We caught up with the ‘DWTS’ alum who gave an update on her friendship with former partner Derek Hough ahead of launching her jewelry collection Atom&Matter!
Bethany Mota, 25, has been busy since her days on Dancing with the Stars but she still finds a way to keep in touch with her former partner, Derek Hough, 35. “Derek and I aren’t super close these days but we like to keep in touch every now and then,” the season 19 finalist told HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY while promoting her new jewelry line, Atom&Matter, on Nov. 13. “We’ll just hit each other up, make sure everything’s good and check-in. I also saw that he’s judging this season so that’s super cool.”
The YouTube star finished fourth on the show back in 2014. Although she still follows the show, she admits to catching up when she finds time rather than watching live. “I’ll go on YouTube and look at the highlights, just because I don’t watch as much TV these days,” Bethany revealed. “I do like to look at the highlights on YouTube and look at all of the performances.”
And it’s no wonder she is low on time these days! Since appearing on the show, Bethany has been busy. Between her social media platforms, Aeropostale collection, writing a book and making it onto Forbes 30 under 30 list, she’s found a lot of success since her time in the ballroom!
Her sights are now completely focused on the launch of her jewelry line, which is very close to her heart. “We’ve been working on it for a little over a year now so it’s really exciting to be able to tell the world because I’m not the best at keeping secrets so I’m glad that we can finally talk about it,” Bethany said of her line which she collaborated with jewelry designer Yunjo Lee.
“But my goal with this and creating this jewelry brand was this is the first time that I’m designing something of this quality and at this price point as well. I’ve designed stuff in the fashion space before, but as far as jewelry goes, this is definitely my first time doing jewelry in this kind of realm,” she explained. “My overall goal with this was to design pieces that girls and guys could wear every day and could wear wherever they’re going whether it’s casual or more dressed up. It’s pieces that really adapt into your life and they can stay in your life for years to come.”
There’s also a philanthropic component in the 22 piece collection which offers delicate rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Bethany added a dedicated give-back program in partnership with nonprofits, Step Up and Pratham. The line launched officially on Nov. 17 and is available for purchase here with new pieces dropping monthly. Fans can expect demi-fine pieces in 14k yellow and rose gold vermeil, and rhodium plated silver, with the highest-quality white sapphires set as celestial motifs that glimmer. And with prices between $48-$239, it seems there’s something in store for everyone.
“Kind of the mission of this brand and what we stand for is empowering oneself and being all inclusive,” Bethany added. “Atom & Matter is kind of a simple way of saying we’re all made up of the same things, atoms and matter. I thought it was just the best name to represent what the brand is and also, Atom is my last name backwards. It just felt like it was kind of meant to be.”