background to build something meaningful. You just need vision, willingness and the courage to take the next step.
Erin Cummings is proving that when purpose meets action, opportunity follows. Not your typical founder, she is building a brand that encourages others to do the same. To explore the Armine + Ambrose collection, visit https://armineandambrose.com/