Meet Rhea Daniels | Fashion Stylist & Boutique Owner

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

Hi Rhea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own business, it wasn’t just a whim—it was a dream fueled by passion, creativity, and a love for celebrating individuality. I’ve always been fascinated by fashion and the stories it can tell, and jewelry felt like the perfect way to help people wear their personality on their sleeve (or around their neck!). That’s how Papierdoll Factory was born—a boutique for bold, statement pieces that do more than accessorize—they empower.

Launching my brand allowed me to combine my love for fashion with my mission to make it more inclusive and reflect the beautiful diversity we all bring. I wanted to create a place where everyone could find pieces that speak to their unique style and story. Every design is crafted carefully to spark confidence and maybe even a few compliments!

The journey has been nothing short of amazing. From curating new collections to chatting with customers at local markets, it’s been a ride full of creativity and connection. Ultimately, Papierdoll Factory’s brand aims to democratize style with the belief that “Style Belongs to All of Us.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At Papierdoll Factory, what sets us apart is our focus on celebrating diversity and craftsmanship worldwide. I’ve always believed that fashion is a way to connect people across cultures, and that’s precisely what we aim to do through our collections. Our pieces aren’t just jewelry—they’re a way to tell a story and share the heritage and expertise of artisans from around the globe. Our tagline, “Style belongs to all of us,” reflects this idea that fashion transcends borders and should be accessible to everyone.

I’m most proud of how we’ve managed to curate such a diverse range of pieces while staying true to our mission of inclusivity. We work directly with artisans, learning about their craft and cultures and bringing authenticity to our collections. It’s important to me that each piece has meaning and that our customers can feel the connection to the person and the culture behind it.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, though. There were many challenges, from figuring out the logistics of sourcing products internationally to maintaining high quality and ensuring everything is done ethically. Building a brand that speaks to a global audience while staying true to our values is no small feat. But I’ve learned a lot—especially the importance of building strong, genuine relationships with our coworkers. That trust and respect go a long way.

Another big lesson has been the importance of flexibility. The fashion industry is constantly changing, so you have to be ready to pivot when needed. Being open to change and leveraging technology to manage operations has helped dramatically, especially when working across borders.

What I want the world to know about Papierdoll Factory is that we’re more than just a jewelry brand—we’re about celebrating global artistry and making the fashion world more inclusive. We want our customers to feel confident and empowered wearing our pieces while also appreciating the culture and craftsmanship behind them. It’s been a journey filled with passion and perseverance, and I’m excited about what’s next!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d want to give them the ultimate experience! There’s so much to see, eat, and explore in this city, so I’d pack the week with all the best spots to show them what Atlanta’s all about.

Day 1: Arrival and a Warm Welcome We’d kick things off with a relaxed morning at The Flying Biscuit Cafe. It’s the perfect spot for some good ol’ Southern comfort food to fuel up for the day. Then, we’d head over to Piedmont Park for a pleasant stroll and check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden—such a beautiful and peaceful space. For dinner, I’d take them to Staplehouse. It’s one of those places where the food is incredible, and the atmosphere feels like home.

Day 2: Exploring History and Culture We’d dive into the city’s rich heritage by visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park—it’s always such a powerful experience. After that, we’d grab lunch at Busy Bee Cafe because soul food is a must when you’re in Atlanta! The afternoon would be all about art at the High Museum of Art, and we’d wrap up the day with a show at the Fox Theatre, which is such a gorgeous venue. Seeing something there is like stepping back in time!

Day 3: Shopping and Dining Day On Day 3, we’d go for breakfast at Buttermilk Kitchen, where everything feels fresh and homemade. Then, it’s shopping time! We’d head to Ponce City Market, which is a fun mix of boutiques and fantastic food. For lunch, we’d keep it casual with burgers at H&F Burger, then round off the day with seafood at The Optimist. Their food is to die for, especially if you love seafood like I do!

Day 4: A Day at The Battery For a laid-back day, we’d head to The Battery Atlanta. We’d start with coffee at Revelator Coffee and explore the shops there. If it’s baseball season, catching a Braves game at SunTrust Park would be the day’s highlight! Lunch would be tacos and margaritas at Superica, and we’d end the evening with drinks at Terrapin Taproom and maybe a live show at Coca-Cola Roxy. It’s a great spot to hang out, especially on game days.

Day 5: Nature and Relaxation We’d switch things up with a morning at Stone Mountain Park. The views at the top are worth the climb! After a picnic lunch at the park, we’d head back to the city to unwind at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. I’d take them to Gunshow, where the chefs come out and bring dishes to your table—it’s such a fun, interactive dining experience!

Day 6: Classic Atlanta Fun Brunch at South City Kitchen would kick off Day 6. Their modern twist on Southern food is always a crowd-pleaser. Then we’d hit the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola—you can’t visit Atlanta without seeing those iconic spots. For dinner, we’d go to Ecco Midtown and later head up to SkyLounge for cocktails with a view of the city skyline.

Day 7: Farewell Tour On the last day, we’d do breakfast at West Egg Cafe, one of my favorite spots. Afterward, we’d walk the Atlanta BeltLine and check out Krog Street Market, which always has cool vendors. Lunch would be at Fred’s Meat & Bread in the market, and for the grand finale, we’d go all out with dinner at Bacchanalia. It’s fancy but a memorable dining experience—perfect for closing out an unforgettable trip.

Some of the must-visit places in Atlanta, in my opinion, are:

The Battery: Whether you love shopping, food, or baseball, it’s got everything.
Ponce City Market: It’s got a fantastic mix of shopping, dining, and even rooftop activities.
Piedmont Park is a great spot to relax and enjoy the city’s vibe.
Fox Theatre: A stunning place to catch a live show.
Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola: Iconic spots you can’t miss if you’re new to Atlanta.
Stone Mountain Park: For those who love nature and want a great outdoor experience.
Atlanta has a little of everything—history, culture, nature, and incredible food. It’s the perfect city to visit for a week because there’s always something new to discover!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe so much of my success to the incredible support and inspiration from the people around me. First, shoutout to my family—growing up in a military community surrounded by diverse cultures, I was constantly exposed to different styles, traditions, and perspectives. That environment fueled my curiosity and passion for fashion and gave me a deep appreciation for the beauty of diversity. Their love for putting together unique looks and appreciating beautiful craftsmanship is where my obsession with fashion started. Their constant love, encouragement, and belief in my wild ideas have been the foundation of my journey—they inspire me to live my dream every day.

Next up, my Atlanta Dream Team! This talented crew has been my rock in bringing Papierdoll Factory to life. Their dedication, hard work, and brilliance behind the scenes have made it all possible. None of this would’ve happened—so thank you for being the absolute best.

Of course, a big shoutout to my amazing D9 supporters. Your endless encouragement, whether through consulting, referring, or shopping with me, has been beyond appreciated. Your belief in my vision and your sisterly love has been a massive part of this journey, and I’m forever grateful.

Last, a massive thank you to our incredible clients, our Papierdolls! You’re the heartbeat of this brand, and your support, love for our designs, and enthusiasm make every moment worthwhile. Thank you for being part of this fantastic journey and rocking our pieces with so much confidence and style!

Website: https://www.papierdollfactory.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papierdollfactory/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papierdoll38/

Image Credits
My Headshot: Ben Alikali
All other images: Angie Wingard