Meet Brenda McDermott | Creative Jewelry Design, Owner of Rei of Light Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda McDermott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

It’s funny, I never saw myself as a risk taker as I like to be in control and know have a solid plan, but I guess if I look back, I have taken my fair share of risks in life. It comes down to a belief that you have to just JUMP, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND LEAP, trusting that you will land on your feet and then never look back. Always stay focused ahead on your goal.

My career path is probably the best example I can give of the role risk has played in my life. When I realized how unfulfilled I was in the corporate world despite an excellent salary and prestigious position, I chose to make the leap to a completely different field.

My passion for health and fitness led me to open my first Pilates studio, one of several over the course of a two-decade span. I built my studio into a pretty lucrative business but as rewarding as it was to do that work and see my clients find their way to greater fitness, I eventually found myself wondering if I could make a living as an artist. I had been designing jewelry since my early 20’s but more as just a hobby and a small “side hustle.”

Walking away from a business I had grown for many years and very loyal clients was probably the scariest one I have ever taken. For the second time, I was leaping from a relatively secure career to the unknown. Starting out, it was challenging to say the least, when I needed to identify sources for materials, buy those materials and stones, invest money into a website, branding, marketing, and so on. All in hopes I would see a return on that substantial investment.

I added one final risk to the entire picture. In 2008, Chris and I sold everything we owned and moved to California where we had no clue if it would all work out or not. That move was one last giant leap off the cliff. We jumped, closed our eyes, and leapt, never looking back and today I confidently say it worked out better than I could have hoped. The risks were worth it, every step of the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

1. Please tell us more about your art. I am a creative artist/jewelry designer and owner of Rei of Light Jewelry. People may immediately wonder, what does that mean or what kind of jewelry. I create unique, healing and wearable art that will speak to you on a soul level and enrich your life. Each piece is individually crafted using the powers of natural stones and crystals to resonate with your needs, whether they are healing, inspiring, connecting with inner strength and beauty or empowering your higher self.

Over the years, my Rei of Light Jewelry designs have expanded to include three distinct types of jewelry.

I started with collections of pieces that could easily enhance their wearer’s daily life on every level by drawing on the inherent qualities of the stones I used. My collection of crystal necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and bold bohemian designs for both men and women ranges from delicate to dramatic and can be worn throughout the day for everyday activities from grocery shopping or a game of golf to lunch with a friend or dinner out with the love of your life. These really are the perfect accessories for you.

As I came to better understand the power of the crystals and stones I was working with, I realized I had an opportunity to begin supporting my clients in healing many conditions. I know I talk a lot about the beauty of what I create – about the art, if you will – and how and why I select stones to infuse various strengths into any given piece I am designing, but beyond that, I am also very passionate about the potential for healing. Especially for cancer. For years, I have been committed to helping others strengthen their health and wellness. Creating jewelry that can help with the healing process was a natural expansion for me. For those cancer patients who are seeking ways through their diagnosis and back to health, I custom design jewelry using specific crystals and gemstones known to give support in healing cancer. For me, it feels like a calling to do what I can to help ease that person’s journey, regardless of the final outcome.

Finally, I expanded the scope of what I do to include designing fine jewelry in gold, rose gold, platinum and silver set with stunning-colored gemstones and diamonds in necklaces, earrings bracelets, and rings, including wedding and engagement rings. This exquisite jewelry has expanded my designs to a new level. All are infused with powerful, positive spiritual energy, a hallmark of all my designs. Jewelry from this line will become part of your heritage, something to be treasured even beyond your own lifetime.

Creating this jewelry is an intensely personal experience for me. Each piece contains a small part of my heart. As I design, my goal is to give meaning to the piece through my understanding of the crystals and gems in it. Once finished, I carefully consider the meaning of each stone I have included then give the completed piece a name to give it life and help connect the new owner to the healing properties of the natural world while awakening a sense of their own inner strength and beauty. And always, I keep in mind how what I am creating can positively impact the life of the individual who will be wearing it. The result, I always hope, is a deeper, more powerful connection to that person.

2. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others

I believe we all have our own unique gifts and talents as artists. What sets me apart from other jewelry designers is that my jewelry designs are made to support the wearer’s inner beauty, spiritual energy and highest self. The names I give my pieces say it all. I Am Limitless, Highest Potential, Courage, Flowing with the Universe, Soul’s Journey, Courage and Strength. These are inspiring names that reflect the powerful combined energies of the stones I use. All of them are created with as much positive energy and intention as I can bring. Sometimes, it takes hours to find just the right combination of qualities for a specific client or piece, but its purpose always comes to me.

I also believe my ability to create jewelry for healing is something rare. In life, I am deeply committed to health, wellness and the healing arts. It was only natural for me to apply that passion to supporting people who may be fighting the biggest battle of their life. When I realized certain crystals and stones could help them with that fight, I could clearly see the impact such jewelry could have.

Finally, I offer highly personal service. I often collaborate closely with a client on the design for jewelry they need and desire. Not surprisingly, this means drawing on my own spirit and connecting with the client on a deeper level. When the piece is finished, I do whatever it takes to get it to them quickly. Then, after they have had time to wear their new jewelry, I truly love connecting with them in person via text, email, or inclusion in my social media, just to make sure they are getting the benefits I visualized for them.

3. what you are most proud of or excited about.

Surprisingly, it has to do with pets. As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry companions. We want them to be happy, healthy, and well cared for. However, just like humans, pets can experience various physical and emotional issues, such as anxiety, cancer, and lethargy. Fortunately, using crystals and healing stones offers a natural and holistic way to support your pets’ well-being.

Many believe your dog or cat can detect your energy vibrations and respond accordingly. It is hard to miss that a pet can be a fantastic reflection of how you feel. Animals, like humans, are also thought to pick up on the vibrations available from crystals and gemstones, so surrounding your pets with the finest crystals for their needs makes sense.

I have developed a pet collection that is super exciting. It includes collars and dog collar tags for support and healing. I have created these for dogs and cats dealing with cancer, for anxiety and others for separation issues, aggressive behavior, liver, and kidney issues to name a few. The tags have whatever stones have been shown to support a particular health issue and can simply be added to the pet’s existing tags and collar.  If the pet does not usually wear a collar with tags, I will select the appropriate stones that can then be placed in the pet’s bed. What a great way to give back some of the love your pet has freely given to you!

4. How did you get to where you are today professionally.

 I worked in the corporate world at a most lucrative job as a senior-level executive in finance, but over time I came to realize it was merely a job, and not an inspiring passion. A lot of introspection and self-examination led me to realize I was far more passionate about helping people live their lives to the fullest. That led me to health, wellness and the healing arts.

And so, I took my first big leap off the cliff. I quit that job and turned to fitness in the form of my own Pilates studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. There is no question, being out there without a corporate safety net was frightening, but oh how exciting it was to be in charge of my own destiny!

Over the years, I have taken different art classes and some jewelry designing classes.  The creative challenge fascinated me but when I began to learn about the healing power of crystals, everything I had done up to that point came together at once. I knew I had found my passion. The creative process of designing beautiful jewelry and adding the amazing power of the stones to give it meaning spoke to that deeper desire to help others find health, wellness and inspiration.

Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Well, I am no longer working. Instead, I love what I do. Every day!

5. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Easy? Not always. Of course, there have been challenges along the way. Running a small business takes courage and lots of hard work. It will always have some bumps in the road, but when that happens, I try my best to embrace it as part of the path I have chosen and to use it as an opportunity for learning, growth, and perseverance. I remind myself that this is my deepest passion. I love creating jewelry, the stones, the people, the challenge. I sometimes think I live and breathe Rei of Light Jewelry. And that can be a challenge in and of itself. I have to build in mental, emotional and spiritual breaks sometimes. Whenever I find myself feeling stressed by this work I love, I recharge with time on the beach listening to the waves, or a hike in the wilderness, or just a long walk loving the fresh air. It never fails to help me work through whatever challenge I thought was so big. It puts everything back into perspective.

7. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

First, I want people to really see the beauty and value what I create. Every artist feels that way, I am sure. But beyond that, I want people to know I will listen to them, really listen. I want to know their lives have been improved by choosing to wear some of my jewelry, jewelry that has been created to enrich and enhance their own miraculous life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If you’re visiting me for a week in North County San Diego, there are so many fun and creative things we can do. I live near the most amazing beaches, my favorite place to be! We can start our week off with a peaceful beach walk on Cardiff Beach, enjoying the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the soft sand beneath our feet. We can grab breakfast at GoodOnYa, which is a local favorite for healthy and delicious breakfast options. They offer organic and gluten-free options, as well as fresh juices and smoothies to start our day off on a healthy note. I love to support other small businesses and they always do a great job here. After our breakfast, we can walk up the block to the meditation gardens in Encinitas. The gardens are a beautiful and tranquil place to meditate, relax, and enjoy the stunning ocean views. It’s a peaceful oasis and a must-visit for anyone seeking some peace and tranquility. The gardens are a perfect place to recharge and take in the beauty of nature. If you’re visiting in the spring, we can visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields, which are in full bloom and offer a stunning display of color. We can take a walk through the fields and enjoy the beauty of nature.
For some exercise, we can hike the Torrey Pines State Reserve one day and the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail another day and enjoy the beautiful scenery. If we’re looking for a more spiritual and relaxing experience, we can head to Soul of Yoga in Encinitas. They offer a variety of yoga classes for all levels, from vinyasa to restorative, and even yoga on the beach. We can join a class and stretch our muscles while enjoying the ocean breeze and a sunset.
Taking the Coaster train to Little Italy is a great way to explore the city and experience a different side of San Diego. We’ll get to enjoy the scenic train ride along the coast and enjoy the ocean views from the train and discover a vibrant and bustling neighborhood full of culture and history. We arrive in Little Italy, we can explore the charming neighborhood, which is known for its great restaurants, cafes, and shops. We can stop for lunch at one of the many Italian restaurants, like Buon Appetito or Civico 1845, which offer delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and more. After lunch, we can walk around the neighborhood and check out the local boutiques and art galleries. Little Italy is also home to the weekly farmers market, which takes place every Saturday and offers fresh produce, local goods, and live music.
There are so many fun things to do downtown, plenty of options to choose from! We can start by visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which is home to over 3,500 animals and 650 species. We can spend hours exploring the various habitats and exhibits, from the African savanna to the Arctic tundra. And if we’re looking for some more excitement, we can visit the USS Midway Museum, which is a retired aircraft carrier that has been converted into a museum. We can explore the various decks and exhibits and learn about the history of naval aviation.
Next adventure…. taking the Coronado Ferry with bikes. We can rent bikes at the Ferry Landing and take the ferry across the bay to Coronado Island. Once we arrive, we can bike along the scenic coastline and explore the charming town of Coronado. We can stop for lunch or a coffee at one of the local cafes or restaurants and soak in the laid-back island vibes.
On another day, a must-visit destination in North County San Diego is La Jolla, which is known for its stunning beaches, upscale boutiques, and trendy restaurants. We can spend a day exploring the various beaches, including La Jolla Cove, which is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming. We can also rent kayaks and explore the sea caves and marine life up close.
In addition to the beaches and outdoor activities, La Jolla also has a thriving arts and culture scene. During the summer months, there are free concerts in the parks, including the popular SummerFest concert series, which features world-renowned musicians and performers. And when it’s time to eat, we can dine at one of the many trendy restaurants, like George’s at the Cove or The Hake Kitchen & Bar, which offer stunning ocean views and delicious cuisine or throw a blanket and chairs in the park at the cove and enjoy a picnic.
Another great activity to add to our list is watching the sunset at Moonlight Beach. We can head to the benches overlooking the ocean and watch as the sun sets over the water. The views are absolutely stunning, and it’s a perfect way to end a day of exploring North County San Diego. Moonlight Beach is also a great place to spend a day, with its wide sandy beach, volleyball courts, and picnic areas. We can hang in our beach chairs and umbrellas and soak up the sun or take a dip in the ocean and cool off on a hot day.
Seaside Center for Spiritual Living is my favorite place to be on a Sunday morning and truly will nourish the soul. The center offers classes and workshops on spirituality, meditation, and personal growth, as well as weekly Sunday services that include music, meditation, and inspiring talks. The center is located in Encinitas, just a short drive from the beach and downtown area. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the center makes it a perfect place to reflect and connect with oneself. The center’s teachings are based on the principles of Science of Mind, which emphasizes the power of positive thinking, affirmations, and visualization. I also love to attend the sound healing sessions, which use vibrations and sounds to promote relaxation and healing.
With so much to do and explore in North County San Diego, we’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable week together!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Oh my, there are so many I would love to include here, but the first thing that comes into my head is my customers. Without them, I wouldn’t have a business. Nor would I be anywhere near as successful. They are all over the world and always willing to express their gratitude for what I do by taking the time to write to me about their experiences and how much they love their purchases. I especially have to extend my shoutout to include my very first customers over 14 years ago – my family and friends who were ever loyal and supportive. They believed in me well before I had developed an online presence or a recognized brand.

And of course, my husband Chris stands at the top of my gratitude list! I don’t think I could ever find anyone more willing to support my work. Chris is pretty creative in his own right, so I really trust him when he lets me bounce ideas off him or gives me design input when I’m stuck. And on the operating side of the business, he’s my go-to person for editing marketing pieces before I hit the send button and he also helps in coming up with creative marketing ideas, and so very much more.

Finally, yes there is one book I found totally inspiring as I was trying to find the courage to follow this path. It was Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow: Discovering your right livelihood by Marsha Sinetar. It inspired me to pursue this passion I had and practically gave me the steps I needed to take to bring it from dream to reality.

Website: reioflightjewelry.com

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Image Credits
Jen Brown Alyssa Luca Alexandra Mason