Conversations with Rachel Carlson

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Carlson.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been designing jewelry ever since I remember. I would go to flea markets and get vintage jewelry only to recreate it. Furthermore, I grew up in Germany and was surrounded by creativity. I learned about gemstones and jewelry making firsthand from my father, a trained geologist (rock hounds are a special breed) and jewelry maker. At age 8, I made my first necklace.

Almost 2 decades ago, I took a silversmith class and found my happy place. For the longest time, I only sold seasonally during the holidays. During that time, I worked on my website, not realizing how much work it entails. About 2 years ago, I contacted the cheetah conservation fund, because not only do I LOVE cheetahs, I wanted to do something to help save the cheetah from extinction. I offer #savethecheetah jewelry to support the cheetah conservation fund.

It’s been a slow road, but now I have help with social media (thanks Sarah!) and I look forward to growing and sharing my art with you. As an interior designer, my big outrageous goal is to design jewelry and help the cheetahs full-time. My experience with color, scale, patterns, and texture balance certainly benefits my jewelry designs.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Having your own business as an artist is extremely challenging. It takes putting on your business hat and thinking completely differently than the artist. Imposter syndrome is real. However, I know that my purpose is to create and design. In addition, the process is very time-consuming. I finally hired help and it’s made a tremendous change. 2 is better than 1.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Not sure why I’ve always designed jewelry in my head. I wish I could remember most of them. I love I focus on creating aesthetic contrast. I use contrasting materials and mixed metals. Gold and silver really do work!!! I can make complicated jewelry, however, I focus on affordable wearable art to put a smile on your face. My jewelry is carefree yet has collective consciousness.

What’s next?
I would love to be able to support the cheetah conservation fund with the proceeds of my jewelry. Of course, I would love to have my passion and my purpose also be my work. I look forward to constantly learning and evolving as an athlete.

Pricing:

• Reasonable pricing $20-$200

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopredcheetah.com
• Instagram: @redcheetahjewelry
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/redcheetahjewelry