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

Hi Rachel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was a recipe of my gifts, passion, excitement & skill! We’re on this world for only a limited time and I’ve wanted to make people happy and excited for something. One of my gifts that God has given me was encouragement and that’s something I truly wanted to lean into when it came to my work. Excitement and happiness are some of the most fun emotions we experience. Starting when I was just 12 I started making my own jewelry and people really enjoyed what I created. Fast forward to my early 20’s, and I attended my first music festival. The exciting and fun setting of it all inspired me to combine my passion for jewelry specifically for music festivals that can also be worn every day. I also was amazed at the beauty of crystals which shows the beauty of this Earth, and also wanted to combine this element into my collection, as well. The overall style and energy of my jewelry is to consistently encourage those to live their life to the fullest every day and remember to embrace the fun in moments!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There is an exciting movement happening where people want to support higher quality, ethically made and sustainably made fashion! The fashion industry itself is one of the most environmentally wasteful industries unfortunately, and jewelry is no different. So I wanted to create fun exciting, yet quality and pretty jewelry that was ethically handmade, with better quality materials that was friendlier to the environment. And you can’t get more natural than crystals! Not only are they beautiful but are known to have healing properties to them, and also show just how beautiful the Earth provides. Pair that with the fun and growing festival fashion styles, and you have everyday crystal and festival jewelry. I like using colorful crystals to create the fun brand that support those that simply strive to live life to the fullest and seek to make positive changes in this world. Everyone in this world has a magic in them (i.e. a gift, skill, perspective, etc.) that needs to be heard and shared to make this world a better place. And I believe we can all do that together with encouragement and empowerment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I always love the beautiful beach in La Jolla. So first, we would go there to relax, perhaps canoe to the coves and soak in the sunshine. Then we would go on a hike in Torrey Pines and then grab some tasty food in Little Italy. Then we would stroll into the lovely evening by dancing some places in Gaslamp and if we have the energy, head out to Coronado to look at the city skyline. The next day would be a fun beach day! We would take some time relaxing at Ocean Beach. There’s some really good coffee shops there and there used to be one called Current Collective. We would also check out the fun little shops there, too. There’s a fun bead shop called The Black Bead with endless arrays of gorgeous beads from everywhere! I’ve actually gotten some of my beads there before. Then we’d head over to Pacific Beach for some lunch and stroll along the shore there and do some surfing. There’s so many fun places, but I’ll keep it at that for now.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are too many people to give credit to! I would have to say the #1 person I would give credit to is my mom. She was the one who took me to my first jewelry-making convention back when I was 12 and stood at the local Farmer’s Market when my shy 12-year-old self had a jewelry stand there. She now constantly learns more about my business and my idea behind it while being such a strong support system. Then I’d also say the rest of my family and then my lovely friend circle. Some of them who are also successful entrepreneurs have given me such encouragement and support while other friends have purchased from me and/or have simply asked about my business and have given nothing but encouraging words! Last, I’ve had a few friends who have also served as mentors who have pushed me to keep doing what I love. So, all of these amazing people 🙂

Website: https://www.rachelandreacollection.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelandrea.collection/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therachelandreacollection

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