As we all know, brand recognition is very important in the fashion industry. This is exactly what ASU student, Rebecca Shemesh, is trying to accomplish as an intern for the Rachel Brown jewelry line based out of NYC. This Chic Collegiate has shown us that it is so much more than just liking something, but also about finding meaning and passion within those things you like.

Rachel Brown is a jewelry designer whose pieces are inspired by the ancient spiritual teachings of Kabbalah. Kabbalah reveals how the universe and life work, and helps to teach people how to receive fulfillment in their lives. Each piece is beautifully engraved with Hebrew letters that express variations of Kabbalistic mediations. Rachel Brown hopes that her unique line of jewelry brings the wearer blessings, protection, perfect health, prosperity, and miracles.

Check out some of these gorgeous pieces for yourself:

We absolutely fell in love with the jewelry and, of course, fell in love with Rebecca too. We were very lucky to sit down with her and find out more on what she does for the Rachel Brown jewelry line.

How did you first get involved with this jewelry line?

“I reached out to Rachel back in March. I saw her brand and I really loved it and everything that it stood for because there’s just a deeper meaning to each of her pieces. I reached out to her and asked her if she needed any interns because I was really interested in helping her expand her line out to the west coast. She got back to me really quickly and was really excited.”

How did you originally find Rachel Brown’s brand?

“I actually found her brand through a fashion internship website; she had a little blurb about her on there, and I went to her website and started reading all about her.”

What type of work do you do for Rachel Brown? What projects do you work on?

“Right now, I’m working on getting her name out. So that means doing social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and then reaching out to bloggers like you obviously.” (Well aren’t we lucky to be a chosen blog!)

How do you decide which people you’re going to contact to work with and get Rachel Brown’s name out there?

“It just depends. I follow certain bloggers, both in New York and LA, and local bloggers as well. I just kind of see where Rachel’s jewelry would fit in.”

What would be your dream moment where you would realize you have been successful with this brand?

“I think when people out here on the west coast begin to recognize her brand, then I’ll know that I was successful. It’s such an amazing brand that everyone should know about.”

What celebrities have worn Rachel Brown jewelry? Who do you still want to see in RB jewelry?

“Her jewelry has been custom made for Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, and Madonna’s worn some of her pieces, as well as the women on the Today Show and Larry King Live.

Rachel Zoe would just be amazing. I just feel like she could wear that huge cuff. She’s so petite, but she just looks amazing when she wears a big piece. And maybe Selena Gomez, because she’s doing that whole new tribal image.”

What are some of the challenges you face getting this brand to the west coast?

“I think it’s just hard, anything that you start, any brand that you’re trying to expand… it’s just little by little. I think that you can have a Twitter, you can have a Facebook, you can talk to people, but it’s ultimately their decision.

It’s hard because you might get 100 likes on a post, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to buy your product. I think that being at events, and doing trunk shows and contacting people and letting them actually see the pieces is how you’re going to get more people.”

How has what you’ve studied at ASU and learned in other internships prepared you for working with Rachel Brown?

“My dad actually owned a jewelry store, and he was a diamond dealer for about 25 years, so I have been in the jewelry industry since I was a little girl. In high school, I did a senior internship with my dad’s company and I just learned so much about the design process, selling, marketing, advertising, planning events, everything in the jewelry industry from A-Z. That’s really helped me with this internship specifically.”

What one piece of advice would you give to other students who are looking to get involved with fashion brands all around the globe?

“It’s so important to reach out because nothing’s going to just come to you. That’s just not how it happens. I think the most important thing is for students to sit on the computer and research brands they really like. You’re going to get 10 no’s before you get a maybe or a yes, but just pursue it.”

What else do you want our readers to know about the Rachel Brown jewelry line?

“The whole meaning behind Rachel’s line is Kabbalah, and its based on the Hebrew letters, and each letter means something. It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a PIECE of jewelry. There’s meaning behind every single piece.”

Do you think that when someone wears a piece with meaning behind it that they feel different?

“I actually do think so! Years ago, I had a Kabbalah shirt with Hebrew letters on it that translated to Negative Energy, and whenever I wore that shirt, that’s what was in my mind: negative energy and taking that away. And every time I wore it, I felt just carefree.

I do think that wearing pieces that have meaning behind them make you feel like a different person; a lot more positive.”

Rebecca, we loved learning more about Rachel’s fab jewelry line and how you combine what you learn at the W.P. Carey School of Business with your work in the fashion industry. With your passion and drive, we know you will definitely succeed in bring the Rachel Brown jewelry line out to the west coast. P.S. we’re beyond thrilled you chose us as on of the blogs to write about the line. Thanks for thinking of us!

If you’re interested in learning more about these amazing jewelry pieces  (and seeing some of Rebecca’s work!) make sure to connect with Rachel Brown on Facebook and Twitter.

P.S. Do YOU know an awesome college student in Arizona pursuing their dreams in fashion? Send us an e-mail at lindsay@coutureinthesuburbs.com with more information!