Rising Stars: Meet Chemi Choates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chemi Choates.

Hi Chemi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I fell in love with jewelry as a young girl by my grandparents. They had nugget, rope-style rings necklaces, bracelets, earrings and I loved it all. As I grew older, I adopted some jewels and add the “nineties style” with the initial necklace and rings and let’s not forget herringbone jewelry lol. I decided to create my own line of charms and custom jewelry to bring happiness and also give people a chance to showcase their own style.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been an easy road at all. There has been times where I wanted to quit because I couldn’t create the style that I wanted or I trusted a vendor to supply the best quality and received subpar items. The moment I see the satisfaction on customer’s faces lets me know that all the trouble I have endured to produce a great line of jewels is on the right path.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a creative, I draw inspiration from anywhere. I could see an outfit and jewelry to go with it in my head and I can bring it to life. I also create other items such as custom shirts and cups and other things like that but jewelry is my main focus. I also like to have special drawings and raffles to give back to my customers. I include jewelry, custom merch and other goodies. I want them to show others like “Hey look at my jeweler, look what she provides for us. You need to get in on this, lol.”

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is major. That right there can put you in places you haven’t even thought about. Just for someone to mention your name and the quality of your work can put you in a place that is unimaginable. Get out there and get to know people.

Pricing:

• You can purchase a full bracelet, any style for $40
• All custom jewels start at $60

Contact Info:

• Website: Belcharms.com
• Instagram: Belcharms
• Facebook: Belcharmsatl

Image Credits
Darrion Taylor- Artist