Every now and then, someone asks me, “What’s the secret to staying in business for so many years?”
After more than four decades of designing jewellery, I think I finally know the answer.
It’s not because I’ve always had the perfect business plan.
It’s not because every design has been a bestseller.
And it’s certainly not because the journey has been easy.
The answer is much simple.
I still love what I do!
Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed about my jewellery journey by the charming Liam, from ArtsHub. This might give you a deeper peek into my philosophy and path of longevity in relation to my jewellery. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6NVy-1aHh0
As I reflected on those early days, I was struck by just how extraordinary the journey has been. When I first started making jewellery in the early 1980’s, I had no idea where the path would lead. I certainly couldn’t have imagined that decades later I’d still be heading into my studio with excitement, surrounded by gemstones, vintage buttons, pearls and treasures collected from around the world.
I’ve sold at markets, exhibited at shows, supplied jewellery stores across Australia, traveled extensively sourcing unique components, embraced the online world, written books, completed my university degree, and met thousands of wonderful people along the way.
Fashion has changed. Technology has changed. The way we shop has changed.
But one thing remains the same: people still love jewellery that has meaning. I’ve always believed jewellery is far more than something we wear. It becomes part of our lives and often part of our personal history. My business byline says it all: “It’s just a piece of jewellery until it’s yours, then it becomes a treasure!”
Jewellery marks birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations and new beginnings. Sometimes it reminds us of someone we love. Sometimes it gives us confidence on an important day. Sometimes it simply makes us smile when we catch a glimpse of it in the mirror.
One of my greatest joys is hearing from customers who purchased a piece many years ago and still wear it regularly. They’ll tell me, “I still receive compliments on these earrings,” or “This pendant has become one of my favourite possessions.”
Nothing makes me happier.
I never set out to create fast fashion. My goal has always been to design pieces that people would reach for again and again, year after year. Pieces with a story. Pieces with soul. Pieces that become old friends. Over the years I’ve learned that longevity isn’t just about staying in business. It’s about continuing to grow. Creativity doesn’t retire. If anything, it becomes richer with experience.
As I shared during the interview, one of the greatest gifts of a long creative career is perspective. Looking back, I realise every market, every exhibition, every customer conversation, every success and every challenge has contributed something valuable to the next chapter.
For that, I am deeply grateful.
Many of you reading this have been following my journey for years. Others may have only recently discovered my work through my website, social media, newsletter, or perhaps even that interview.
Whether you’ve purchased a piece, shared a kind word, or simply followed along from afar, thank you.
You are part of this story too.
And of course, the adventure continues as there are still new treasures to discover. In a few weeks I’ll be traveling to the Cook Islands to learn more about their extraordinary black pearls. No doubt I will come back with some of these “gems of the sea” and the creative and design process begins again!
In the meantime, check out my latest and greatest jewellery here: https://www.reneeblackwelldesign.com/
Onward!
Renée
