Shoptalk: Peggy Li

It’s becoming really obvious to me that the Bay Area isn’t short on design talent, and that is especially true in the area of jewelry. We have great talents like Headbangers Accessories, Rachel Eva, and now Peggy Li. Peggy Li’s jewelry making started about 8 years ago when she was at UC Berkeley, her aesthetic fitting right in with some of the fabulous jewelry the street vendors produce. Of course with talent like hers Telegraph Ave couldn’t hold her, and her work was soon seen on the small screen Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Without a Trace just to name a few. The look of Peggy’s jewelry is simple and feminine but not at all girly or plain. There are pieces in her line inspired by yoga, and beads and set in 14K to Sterling Silver….she even has a diamond collection! My favorite piece ( pictured) is the “Weather the Storm!” necklace from her charm collection it comes in sterling silver and gold and doesn’t it seem so fitting for this week’s rainy Bay Area weather. Check out more of Peggy Li’s handmade jewelry work online…HAPPY SHOPPING!

photo cred: Peggy Li

Q&A: Rachel Eva of Rachel Eva Designs

I was so excited about Bay Area Jewelery Designer Rachel Eva, I decided I had to find out more about her, as well as what we can expect from her in the future, enjoy.......

Kasey: What were you doing, prior to the launch of Rachel Eva Jewelry and If you weren't in the fashion industry what would you be doing?

Rachel: Prior to the launch of Rachel Eva. I had just graduated from high school and was clueless about what I was going to do. Go to College? Get a Job? Where would I want to work?
So I applied for a job at Michaels Arts and Crafts. I loved it. What could be better than being around crafts and crafty people? Everyday I would go to the bead isle and was fascinated by all the colors and shapes. I used to bead when I was a young girl but then it turned into making friendship bracelets. I started to bead again and I got very into it. I had endless thoughts of what to make next. I couldn’t sleep. I was going crazy about beads. Then one day I went to sell my jewelry that I had been working on to my dad’s office. The women there loved me and I have known them for a very long time. So I was comfortable about showing them my creations. It was a hit…so from then on I did what made me happy. To feel so happy doing something I loved was an amazing feeling. Nothing can compare to it. My father helped me get my business license along with everything else I needed. That’s how I became Rachel Eva.


Kasey: Inspirations, references, or underlying themes we can find in the Rachel Eva line?
If I wasn’t in the fashion industry now I guess I would be scrapbooking for other people or organizing closets. But I can’t think of anything id rather be doing than creating jewelry.

Rachel: If I wasn’t in the fashion industry now I guess I would be scrapbooking for other people or organizing closets. But I can’t think of anything id rather be doing than creating jewelry.

Some themes you can find in my line would be my signature Organic Link and Swarovski crystals which are in the sparkle collection. Some inspirations are from my grandmother’s jewelry box, nature, and sparkly stones.

Kasey: I'm sure you’re always wearing Rachael Eva Jewelry, but what are some of your favorite fashion and beauty finds?

Rachel: Fashion and Beauty Finds…
*I love nail polish…OPI. “Significant other color”, “Pink before you leap”, “Aphrodite
Pink nightie”
*Mac. “Rice Paper”
*Mary Kay “Eye primer”
*Vera Bradley…obsessed I just love it
* J crew Skinny Jeans. Love them!


Kasey: When you aren’t overly busy running your business, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Rachel: My Favorite things to do would be….scrapbook, watch movies, hike and get a mani –pedi with my dad.


Kasey: You currently sale your jewelry online and a multiple Bay Area Locations (as well as out of state) what kind of growth/directions can we expect in the next 2-3 years from Rachel Eva Jewelry?

Rachel: In the next 2-3 years I hope to get into a few showrooms and have a few sales reps to expand the selling of Rachel Eva and I can focus on designing. Up until now I have concentrated my sales on the west coast and I want to grow nationally. Also have Rachel Eva into more boutiques all over the US.

Accessory Find of the Week: Rachel Eva Designs

You should all know by now that other than jeans and sequins (and hello kitty) there isn’t anything I love more than local designers. That’s why I have to tell you about Rachel Eva designs. Rachel Eva designs are simple, earthy, eye catching, and locally produced. I have to say that my absolute favorites from Rachel are the earrings from here Organic Link collection and the statement necklaces from her Mineral Rock Collection (pictured). Even if you don’t like my personal picks Rachel Eva Designs is big and is comprised of sterling silver, 24K gold, Geode, agate, amethyst, druzy, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. By the way all this can be found at a price point that aligns with any budgets with prices ranging from 22-250 dollars. Check out more of Rachel Eva’s work at http://www.racheleva.com/.

P.S. There are multiple Bay Area vendors check out her site for more info.

photo cred: Rachel Eva Designs