Meet Chantell Rice: Jewelry artist and designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chantell Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chantell, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I believe that the breath of the living God gives us life. I want people to experience life when they are around me, to feel a draw to the Lord. I am an imperfect human, so I’m going to screw up. However, that would be the ultimate legacy!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I want to create jewelry that sets my heart on fire, not just because it is on trend. I want to create pieces I’m proud of and am confident about. Consistency has been key. Even if it’s one step, it’s one step worth taking! People often think that things happen overnight. It’s much more like a marathon, but you have to keep running, and you have to keep creating. I am a Mom first of two young kiddos. That often means I don’t get to dive into creating and pursuing jewelry endeavors as frequently as I’d like. This is where consistency comes in. One small step at a time. One of the things I’ve learned in the last two years is that it is worth it to take risks. Illuminate Designs jewelry wouldn’t be in any of the stores it is in right now if I didn’t reach out and ask. I’ve definitely heard “No”. It doesn’t knock me down like it would have in the past. That’s the power of believing in yourself and having others that believe in you. It changes everything. It gives you the ability to make moves you wouldn’t otherwise!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My absolute favorite spot in Atlanta is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. They have something to offer for every season. Truly, I’m always amazed at the beauty! I’m a sucker for any local restaurant with a good atmosphere and outdoor seating. My latest favorite is Barcelona Wine Bar at Westside Ironworks.  The food and ambiance are incredible! If we are down in Newnan (where we currently reside) we would grab a cup of coffee at Percolate Coffee + Boutique and head out on the Linc trail. It is hands down my favorite thing about living in Newnan. It’s great for bikes, scooters, or walks. Lunch would be outdoor dining at Positano Pizza. Their food is the closest to tasting like being back in Italy to me. Next, we would head over to the square in Newnan for some shopping. There are tons of great little shops. That evening dinner would be at Meet ‘N Greet on the square. I LOVE their food. The flavors are incredible and I’m always finding a new dish I love!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Ashley Bush. She believed in me before I believed in myself. She was the first person to ever put my jewelry in a store. She knew my jewelry was something she wanted to share with others. In turn, it allowed me to believe in myself. I realized I truly did have something worth sharing!

Instagram: Illuminate_designs_

Facebook: illuminate_designs_

Image Credits
Jordan Rice Tori Stigleman Brittany Girle