Briar's Story

A couple of years ago, I picked up a hobby of jewelry making. I have always had a collection of unique pieces but felt that my collection was missing a specific style that I was looking for. I wanted something vintage inspired, very feminine, but meant for everyday wear. Just for fun, I designed my first collection and played around with styles and colors until it fit my vision. I had no intention of sharing it with others, until the women in my life made me believe I should. 

 

My friends were the ones who encouraged me to sell the pieces, asking how they could support me and giving me nonstop words of encouragement. Without them, this brand would not exist. 

 

I chose the name Briar because I felt it was a perfect metaphor for how this business came to be. A briar  is a kind of flower with some form of protective features, such as thorns on its stem or vines, to help it grow strong. That is what the women in my life have been to me: the steady structure that has helped me bloom. Their support, belief, and love helped me grow Briar into something that could stand on its own. 

 

But this project grew to be more than just a jewelry collection. I proudly call myself a feminist and think it is more important now than ever that we remember the important work women before us have done to allow me to create something like Briar. There was a time not very long ago when women weren’t allowed to own businesses, bank accounts, or create things on their own. Putting it simply: the very reason why Briar is allowed to exist in the world today is because of feminists. That is why I am using this business as a platform to showcase the importance of feminism and serve as a living tribute to the women throughout history that I look up to.

 

Briar is a celebration of all forms of feminine strength - the quiet kind, the creative kind, the kind of strength that comes from building each other up. Each piece is handmade by me and named after a woman whose legacy solidified the importance of uplifting the women in our lives. I encourage you to visit the “About the Names” page to learn more about the women behind each piece. And at the very least, do what you can to uplift the women in your lives. You have no idea what beautiful things may come from it.