Designers We Love: Rebel Nell

INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring

Made by women from a nearby shelter, Detroit-based jewellery label Rebel Nell creates their collection from pieces of chipped graffiti.

We chatted to Rebel Nell’s CEO Amy Peterson about what inspired this interesting project.

1. What inspired you to start this project?

I live in Detroit, right next door to a well-known homeless shelter called COTS. There is a yard behind our condo building that we share with the neighbours of the shelter. In fact, they have a lovely community garden and a bench where people can sit and enjoy the day. I would often walk my overly-friendly and curious dog, Elbie in the yard and strike up conversations with the tenants of the shelter, particularly the women. Their stories spoke of courage and persistence. Many had left very difficult situations and went to the shelter for temporary relief. Many women didn’t have control of their financial situations for reasons including abusive relationships, job loss, the recession, etc.

It was then that I realised their unfortunate turn of events could have happened to anyone at anytime. These women needed someone to believe in them. It was at this moment that I knew I needed to start a company that not only provided them with jobs but with an education. Rebel Nell came to exist out of that necessity. We employ the women directly out of the shelter and train them on how to make jewellery from fallen graffiti. We provide them with financial management skills, business education, as well as life wellness skills so they can successfully transition to an independent life. This business is my passion project but I also consider it part of my career. Not only have I been able to pursue my passion, I am able to help others pursue their passions too.

2. Why graffiti?

I was out for a run one day contemplating what type of jewellery we could make that would allow for creativity, and at the same time represent the city in which we live. In Detroit, we consider graffiti an “abundant local resource”. It is home to many beautiful murals. It was on this same run that I ran past a mural where the paint had started to chip off. I took a sample chip home and began experimenting. I called my business partner, Diana and asked her to come over and experiment with me. We knew we had a good idea. We loved that it was made up of all these beautiful layers just like the intricate layers of people, ideas and history that make up our great city. We also love that each piece is truly one of a kind. It gives the women creative freedom to make whatever shapes and sizes they feel make a beautiful piece. That is my favourite part.

3. What are your plans for 2015?

We are still very much a start-up, but we have strong plans to continue to grow our business. The more jewellery we sell, the more women we are able to hire and assist through our mission. We are hoping to get into more stores, as well as grow our product line. We would like to hire at least 4-5 more women by the end of 2015. Fingers crossed!

To find out more about Rebel Nell and view their entire collection, visit rebelnell.com.