USC fourth-year marketing and management student Ragen Steele has always had a love for jewelry and the artistic ability to accessorize any outfit. She became tired of spending too much money on jewelry that wasn’t exactly what she wanted. Last summer, Steele solved her problem by creating pieces to wear herself.
After receiving many compliments, she started Ragen Blaire Jewelry Designs and began selling to her friends and family. Steele said that she sells her jewelry to share her passion with others.
Steele emphasized that her jewelry is perfect for women of any style or age. She describes her pieces as a "less traditional ... simple, typical South Carolina style" with "bohemian natural stone accents."
"It's sort of a little bit more trendy but traditional at the same time," she said.
Her jewelry is characterized by many natural stones and unique beads to create pieces that will stand out. Ranging from simple to Southern, Ragen Blaire Jewelry Design has pieces that will match any outfit.
All Ragen Blaire Jewelry Design pieces are handmade uniquely for each customer, but it can take a bit of trial and error when it comes to creating the perfect accessory. Steele recalls some of these moments of trial and error with a positive attitude and as a way to improve.
"Many times our beads just went all over the floor, but that's part of the learning process," she said.
Because Steele cares about her products, sometimes if she is unsatisfied with her finished piece, she will unstring the beads and start from scratch. The attention she puts towards the details of each piece shows the difference between handmade items and store-bought accessories.
Steele said she dedicates her time to producing quality jewelry. She wants her customers to know that “nobody else will really have a necklace just like yours.” She makes an effort to design each piece differently. Her customers can wear the jewelry confidently knowing they won’t run into a friend with the same necklace.
The young entrepreneur also makes an effort to keep up with current jewelry trends. When describing her most popular item, she notes “the beaded choker is the big thing, and I think the price point of the beaded chokers that I have is something that really attracts people to buying them.” She takes the typical leather choker trend and adds her own personal touch. The unique piece can be paired with a nice game day dress or a casual everyday outfit.
Since Ragen Blair Jewelry Design started not long ago, most of her customers come by word of mouth. She uses her personal social media to promote her products because that is the best way for her to reach a large number of people.
Steele also sets up a table at her sorority house, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and sells many pieces to her friends. She hopes to set up tables in front of other sorority houses as her jewelry company continues to grow.
Working toward two degrees, Steele certainly has plenty to manage time wisely between school and her business. A balance between her work and school is something she finds necessary, so she uses free time to her advantage.
"I take Sunday afternoons to make a few new things ... and sometimes I have lots of special orders ... and take out the time on evenings and Sundays to make jewelry," Steele said.
To Steele, jewelry-making isn’t a job, but she uses it as a stress-reliever instead. Her love for jewelry-making makes all of the extra time spent worth the final result.