Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashada LeRoy.
Hi Rashada, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I fell in love with fashion at a very early age. I was always fascinated by different materials and the jewelry that you could wear to compliment an outfit. My great-grandmother was a style star to me. I can remember going through photos of her as a young woman and she would be dressed to the nines…with her hat, coat, gloves, always a nice pair of heels or boots and of course earrings and a necklace to match. I’ve always believed the accessories can make or break an outfit and all it takes is a dope pair of earrings to change your entire vibe. Shortly after college, I realized how much I loved earrings and I began working towards how to turn that passion in a business. My aunt Ameena started making jewelry and I would quickly pick up on her designs. She and I started collaborating and that’s how lōb was created.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Creating a jewelry collection has been met with lots of challenges. Especially during a pandemic where there are supply chain issues, however, because we always focused on ethically made and sustainability, it has really helped us to stay true to our initial goal, which was to create a product that gives back to the community. Every piece is handmade and ethically sourced. Black women all over the country contribute to the brand and the business. Our challenges have become our strengths.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
lōb jewelry specializes in beautiful jewelry for the modern woman. I am inspired by architecture, art, music, culture and world travel. I am particularly inspired by jewelry from the continent of Africa. The life cycle of a pair of lōb earrings typically begins in Africa travels to neighborhoods in Harlem where jewelry findings are ethically sold and traded. These findings then make travel to Dothan, AL where local artisans deconstruct them to reimagine new pieces that are handcrafted with love while being kind to our planet.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There are two books that I love. One is Well Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ouselves. What I love about this book is learning about all of these Black women authors. One thing about the jewelry business is you have to be creative. I draw so much inspirations from these stories these women tell about when they first fell in love with reading. The second book is Good to Great. As a CEO, I’m always trying to figure out how to grow my brand how to be sustainable and strategic in that growth. This is one of the best books that I’ve read to really help me put a vision around my company and execute on it.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lobjewelry.com
- Website: www.lobjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lobjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lobjewelry
Image Credits
Mykeon Smith – Magic City Studio
