Spotlight on Local: Rust & Pearls Jewelry

Why did you develop the brand you did? What does it mean to you and what do you think it means to your clients?

Rust and Pearls was developed out of a love for history and creating a brighter future by utilizing and celebrating things from the past. My clients love the stories behind the pieces I build and create for them. They love to hear the provenance behind each piece, where I found it, and what drew me to it. I continue to grow as I build my brand and the pieces I make are tools that connect me to other people as well as myself.

What is the favorite piece you make or sell? Why does it stand out?

My favorite piece right now would have to be The Ben Necklace. It is a piece celebrating the third eye that was inspired by something my grandfather used to tell me over and over again. It begins with a vintage dainty gold-filled chain that leads to a vintage blue glass eye and then finishes with a gold-filled chain that drapes down the front of your body. The glass eyes were all hand made so each one is different. This is a piece I designed for every day wear because it goes with everything and is a constant reminder of family.

How has being an entrepreneur effected the way you view the world?

Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to find my place in the world. It has shown me how every person can make a positive impact no matter how small their finances or size of their business. I have the opportunity every day to positively impact other people not just with jewelry but with the intention behind it. My intention is to celebrate the beauty and individuality we all have by embracing the past and bringing it into the future.

Does being a business owner impact your personal life? How?

Owning a business has impacted my personal life in so many ways. My life is not really separate from my business because I am a one-woman band. In order to make my business grow I’ve given up a lot of things that I used to think were important. That has been one of the biggest blessings. I am so much more focused and careful with my time. I’m intentional with who I interact with and how I give my energy.

What do you hope will change about your business in five years?

I hope in five years that as I continue to grow, I find even more ways to give.

What do you hope will be the same about your business in five years?

I hope I am still doing small events and interacting with clients every day. I consider it a privilege to adorn people and I feel so happy every time I see a person put on a piece of my work and then smile.

How do you try to support Austin women?

I am consistently meeting new women who own or dream of owning a business here in Austin. I continually offer support and encouragement to help other women grow. I share my experiences, both good and bad, as well as my resources. I have been in business almost seven years and have learned so many things that I think only experience can teach you. My goal is to help other women navigate the difficult parts of their work and focus on what makes them special.

What can the city government or local community do to support your business (besides visiting it more)?

The biggest thing the local community can do to support my business is to support other local businesses and service providers. By shopping and eating local we create a culture and understanding of how important it is to support our community and the people who live in it. Every time you buy something locally made, we all win because it enables the local economy to grow and thrive which we all benefit from.

What about your brand or yourself do you most associate with Austin? How does it reflect Austin?

The soul of my brand is vintage, and Austin is a city with a magical past. So many inspiring people have walked these streets. Rust and Pearls tangibly reflects some of that history and celebrates the things and people that were here before us.

If you were allowed to only eat one food every day for the rest of your life, but it provided you all the nutrition you needed, what would that food be and what do you love about it?

I would probably eat cinnamon rolls every day for the rest of my life. There is something so comforting about a warm cinnamon roll. They are all so different! My favorite kind is the one with cream cheese frosting. Any time I travel I make it a point to try a cinnamon roll in a new place.