If you have a penchant for quality, handcrafted jewelry that speaks to your uniqueness and inner beauty, then Sun and Selene is for you.
Sun and Selene offer jewelry pieces de- signed by the owner and artist, Brittany DeRaffele. Originally from Texas, Brittany’s designs reflect the energy of the universe in all its glory. “The constant influence from the glowing energies of our sun and moon, with the added universal connection of astrology, and how it manifests in each of our lives, continues to flow through my creative process,” said Brittany.
The name Sun and Selene is born of Brittany’s connection to the mystical. She states, “I find myself always feeling that pull to the ocean and SUN with all of its magic and inspiration. SELENE, the goddess and ancient personification of the moon, was the muse for the first ring in the collection that started this journey and sparked the evolution of the current line.”
Brittany is an alumna of Radford University, where she majored in Fashion Merchandising and Design, with a minor in Metals and Studio Art. Once she was able to merge fashion and metals, her love for creating jewelry grew. She says she designed her first full collection in 2013, “With a vision of classic goddesses and their unique stories, designed for the modern-day. The idea of ancient civilizations crafting pieces out of metal and gemstones for adornment, long before the conveniences of modern tools, has always fascinated and inspired my design process.”
She began her business in the guest room of her home, and her hard work and determination resulted in a move to a sunny design studio in Richmond, Virginia. Speaking of the challenges she has faced, Brittany shared, “The biggest hurdle was funding my business. I didn’t launch with an investment or a small business loan, so I worked my way from order to order to be able to purchase more materials and supplies or attend a local market.
“Every time I would get an order or have a good sales day at a market, I would divvy up what we needed to pay our bills and what I needed to keep putting orders out. Little by little, that momentum and excitement would give me a push to keep building and growing and aiming for my goal of having my own studio space. Now, after running everything from a workspace in my home for three years, I’m celebrating my 2nd year in my design studio and showroom, and I reflect every day on all those little steps when it felt impossible that got me to this point.”
As was the case for most small business owners, the start of the pandemic was a difficult time for Brittany. She had to quickly readjust and find a way for her business to continue operating. At the beginning of the pandemic, her store was not allowed to have indoor shopping. Fortunately, 2020 turned out to be the store’s busiest year. Her online inventory began to gain major traction. Speaking of her success she said, “There was a surge of support among the Richmond community. I was ultimately able to pivot (through the madness) during the pandemic and reach my goal for online sales.”
Brittany is very grateful to have a small business that is still operating amid the pandemic, while also being able to continue sharing her craft with others. When discussing what made her believe that everything would work in her favor, she stated, “The support of our community and seeing orders coming in with the sweetest notes and messages. That kept my hopes alive even when things looked so grim and disheartening. Total strangers from around the country who were shopping with us and sending their love was such a meaningful reminder that people really want to help keep small business alive during such an uncharted time in our history.”
As the year continues, Brittany looks forward to having more success with Sun and Selene. Every single piece of jewelry offered at Sun and Selene is designed and hand- made, hammered, polished, and finished in small batches using recycled metals with natural gemstones in their Richmond, Virginia studio,” said Brittany.
Check out Sun and Selene. If you are in the Richmond, VA area, you can visit the studio at 3408 W. Leigh Street by appointment or you can visit their website sunandselene.com. You can also call (804) 342-4278 or email hello- goddess@sunandselene.com.
