Community Highlights: Meet Melissa Vaughan of Rise N Shine Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Vaughan.

Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started making jewelry 28 years ago. I had been decorating frames with beads to give as gifts and I had a few beads left over so I decided to make a bracelet. A local store owner noticed my new bracelet creation one day and asked me to make some for her store. A business was born.

That business has grown over the years and wire work has become a favorite. Living in a river town inspired me to create a river necklace. While living in Nashville in the summer of 2019, I was inspired to create a necklace that represents the Cumberland River as it passes through Davidson County.

I have made necklaces that represent rivers throughout the United States and several countries. I work with all types of jewelry, creating custom jewelry and fine jewelry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been a school teacher for 19 years and a single parent for a few years, so balancing it all has been a challenge. I made the move to go full-time with the jewelry business during Covid. Now, with both children being young adults and having the opportunity to focus on jewelry full-time, I have been able to take my business to a new level.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rise N Shine Studio?
While growing up, my dad would say “rise and shine” to my sister and me every morning. Little did I know how this simple phrase would impact my future. When faced with adversity throughout life these words would always come to mind, reminding me not to allow circumstances to dictate my fate. Instead, i would rise above it all and shine my light in the world.

I created Melissa Vaughan Designs jewelry line in 1995 during one of those adverse times in life and then later renamed the line “Rise N Shine.” I renamed it because i wanted the line to be more than just jewelry, i wanted it to be an inspiration to women everywhere.

Throughout the years my jewelry has been just that, an inspiration. The jewelry has been worn from New York to LA. It has been worn by everyone from brides to Mardi Gras Queens, from fashion industry leaders to school teachers, and from a former Miss America to a Governor’s wife.

My hope is that when you wear my jewelry you remember that it isn’t just a piece of jewelry you are wearing. You are wearing a reminder to yourself that you are beautiful and strong. I hope that my jewelry serves as a conversation starter for you so you can share your story with others and spread your light.

Whether you’re out on the town or wearing your favorite pair of jeans remember to enjoy the jewelry and the journey… Always Rise N Shine!

We started something we call “10 for the Win”, which is our commitment to give 10% of our profits to local causes. So far we have been proud to give back to many causes, but our focus is mainly on mental health and special needs in our community.

The River Collection features a card with this information with every purchase: Our lives have many similarities to a river. Like a river, there are constant rises and falls along our winding journeys. Sometimes we carry the things we pick up along the way with us and other times we must leave them behind. Many of the same words that can be used to describe a river can also describe our lives: powerful, beautiful, unpredictable, relentless, and ever-changing.

Sometimes it’s best to follow old paths and other times life events, like a mighty river, can be so powerful we must create a brand new path. Be strong and enjoy your journey! This necklace represents the Cumberland River through Davidson County, Tennessee (Nashville).

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The jewelry business will always grow. People seem to really enjoy original designs that have a story. Customer service is very important and building relationships with your customers will never go out of style.

Pricing:

• $42

Contact Info:

• Website: www.risenshinestudio.com
• Instagram: @risenshinestudio
• Facebook: @risenshinestudio

Image Credits
Bill Beane, Emily Roberts, and Ronnie Calhoun