Today we’d like to introduce you to Trina Bell.
Trina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Creating, in any aspect, has always been a huge part of my genetic makeup. I grew up in a household full of singers and would be amazed at the gorgeous harmonies coming from my mother and her singing group as they practiced in our living room.
I can clearly remember being around 5-years-old and fretting over the fact that I wouldn’t be able to remember the melody of a song I’d made up. That is my earliest memory of being an actual creative. Fast-forward to 20-something odd years later- I was signed to Columbia Records as part of a duo that I’d formed with my sister (Trina & Tamara). It was then that I’d see all of the high-fashion clothes and accessories that stylists would pull for our music videos or photo shoots.
That’s where my love of accessorizing began. So when I created the Adict Charmery line in 2013 I called on some of the relationships from my music industry days which led to my bracelets being featured in media outlets E! Entertainment Television, Essence Magazine, Fox Soul, BET and In Touch Magazine just to name a few.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Fortunately, it has been a pretty smooth road! Which I’m thankful for because knowing myself, if it ever became too strenuous or more stressful than it needs to be I’d close the doors. I like to follow my bliss.
Although I will admit that the constant rising of shipping costs can be frustrating as I then have to raise my shipping costs which I don’t necessarily like to do. For a while I’d just consume the difference to avoid it. However, my customers seem to be understanding of this as I’m sure they’ve seen it happen with other online retail brands.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would hope that my passion as a jewelry designer is evident in each bracelet that I create, especially as it pertains to customizations or legacy pieces. Before I start I like to learn as much as possible about the backstory of the design i.e. their favorite color schemes or what they’re naturally drawn to.
I then go to great lengths to search for gemstones and findings that bring their story to life. This could be in the form of a unique charm or hard-to-find colors made of actual semi-precious stones.
My current focus is to collaborate more in terms of brand ambassadors, to broaden the scope of the overall line and to incorporate actual diamonds into my higher-end sets. The latter is something I’ve had my eye on for quite some time.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
One of the most important lessons that I learned from the Covid-19 crisis is that tomorrow is not promised to any of us. We heard this all the time growing up but it really hit home during the pandemic! I actually fell very ill to Covid. I was hospitalized and had to use oxygen for about a month so my outlook on life completely changed. I made a vow to not put anything off or drag my feet on decisions I was on the fence about. Just go for it, no matter how out of reach it may seem.
I’ve implemented this across the board both personally and professionally. I can totally see the benefit of committing to this rule of thumb in all aspects of my life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.adictcharmery.
etsy.com - Instagram: adict_charmery
Image Credits
Trina Bell
