If you're a woman who is well-versed in the subjects of both Alexander Wang and Nike, you've probably secured a piece or two from the Cubannie Links collection for your wardrobe. The popular over-sized earrings, chain bracelets, necklaces adorned with either tiny guns or crosses have been seen everywhere -- from the pages of Missbehave magazine to Rihanna's tattooed fingers. Here's an interview I did with Annie of Cubannie Links about her line of jewelry, favorite music, and must-have summer essentials.

1. Hey Annie. Tell us about yourself.

I am 4 of 5 children, born and raised in Miami Florida! I grew up knowing I wanted to be in a profession that required all eyes on me, either being a singer (can't sing to save my life), acting (which I still do) and modeling (not exactly runway size but there is a market for us believe it or not). I just loved attention, it's the performer in me. I used to fake cry like no other. Thankfully, my mom put me in sports at a young age and that was pretty much my ticket to college, where I could play basketball and major in English /Theatre. I got into the fashion game a few years after that and just wasn't happy so I had to make moves. So here I am, in Brooklyn, owning my own business, designing jewelry (far fetched) and still get to do the acting thing.

2. Rosaries and Guns. An unlikely combination but Cubannie Links does it well. How would you describe your brand's aesthetic?

The aesthetic is based on the freedom of expression! It's not meant to cause a rally against violence! You don't look at an artists canvas and say "that's wrong". To me there is no wrong way of doing anything, I am the puppet master, no approval meetings happen over here. Cubannie Links is meant to make girls feel like they are making a fashion statement, being bold and are showing their edge. The brand is meant to be bold, colorful, street chic and just a product that can transcend from one trendy fashionista in Soho, to the runway in Paris to a housewife in North Carolina. There's a little something for everyone.

For Spring/Summer 09, it's growth from my current collection, adding some great chains and controversial charms, colorful bracelets with distinct hardware details. Cubannie Links will finally have its own logo charm which will go on every chain, bracelet & bag charm.

4. You're known for your over-sized pieces. Why do you think women gravitate towards those particular baubles?

I think the attraction is women love big jewelry. Women want to wear powerful pieces that complete their look. I say "save dainty for a wedding or red carpet." The key to my success is that my jewelry is medium to over-sized but it doesn't feel like it is. Women don't perverse earlobes. I meet so many women who tell me that wearing door knockers after 10-15 years stretch out there earlobes and only wear studs now. For the record, the door knocker is an icon, I appreciate and respect the door knocker. LOL!

5. Cubannie Links is founded and designed by you. What advice would you give to an aspiring designer looking to follow in your footsteps?

If you want something, go get it. Nothing comes for free and no one is going to get anything done fo you! You are the master of your destiny! Be proactive, smart, have good karma, learn from other entrepreneurs, take every experience as a learning experience and being humble is very attractive.

6. What can we expect from Cubannie Links, as far as future projects/collaborations, in 2009?

CL is currently working on international hard core sales. Soon CL will be available everywhere you look and at this point that's the focus I have. I hope to soon collaborate with a few other brands but nothing is set in stone. Check out the CL blog for some press. For example: CL just teamed up with Akademiks Spring 09 Campaign & stylist Rose Garcia to create exclusives for their new amazing collection. CL is also featured in Nina Skys "On Some Bullshit" music video, T-boz on the Celebrity Apprentice rocked CL earrings 4 out of 5 episodes. CL Roxx Rosary is featured in the XXL Magazine June 09 issue which you can only get at Karmaloop.com. The Source featured the new craze, The Freedom Tri-rings...Fire. Artist Rye Rye has been rocking the CL Varadero Hoops!

And for a little fun...

7. You can't leave your house without:

Monet, Sidekick and Blistex

8. What are you listening to on your iPod right now?

Here is my top 10 right now on my current playlist:

• NKOTB - Singe (I know I never thought in 100 years that they'd be on my ipod)
• O...Saya - A R Rahman & M.I.A.
• Everybody But Me - Lykke Li
• Tonight - Lykke Li
• On Some Bullshit - Nina Sky
• Unstoppable - Santogold feat. Lil Wayne & Drake
• Damaged - Danity Kane * Electrik Red - Fuck You
• Sophia Fresh - Drop it
• Yelle - ACD

9. It's almost summer. Besides a pair of your funky hoop earrings, what else should a Cubannie lady keep in her bag to stay fly this summer?

I'm not one to over stuff my bag which junk, I am way to active to have one arm carrying a gang of stuff. So I choose to carry a small vintage of my choice and fit in my Gucci money clip, my camera, my sidekick, blistex, and a comb to make sure my bangs are right. If I have the opportunity to get a little sun, I am bringing my very Ballagio bought tanning lotions, Rage Lotion and Get Dark! by California Tan. Here are some of my favorite products though: Nameplate chain, two finger ring, new Hellz-Bellz Femme Fetale tights, G-Star member only jacket, vintage boots I got from The Goods! and I love doing nail art these days carrying far too many colors of nail polish and chains. And I can't wait to wear my Funky Fannys collection...she has amazing vintage pieces.

** While I appreciate those who decide to link back to this interview, please don't copy and past the entire piece. Thanks.