Jeweler Interview - Rachel Franco, JaLa Designs LLC

Designer Rachel Franco, of JaLa Designs incorporates pieces of high quality, beautifully colorful silk fabrics into stunning pieces of jewelry.  Here, she talks to The Jewelry Report about her work and her business.

Where do you find inspiration?

I've always loved the element of surprise and the idea of contradictions. I love putting things together that you wouldn't expect to see together, i.e., semi-precious stones and metals with designer fabrics. JaLa leverages the idea of contradictions, that each of us is made up of many different sides that make us original and beautiful just the way we are. Many ideas, quite honestly, just come into my head! Maybe it's divine inspiration or maybe it's just my giving myself (or my brain) the permission and freedom to imagine what's possible.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?

I tend to love the really dramatic pieces. My favorite design is what I like to call our "Four Squares Necklace". It's definitely a 'wow' piece that really makes a statement and that can be worn with jeans and a tee just as easily as it can be worn with a suit or cute dress. This piece has sold reasonably well. And there are lots of other wonderful pieces under $200 and under $50 - JaLa has something for every price point!

How did you first get into jewelry art?

After being in corporate America for many years, I was downsized from my job last year (summer 2008). I was yearning to do something more creative and was experimenting with different things. While at a family friend's house getting some career coaching, I noticed this fabric-covered bowl and immediately thought to myself, "Wow. Wouldn't something covered in fabric look cool as part of a piece of jewelry?" It was a burning question I just had to answer and, so, I started experimenting and perfecting the product...and, voila, JaLa Designs, LLC was born!

What keeps you motivated?

Aside from loving the creative process and the variety that being an entrepreneur brings, I'm passionate about the message behind JaLa Designs - be yourself and the rest will follow (TM). Each JaLa piece is meant to be a fashionable reminder to be yourself. JaLa's 'be yourself' tagline is reflective of my own journey in life, and I'm passionate about reminding women and girls to accept and love themselves just as they are through my jewelry.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

There are many other jewelry designers I like....one is Angel Court Jewelry and another is M. Sturman Jewelry, whose work I think is wonderful and really different.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?

Inspiring for sure. I knew I was in the right field when I found the challenges associated with designing or experimenting with a piece of jewelry exciting rather than frustrating.

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events?

I have been doing more retail events, which have been interesting and fun, but I'd like to explore more trade events moving forward.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?

Hmmm...I wish the fairy god-budget would grant me a larger budget! The mind-reading of my customers would be nice too, though!

You can find out more about JaLa Designs, LLC. and purchase their unique designs at http://www.jala-designs.com