Today, dear friends, I am fortunate enough to have a sit down with jewelry artist Rene Rydell from Endless Bounty who speaks candidly and sincerely on matters of creating jewelry, inspiration, running a jewelry business, being a mother and her next project.
Aventurine Dreams Wire Bracelet
JB: What do you create?
RR: Affordable Jewelry made from Fine Elements – Crystals, Minerals, Gemstones, Rare Pearls, and Blown Glass.
JB: When and where do you do your creative work?
RR: In my home, monopolizing the dining room table until my studio is completed.
JB: Do you have another day job?
RR: Mother of a gorgeous 5 year old boy and I am also a Stylist.
JB: Where and what did you study?
RR: I studied art & photography at a local community college. I was determined to be a photojournalist by age 25. Now, my passion for photography gets used in another medium. Taking pictures of the designs that I create.
JB: Where do you find inspiration?
RR: I am driven by emotional inspiration. I notice that when I am going through some of the most challenging moments of my life that all I need to do is sit down and let my fingers do the work while my brain calmly sorts it out. It brings feelings of hope, beauty and happiness right back in the picture.
Even a song that touches me in some way lyrically can inspire me to make some of the most unique pieces. I feel the music and that manifests into something concrete.
JB: What motivates you?
RR: Beatles music…Kidding. I am fueled by desire. Desire to make the world a “prettier place."
Desire to create something and know that someone is going to find it spectacular; Desire in knowing that when someone receives a package from me they are going to receive a little package of happiness. Then I have truly done my part. That keeps me going.
JB: When did you start doing this?
RR: At the age of 12, I used to make bracelets for my girlfriends. However, it was only this past year when my son started school that I needed to find myself again. I was so busy being a mom and someone’s partner that I felt I was starting to loose my artistic edge. At that time I was living near Woodstock and New Paltz, NY. The art community was HUGE. And I knew I needed to feel a part of it again. So I got involved with an arts community called UNISON and then decided to get connected with ETSY.
Bohemia Pale Mookaite Hoop Dangle Earrings
JB: How did you come up with a business name?
RR: A very close friend of mine actually gave my business its name. She told me that every woman's jewelry box should be an ENDLESS BOUNTY of gems and goodies. And then... it was born.
JB: What is the most interesting thing about you?
RR: I wouldn't call myself interesting, but if you asked my friends they would probably tell you different. I have had many successful careers and taken on various projects throughout my life. But still, I seem to have a gypsy-like frame of mind. In other words, at 31 year sold, I still don't know what I want to be when I "grow up".
JB: What are you most proud of?
RR: Raising my son and giving him the little extras in life that I didn't have as a child growing up. He makes me proud every moment of my life - even the sometimes quite embarassing moments.
JB: What advice would you give other women on starting their own business?
"If you truly feel it in your heart, then don't give up.
Don't be afraid to ask for help or how to be a success.
only benefit you in the end."
JB: What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
RR: There are millions of jewelry designers. in fact, ETSY is probably made up of 70% jewelry design. HOWEVER, jewelry is extremely personal. You never know who your next customer will be. You have to strike a chord within someone with something you create. Some pieces have it, and some don't. But don't be surprised if the piece you have had lying around for 2 years finally sells. There is always something for everyone. That someone will eventually find you.
In The Raw
JB: What are you currently working on?
RR: Currently I am working on more Olivewood Bangles. They are so much fun and such beautiful works of art when they are completed. I have two listed for sale at the moment but with the summer months coming I will continue to offer them.
JB: What do you hope to do next?
RR: I hope to take some more art classes and try my hand at silver smithing. Who knows? ... Every day presents itself with more opportunity than days before.
Many thanks Miss Rene, for sharing your thoughts, aspirations, inspirations and successes!
xoxo
