Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Margis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story begins back when I was 12 years old. I’m not sure when the exact moment happened, but I absolutely loved the magic of creating something new and sparkly that was one-of-a-kind! I never took jewelry-making classes, but I found a way to teach myself. I started with wires and Swarovski crystals. My mom absolutely loved the sparkle of Swarovski crystals, so she was happy to take me to the store to get the beads and supplies. I started making some for my family and friends, and they loved these pieces!
Alongside making jewelry for my family and friends, I began selling this jewelry at my local farmer’s market at that age, and my mom would help me set up shop. I actually would sell a decent amount each time! There was a woman who owned a local jewelry store that also asked if I’d be interested in doing wholesale. I knew at that moment, that I was on to something.
However, life started going by. I got “distracted” with school and after-school sports, where I put my jewelry to the side and focused on other things. At the time I didn’t think much of it, but my inside voice would constantly whisper to me that I shouldn’t stop doing it. Fast forward 12 years later in my last year of college, and something clicked in my mind again. That I need to finish what I started.
Throughout my life, I really learned the powerful force positivity had in mine and others’ lives. It’s a gift that we can choose to accept and embrace. Once I found this “secret” to living life to the fullest, I wanted to find a way to make it tangible for anyone to enjoy and give a boost of positive encouragement in their life! This was also the time in my life where I grew in my faith with God more deeply than any time in my life. He showed me not only the power of positivity but also my gifts that helped make me unique and how I can use them to help others! This is when I felt like my jewelry could have a stance and a purpose.
So, I began by setting up an e-commerce shop online. I’ve collaborated with influencers, businesses big and small, and have worked with non-profits helping them in their missions. And I currently make custom jewelry for weddings. I’ve absolutely loved it! And I’m working to spread this positive magic as far and wide as I can!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If I could put it nicely, it could be a bit more smooth. 🙂 But the bumps in the road are the most fun and most full of lessons when you look back. I feel like I’m still in the beginning stages of my journey.
Some of my struggles have been trying to gain some type of audience. It’s like everyone has that idea that they know they could change the world with, but putting it into action is certainly a lot of work and feels complicated! And trying to get it noticed too. This day and age, there are literally thousands of things that we take in each day to the point where we simply can’t process it all. So, I work hard to make sure I’m really providing as much value and “magic” to people as much as possible! I’d say that’s the hardest thing.
I’d also say all the things you need to educate yourself on. Even Instagram, I’ve taken courses on Instagram, Etsy, and social media to make sure I’m displaying and communicating the purpose of my jewelry as best as I can. So much goes on behind the scenes and what the viewer sees is something that looks so simple!
My advice to young women would be to really find that passion that you want to scream to the world! I know that sounds cliche, but it’s so true! You need that passion to keep going. And also, make sure to have fun in everything you do! Make sure you try to keep things as fun as possible. If you’re doing what you love, then you will definitely have fun, but there will always be times where things feel like a chore. Remember why you’re doing it, and you will find success! And most of all, remember that this thing you are doing, is so unique and not everyone can do it. God is calling you to do something that most people, if not all, cannot do, and that’s so special. 🙂
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Rachel Andrea Collection story. Tell us more about the business.
I create handmade jewelry! My jewelry is infused with positive intentions and encourage those to spread their light and love in the world. I focus on a bohemian-style, specifically on wiring beads, natural gemstones, and using textiles like suede along with pastel and bright colors. The bright colors represent how we can shine our own colors into the world. And each piece is crafted so uniquely just like the individual wearing it. My intention is that each piece of jewelry will serve as a reminder and as an icon to spread more light and positivity into the world.
I would say that I am the proudest of working with non-profits! I’ve worked with a local non-profit in Madison, Wisconsin called Bella Soul. Bella Soul has created a community that empowers students with chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, and diseases through emotional support and scholarships. It felt empowering when the Owner reached out to me and asked if I’d be willing to collaborate with her and make jewelry that represented the brand. I also felt warm knowing that my talents can be used to help people in ways I could hardly imagine.
I’m currently working with another non-profit called One Tree Planted, where any sale that I make, I donate a portion of the sale and One Tree Planted will plant a tree in place of the sale. Last, I’m also working with WE International, which is a micro-financing non-profit to help primarily women in developing countries to support themselves out of unfortunate situations.
What sets me apart from others is that my jewelry looks and feels like happiness and positivity. And my brand’s roots is focusing on helping save the world. And those who do purchase a piece of jewelry can feel very confident that their purchase is supporting more than just positivity – they’re really helping save the world in environmental and humanitarian ways!
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Be naive, explore your passions and the world like a sponge and be fearless! You know yourself and how your brain works better than anyone on this planet, so take that magic within you and bring it to life! The world will love to see it – even if it doesn’t seem like it now, you truly have the power to change the world with that uniqueness of yours. And if no one believes in you now – I believe in you! Most importantly, believe in yourself and no matter what anyone says, never ever lose that piece of magic within you. You are the only one that can keep it alive and it’s absolutely beautiful.
If you need a support system, find people that believe in your cause and spend a lot of time with them. They say that you are most like the five people you spend time around most. So, be open, yet selective on who you hang out with – their influence is greater than you think.
Pricing:
- Headpieces $15-35
- Necklaces – $10-30
- Bracelets – $10-25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RachelAndreaCollection.com
- Email: rachelandreacollection@gmail.com
- Instagram: @RachelAndreaCollection
- Facebook: @RachelAndreaCollection
Image Credit:
Rachel Margis
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