D.A. Rhodes
D A P Jewelry Collection For Men and Women
Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas!
I’m so excited about this interview because the jewelry collection is remarkable and exquisite, and those who know me know I love jewelry. This excites every fiber in my bone to see well-crafted gems and stones come together for the perfect piece of art. This form of accessory has become a big part of my fashion life since I was a little girl watching my mom match and mix her trinkets to pull her outfits together. It was then that I realized adding some jewelry to my ensemble could make a difference in what I can look and feel like on any given day. Jewelry can make a bold or subtle statement; either way, it will complement your wardrobe or be the trusted comfort piece, such as a watch or stud earrings to complete your attire for the day. Jewelry also makes you feel beautiful from the outside to the inside. It’s nothing like that perfect piece that adds a pop to your desired style for the day.
Some of my unique pieces speak volumes; a conversation is held within itself; these are the pieces called exotic and unusual, and they have quickly become my ‘Statement Jewelry!’ So you can imagine how I felt when I saw this jewelry collection! I love bold jewelry; they stand alone and captivate me with their splendor. Don’t get me wrong, I like the simple, elegant pieces as well, but when I’m trying to make a statement, the bold and beautiful like to come out and play. Speaking of ‘Bold & Beautiful,’ my next guest here at Club Fifty creates the most ‘Striking and Rare’ jewelry. Her pieces command attention, not only for women but also for men. If you’re a jewelry enthusiast, you will appreciate this interview. The time, labor, and creativity wreak with perfection in her gallant designs. This luminary diva and I have shared space in time, walking the halls at our alma mater, Percy L. Julian. My husband and I have briefly hosted our radio show at WYCA 102.3 FM., where she is currently holding down the mike as one-half of her popular radio show. This diva is a woman after my own heart, ‘Unstoppable,’ a woman with a purpose and a mission to succeed in life, who added jewelry-making and a booming business to her repertoire during one of the most unprecedented times in history. Golden Diva, without further ado, Club Fifty will like to introduce you to the very talented and beautiful creator of the D A P Jewelry Collection for Men and Women, D.A. Rhodes.
Welcome, Club Fifty Debra!
MEET D. A. RHODES
D.A. Rhodes is the author of the Award-winning novel, WHY?, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in Literary Fiction from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago. She is also the author of The Day Hate Stood Still. In addition, Ms. Rhodes is the Founder and Executive Director of the Rhodes Literary Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to Bringing Literacy to Life for children and adults through scholarships and writing workshops.
In 2013 her passion for all things literary prompted her to start The Author’s Brunch, a bi-annual event held in Chicago and Detroit, providing a platform for national bestselling and independent authors to showcase themselves and their work. It is also a vehicle to encourage, inspire and educate aspiring authors on the fundamentals of writing, publishing, and marketing a book.
Rhodes is also the creator and founder of DAP Jewelry Collection for Men and Women, a business birthed during the pandemic. D.A. prides herself on creating unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry using a wide array of materials, from hand-painted denim and leather to semi-precious stones such as Agate, Lapis, and Jasper, to name a few. Her exquisite designs have been featured in fashion shows and several independent movies. Clients have referred to her collection as “poetic.” Rhodes received a B.A. in Journalism from Columbia College. She put her degree to work when she joined Crawford Broadcasting in 1997, serving as Production Manager, Community Affairs Director, and Program Director. She is currently one half of the afternoon radio show, Rejoice In The Afternoons With Deb and Norris. This daily show airs Monday thru Friday, from 2-5 p.m. Central on WYCA 102.3 FM. Rhodes lives in Northwest Indiana with her husband, Bob.
IN CONVERSATION WITH D.A. RHODES
Debra, you’re a busy girl, radio personality, and author of 2 great books (WHY? And The Day Hate Stood Still). You’re the Founder of Rhodes Literary Group, Founder of the Author’s Brunch, and now creator and founder of DAP Jewelry Collection for Men and Women.
C50: I must ask, what led you in the direction of making jewelry after that imposing resume?
D.R. After being locked up in the house during the pandemic and doing my radio show from home, I needed a way to express my creativity. So, I began tinkering around with broken jewelry pieces just to see if I could make something pretty. Needless to say, my early offerings were a bit crude and not very inspiring. However, I kept going, did research, talked to seasoned jewelry designers, and kept experimenting until I made a piece someone wanted to buy.
C50: Since starting your jewelry business, what has been the most critical jewelry-making skill, you’ve learned and why?
D.R. The most critical jewelry-making skill I’ve learned is ensuring that my pieces are well constructed using quality materials, from the right string, hooks, and clasps to quality stones, beads, and centerpieces.
C50: What qualities do you look for in the perfect piece of jewelry? And what is your price range for your jewelry?
D.R. The qualities that I look for in the perfect piece of jewelry are balance, creativity, and how the materials, color, and weight play off of each other.
C50: You work with some exquisite pieces of materials such as hand-painted denim and leather to semi-precious stones such as Agate, Lapis, and Jasper; how can you tell which kinds of MATERIALS work well together and which ones do not?
D.R. I don’t know which materials will work well together or not until I experiment with them. Sometimes I think certain materials will never work together; that’s when I allow my creative energy to take over and watch the magic happen. The beauty in creating jewelry, books, music, clothes, or whatever, is not being afraid to let your mind carry you wherever it wants to go. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
C50: Debra, what inspires your creativity when making a new piece of jewelry?
D.R. My inspiration comes from music, paintings, and a paint color that sparks my interest and makes me think about a stone, bead, or piece of material that I’ve been holding on to for a while. Then, I begin to think about how these things may work together. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.
C50: What’s your favorite piece of jewelry that you’ve made before, and why?
D.R. They are all my favorites until I make the next piece. The piece that has the most sentimental value to me is a bracelet that my grandmother, Jonnie Mae, made from chicken neck bones that she hand-painted over thirty years ago.
My mother passed the bracelet down to me and encouraged me to do something new with the bracelet. So I reconstructed the bracelet and made a necklace using green opals, chicken neck bones, and amber. I get excited when I take it to jewelry shows because it sparks all kinds of conversations and questions.
C50: What challenges do you face in the jewelry-making business?
D.R. One of the biggest challenges I face in the jewelry-making business is explaining the value of my pieces based on the quality of materials, the craftsmanship of my work, the uniqueness of my designs, and the amount of labor and time I pour into each piece.
C50: What advice would you have for aspiring jewelry designers?
D.R.I would advise aspiring jewelry makers to do it because you love it and learn all you can about your craft. Then, work on your art every day, create from your heart, don’t concern yourself with what other jewelry designers are doing, do what feels right to you, and understand and know the value of your work.
C50: When is enough? ENOUGH! How does the jewelry artist know when the piece is done? Overdone? Or underdone? How do you edit?
D.R. When do I know enough is enough? For me, it’s all in experimentation. Sometimes I have to try various designs before I know when it’s ready. There are times when I have to let something sit for a couple of days before I decide if it will work or not.
C50: How do you find time to make your unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry?
D.R. I work on my jewelry every single day. I pray, exercise in the mornings, then work on my jewelry for a few hours before I go to work.
Bonus Question
C50: Debra, how can someone contact you if they want one of your custom-made creations?
D.R. You can reach me on social media under DAP Jewelry For Men And Women at 708-913-7287.
There you have it, ladies, this Diva has made quite a name for herself. Her jewelry speaks for itself. Check her out so you can have one of those exquisite D A P pieces in your jewelry collection. It’s worth the investment if you are a jewelry aficionado.
