Meet Rachel Strong of Seven Generations Jewelry in Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Strong.

Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a several generation Arizona native, born and raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, and single mother of two amazing boys! Growing up in Arizona I spent a lot of time peacefully admiring the beautiful landscapes and I think this quiet self-reflection helped me to develop the style I have now as an artist. I have been metalsmithing for about three years now and am very grateful to participate in the Saint Philip’s Plaza Farmer’s Market and that my work is now featured at the Tucson Museum of Art Store! Before I started Seven Generations Jewelry, I spent years designing hand-drawn mandala artwork and recording music as a singer. Arizona is my home and I spent a lot of time in nature and enjoying the sunshine!

Great, 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?
Growing up as a child I did not often have emotionally stable or involved parents in the home. From a very young age I used art as an outlet for dealing with my emotions. I experimented with almost every art form and physical activity imaginable, from painting and pottery to poetry and dance. I spent a lot of time quietly reflecting and found comfort in being creative. Raising children without my mother or father’s involvement and having to be a young adult and do things on my own helped me to believe that I could do anything I wanted to do and follow my dreams.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Seven Generations Jewelry – what should we know?
Seven Generations Jewelry is owned and operated by myself exclusively and officially started under the new name in 2019. I hand fabricate Sterling Silver with natural Turquoise Stones, mostly sourced from the Arizona and the Sonoran region. I try to support local businesses, mines and lapidaries as much as possible! I was honored to be told recently by the Tucson Museum of Art Store that it is refreshing to see locally made Silver and Turquoise Jewelry that is simple and modern but still unique.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It is very important to me to use my hands and my creativity to gain an income for myself and for my children. I think that showing my children that being successful as an artist and that pursuing your dreams is possible is one of the greatest teachings I could give them as a mother! Being an artist and business owner takes extreme self-motivation which can at times be challenging but is also a lesson to learn and share.

Pricing:

• Ranging from $60-$300 per one of a kind piece.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4317 E. Ware St. Tucson, Arizona 85711
• Website: https://seven-generations-jewelry.myshopify.com/
• Phone: 5204427337
• Email: sevengenerationsjewelry@gmail.com
• Instagram: Seven_generations

Image Credit:
Rachel Strong

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