In 2018, Sina moved to Nashville, Tennessee to finish her degree at Belmont University after playing college soccer in Oregon. Juggling multiple jobs, internships, maintaining friendships and schoolwork, she eventually earned enough to live independently in a small studio apartment downtown, a milestone that allowed her to truly discover herself and embrace her independence. During the pandemic, she took a gap year to dive deeper into her internships and current work opportunities, all while saving money to finish her degree. “Taking a gap year was the best thing I could’ve done for myself; It was a leap of faith apart from the norm to pursue what I know now, was the path of learning how to bet on myself” she reflected.
During her solitary moments, she uncovered a remarkable passion for tinkering and crafting with her hands. “I must have been Bob the Builder in a past life,” she would joke, as she transformed furniture and decor pieces into treasured finds, completely revamping her space in the process. She painted walls, disassembled objects, and reimagined them into cherished creations.
As her passion deepened, she became captivated by the intricacies of design. While perhaps not the safest pursuit in her small apartment, she began melting down inexpensive jewelry, metals, and plastics, welding and polishing them into intricate, one-of-a-kind pieces. This process of restoration and reinvention allowed her to bring her visions to life in tangible forms.
Ultimately, her focus honed in on the smallest creations: jewelry, especially rings, which became powerful expressions of her newfound creativity.
Fast forward to 2023, she landed her dream job as a manager in high-profile hospitality, where she was client-facing 24/7. She wanted to work hard and hustle all while keeping it haute. Fresh often meant breaking the bank, and her budget struggled to keep up. She found herself becoming an outfit repeater- gasp!
Accessories kept her feeling fresh and polished, but she found herself tossing aside tarnished pieces, her skin itching from cheap metal. This was only adding to an already existing problem.
During this time, Sina fell head over heels for her world-touring rock star boyfriend, now husband. With tattoos as dark as his chipped nail polish and a fashion sense that challenged her own, he brought a new level of style into her life. What captivated her most from the moment they met was his accessory game. Each finger boasted stunning rings that took your breath away—magazine-worthy pieces with a front-cover price tags.
From this, she truly believed she could create pieces that showcased craftsmanship, lasting appeal, and a striking presence—and actually be that way. An option that could be made for all of us.
Thus born Middle Finger, a brand dedicated to redefining the accessories journey. Focusing on designs that resonate with an androgynous aesthetic. Balancing masculinity and effeminacy, organic and imagined, magnificent and concrete.
Influenced by Mesoamerican culture and her Hispanic lineage, the brand aligns its attention to history, while inspiring a juxtaposition of modern maximalism, sharp metals and clean edges. A nod to architectural wonders of tomorrow, with a focus of never forgetting where you come from.
Founded in 2023 by Sina George Akers, a Nashville based independent entrepreneur, MIDDLE FINGER™ is a jewelry brand designed in Nashville, Tennessee.