Meet Rachael Compton | Jeweler & Founder of by ren

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

Hi Rachael, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I don’t think I ever thought about risks as risks, at least not when it came to my business. There are challenges. There are opportunities. And there are always pros and cons. When evaluating whether or not I should choose one option over another, I consider the realistic implications of that choice. How much time and energy will this require? How many resources do I need?

That’s not to say there isn’t a heart component. Yes, logic and reason are necessary, but I also have to evaluate whether or not my heart is in it. I think deeply about how much I am committed to a particular decision. Oftentimes, risks feel like a big leap of faith, but once you jump you find yourself slowly trudging through thick layers of logistics, planning and researching. It’s a slow process whose progress is only revealed to you when you finally get a moment to step back, breathe, and take in all of the work you’ve done.

My life thus far has really been about taking risks, both personally and professionally. I have traveled, moved, started over, and then again, thrown myself out of my comfort zone. I became familiar with risk early on. So, when I found myself unsatisfied with my full time job in public relations, the decision to quit and put all my energy into my jewelry business came easily.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s funny because being a jeweler was never on my list of careers. It wasn’t on my radar at all. When I discovered the craft, I knew immediately that I wanted to try it. I realized soon after that I enjoyed working with my hands. My brain is constantly going, going, going, and silversmithing became my meditation. I taught myself, and am still learning, how to make jewelry, from soldering to stone setting and everything in between. I’m proud of that. I stayed consistent throughout all of the frustration and literal blood, sweat, and tears to learn something that, prior to picking up a torch, I didn’t know a single thing about.

Fast forward years later, and I have grown from a novice to a professional jeweler working on special projects like fine jewelry collections and engagement rings. On my best days, I feel like a badass, and on my worst, an imposter. I try to balance the two conflicting emotions by grounding myself in what I know to be real. I focus on the fact that despite not having a formal education in jewelry making, I have been able to create a business and brand that authentically reflects not only my own growth and style but also that of the fascinating individuals who love and buy my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m based in Philadelphia, and grew up just outside the city. A perfect week in this city would consist of: – Biking to Kelly Drive with some yoga along the river.
– Grabbing shakshuka at Cafe Ole and checking out all of the local boutiques, thrift stores, and art galleries in the neighborhood.
– Having dinner at Royal Izakaya followed by drinks at Le Cavaeu.
– Dancing at Trestle Inn.
– Eating dim sum at Ocean Harbor.
– Visiting the art museum, of course, with drinks by the river at Parks on Tap.
– Visiting the Barnes Foundation.
– Getting coffee at One Shot.
– Catching an Eagles or 76s game.
– Having a sandwich at Middle Child.
– Go roller skating at City Hall.
– Entering Reading Terminal with an empty stomach and going nuts.
– Singing karaoke in Chinatown.
– Stuffing your face with cheesesteaks and ranking them.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For anyone looking to learn some silversmithing skills, look up Nancy Hamilton on YouTube. She is a WEALTH of knowledge and was my go-to when I first started teaching myself this craft. Nancy is a skilled jeweler with an impressive studio. Not only does she have a library of helpful videos, but she has also compiled lists of resources for every aspect of jewelry making. And they’re all available for free. I truly don’t know what I would have done without her!

Website: www.byrenjewelry.com

Instagram: @by.ren

Image Credits
Julia Soniat and Erin Marhefka
Joy Masi