Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Sumlin.
Hi Rae, I am so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I used to love working with beads and charms in middle school, making earrings and bracelets for my mom and myself. At one point, that passion turned into me setting up shop at my oldest brother’s high school football games to raise money for the team (yes, I was still a middle schooler then)! Flash forward to my college experience – I began interning as a graphic designer in 2014 and fell in love with it! Eventually, I moved up into the Art Director position for that team, where we would design movie posters, video game ads, and pop-culture-inspired merch. I also received my degree in Retail, Merchandising, and Product Development – which I shortened to Fashion and Marketing. I got lucky with my first few Graphic Design positions, which were incredible outlets for creativity and innovation. However, once I moved to Charleston, I could not find help finding a job that gave me the creative outlets these past positions did. I worked for a company that prioritized efficiency over creativity and found myself just filling out information into pre-existing templates. That’s when I decided to start The Design Demon. After about a year of figuring out the best direction for my business & brand, I focused on being an accessories designer. Going back to my original creative roots, if you will. My background in graphic design allows me to create everything I make rather than buying pre-made files on the internet. This is very important to me. The last thing the world needs is another jewelry business making the same things Businesses A, B, and C already do. So this is how The Design Demon has become what it is today, nearly 3 years in the making. An acrylic accessories brand where I handmake all of the jewelry and design everything that is sold!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If anyone says owning a small business is a smooth road, they’re lying. However, taking any bumps along the path is important as lessons to learn and grow from. My top struggles are knowing my value, what makes me stand out, and being confident with it. Many handmade small businesses will know how this feels, but keep a couple of negative comments about your prices from reflecting on the numerous shoppers who are happy to buy your work at that price. Your time, expertise, and uniqueness are valuable. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Additionally, I have needed help with being comfortable to show my artistic voice/style. Being in the Lowcountry, many customers are looking for sleek metal pieces. Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals. Don’t get me wrong, I also love that style. But sometimes, I feel too out of place as someone with a full pink setup showcasing pieces of bright colors with an irreverent edge. As I keep telling myself, though – “In a world of Calvin Kleins, someone has to be the Betsey Johnsons.”
As you know, we’re big fans of The Design Demon. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
The Design Demon is a handmade accessories brand. Our products are made by assembling laser-cut pieces into earrings, pins, keychains, and compact mirrors (to name a few). We proudly design everything we make, which ensures a level of uniqueness and authenticity! Our number one goal is for our customers to feel a sense of personal pride & confidence when wearing our pieces. The phrase “Oh, I could never pull that off” does not exist in our books. Wear what makes you happy and what speaks to you. Dopamine dressing is alive and well; we will never let it die! Our pieces are never dull and can be quite a statement. Live colorfully and be unapologetically you!
Contact Info:
- Website: shopdesigndemon.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thedesigndemon
Image Credits
Caroline Herring
