Today we’d like to introduce you to Divina Carvalho.
Divina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Los Angeles, California about six years ago from my hometown in Providence, Rhode Island. I was chasing a dream of entrepreneurship and wanting to start my own brand. I’ve always had an interest in fashion and I landed a job working for a very successful jewelry designer who mentored me and taught me the ins and outs of the business. She has always been extremely supportive of me and my vision and helped me cultivate the possibilities of starting my own line.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve definitely come across some bumps in the road since launching my website in 2017. One of the most significant struggles I’ve had to deal with is holding myself accountable and maintaining consistency. When you’re building an e-commerce brand from the ground up on your own, it is super important to remain persistent in creating content, designs, production management, your web orders, customer service, etc. When you’re self-employed you don’t necessarily have someone checking in on your business and making sure you’re being as productive and consistent as you should be. There were definitely days where I felt like “what am I doing? No one will buy jewelry from you.” And that self-doubt starts to creep in. It’s really important to stay positive, productive and forward-thinking to ensure your own success and growth. You have to really believe in the dream and let it drive you. Even on the days that you feel like it isn’t working. I’ve also come to grips with the fact that I can’t possibly do it all alone and have become better on relying on my network and resources for assistance where needed.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Divine Individual story. Tell us more about the business.
Divine Individual is a sophisticated streetwear jewelry brand that specializes in custom pieces as well as carefully curated collections. We offer fine jewelry at an affordable price point as well as gold filled options to make the pieces more attainable for every customer. I’m most proud of my one on one design consultations to create one of a kind pieces for our clients.
From engagement rings to diamond flooded pendants, it is so fulfilling to make something that is meaningful to people and can brighten their lives. I truly love being able to conceptualize a feeling or memory and use my creative muscle to turn it into a design.
There aren’t many jewelry companies that cater to my demographic on a high taste level, in my opinion. I think what sets Divine Individual apart from any other jewelry company is that we have appeal to a wide audience and can cater to the wants of any age group.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the jewelry industry is something that remains a staple in people’s lives since ancient times. The biggest shift that occurs is typically the trendy jewelry that is sought after as quickly as it is forgotten. I try my best to balance between on-trend items and something that a client would want to wear for a lifetime. When people buy luxury items, especially golden goods, it is typically pieces that they cherish or would like to eventually gift in their family as heirlooms or keepsakes.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.divineindividual.com
- Email: hello@divineindividual
- Instagram: Divine Individual
Image Credit:
Shooters club LA
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