Design by RJ Bijoux

There are few things as inspiring as ambitious young women following their passions and chasing their dreams. And that’s precisely the remarkable story of the design team behind RJBijoux handmade jewelry.

Sisters Rena and Juliet are the creative force behind this modern-vintage inspired line of jewelry, all made exclusively by hand. We met up with the beautiful sister duo to discuss their loves, lives and inspirations.1. Rena and Juliet, where do you live and where are your parents originally from?

We currently reside in San Francisco, California but were originally born in Baku, Azerbaijan. We have been living in the US for 20 years now.

In 1993, the girls parents came to America in search of a better education for their children.Today the girls have enjoyed a US education, have married, and become mothers themselves.

They are well and truly settled in San Francisco, a place they call home. While they love their roots and their Russian heritage, living in America coupled with their eye for design has made the world their oyster.2. How did you first enter the jewelry business?

As sisters, we have always been very creative and both share an enormous love of art, all thanks to our wonderful parents. Our father is a stained glass artist whose works were quite popular in Moscow, Russia during the 90s.

And so through his inspiration, we learnt to appreciate and value the various mediums of art. Years later, this would translate into a love of fashion and a keen interest in following the latest trends.One of the original and eye-catching handmade designs by RJ Bijoux

3. How did you get your big break?  

The original idea to start a business all grew out of a need to support orphaned children. Our first presentation was held at an Art for Charity exhibition in San Francisco to help raise money and support orphaned and disabled children. The response was so unbelievable, we decided to try and sell our work.

And what a success it was! Our designs caught the attention of renowned media personality, Evelina Khromchenko. A well-respected and trusted figure in the fashion industry, Khromchenko sits on the Council of Fashion Designers of America and hosts the TV show “Fashion Verdict”. She invited us to participate in the Bijou Bazaar which she hosted at the Bosco Di Ciliegi trade center “Vesna” in Moscow City!

We noticed that there was a growing market for statement jewelry and so, as a hobby, started making our own handmade jewelry. We could never have dreamed to reach the heights that the business has taken. Rena and Juliet show off their designs at the Vesna design exhibition. The event was such a success, their collection was purchased on the spot!

And as they say: “When it rains, it pours!” Following the success of the exhibit, we were invited to participate in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia in April 2013, followed by lots of press coverage, ranging from Elle UK to InStyle magazine.

We couldn’t have dreamed of this kind of reaction. We were even invited to participate again at October Fashion Week, as well as at the exclusive Parisian jewelry trade show, Bijorcha.

Our latest accomplishment is getting noticed by the US show “Shark Tank”, while our next exhibition will be taking place in San Francisco in October at the America’s World Cup.RJ Bijoux made fashion headlines on Elle UK!

4. Has it been hard balancing your business with your passion for fashion and pure creativity?

Yes, it can be tough at times. Both of us are moms and so balancing our business commitments with family time can be tricky. Luckily, we are blessed to have the full support of our loved ones and each other.Natural beauty brought to life with exquisite gems crafted by hand into unique designs, courtesy of RJBijoux.

5. To do your job you need to be…

To do our job, you firstly need a basic knowledge of jewelry-making as well as a passionate, creative streak.

Next comes the business side – you have to be organized and know how to promote yourself wisely. Your product needs to be timeless. It should always be “in” and constantly in demand.

And that is what RJBIJOUX is about.

Our designs can make any outfit stand out, be it a cocktail dress or a T-shirt and jeans. At the same time, we want to bring the feminine touch back into modern society.Combining vintage classics with contemporary elegance, RJ Bijoux brings old-world charm back into style.  

6. What is your definition of time versus money?
Time is precious. Use it wisely.There is something for all tastes and budgets at RJ Bijoux, like this dramatic, statement amulet on a brass chain.

7. Today, do you feel you are really getting paid what you are worth?

We are getting there, slowly but surely. A lot of our money gets invested back into the business. But we are achieving so much in such a short period of time, and we are still growing!The brighter the better! These green strung beads are the perfect accessory to a floral, feminine ensemble. 

8. What is your advice to other women who want to design the life that they truly want to live?

Follow your dreams, follow your heart and follow your desires. Don’t let little minds and hearts get in your way. Live it up!The sisters are based in the cultural hub of San Francisco, a creative’s design playground.

9. What challenges do you think women face today in running their own businesses?

Women these days are very powerful creatures. If you know how to do it, you will get it done no matter what gender you are.With the support of each other and their loved ones, sisters Rena and Juliet are living out their passions.

10: How has managing your own bottom line in business motivated you?

Invest your time and money into something that you absolutely love doing, and you’ll find your motivation right there. Our inspiration also comes from clients, celebrities, fashion insiders and bloggers who love our work.Unique, one-of-a-kind pieces like this one are attracting fashionistas and celebrities alike with their stylish, on-trend designs.

Rena and Juliet truly are a creative force to be reckoned with – not only for their incredible designs, but even more so for their business savvy and work acumen.

I hope that their inspiring story (and sublime jewels) have inspired you to follow your own passions. In their own words: If you can dream it, you can do it!

Janelle xoxo

PS: For anyone who wants to order from you, RJ Bijoux designs are always available through our online store www.rjbijoux.com

The best way to contact us is through our email: [email protected]. We also are very active on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rjbijoux and Instagram @rjbijoux.

RJ Bijoux designs are further available in Moscow’s exclusive trade center “Vesna” and will soon be available at “Tsum” as well as the showroom of the amazing Evelina Khromchenko.