When Rachel Stewart, CEO and Founder of Rachel Stewart Jewelry, lost her job years ago, she had to come up with a solution fast. That’s how the Rachel Stewart Jewelry line was born. Featured in Jet, Essence and on The Root’s “50 Greatest Ideas From 50 Black-Owned Businesses,” Rachel Stewart Jewelry has received positive feedback and attention from jewelry lovers everywhere. Ranging from earrings and rings to throw pillows and clocks with handbags on the way, there’s definitely something for everyone.
BlackDoctor.org recently caught up with Rachel Stewart to talk about the inspiration behind her jewelry line, her plans to take her company to the next level and what it’s like being her own boss.
BDO: Your jewelry is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, in a good way! Tell us what inspired the Rachel Stewart Jewelry line.
RS: When I started six years ago, there was no representation of African-American culture coming from major retailers and brands. I wanted to design a line of jewelry that reflected me and my sense of style.
BDO: Do you hand-make all the items yourself? Take us through the process, please!
RS: I design and produce everything from beginning to end. Each piece is laser cut to order and is completely original. I have no middleman.
BDO: What has the customer feedback been like so far since you launched? What sorts of things do people tell you?
RS: The main thing I hear is they’re glad to find jewelry that reflects who and what they are culturally and aesthetically. They appreciate that it’s made by us for us.
BDO: What’s your brand’s mission? Browsing through your website, it seems like the line is all about embracing your Blackness, being bold and more importantly, being yourself.
RS: You said it perfectly; it’s about being bold and not afraid of being noticed and unapologetic about who you are as a Black woman. There is beauty in that.
BDO: Any plans to expand the company in the near future?
RS: I’ve dabbled in home decor and done a few pieces for men. I have so many directions I can go, but I haven’t nailed it down yet. I’m really leaning toward handbags now.
BDO: What’s your background? Did you study entrepreneurship or are you self-taught?
RS: I have a background in welding – working in an industrial environment has influenced me greatly. I love working with bog machines and working with my hands. I am self-taught – after losing my job years ago, I didn’t have time for school. I had to dive in head first and learn as I went, but I come from a background of entrepreneurs so I have always had that spirit. I knew I would be my own boss sooner or later.
BDO: What do you love most about being your own boss?
RS: Making my own schedule and having the time to take care of my family that I wouldn’t have had if I had to leave home for eight to 10 hours a day.
Find Rachel Stewart Jewelry on Facebook, Instagram and her website. Already a Rachel Stewart fan? Share your pics rocking RSJ with us @blackdoctororg on Instagram!
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