Cecilia’s Steel: A Lesson in Unique Jewelry & Business

CrowdInk had the chance to sit down (virtually) with Cecilia Taibo Rahban, founder of Cecilia’s Steel, to find out how she started her unique jewelry business, a bit about her personal favorite accessories, and what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs.

CrowdInk: Tell us about your brand. How did you get started? What was your inspiration?

Cecilia Taibo Rahban: I have always been involved in the arts, previous to jewelry design my focus had been in photography, digital painting and classical music.

Cecilia’s Steel sparked from a fashion accessory I had designed a few years before. One of the designs was made out of metal, which was my husband’s idea. When I visited boutiques and showed them those designs, even though they liked my creations, they asked me if I had anything to wear around the neck. They were captivated by the material. Soon after, I presented my first necklaces, one of which is still one of my most popular designs. As I showed my first necklace design to my husband, he said that it was like me: delicate yet strong, and came up with my brand’s name.

My inspiration is to share the message of femininity and strength, to celebrate our sensitivities and to persevere. I feel that stainless steel, chain maille in particular, is the perfect medium to express myself, as it’s fluid and strong, practical yet beautiful, and so fun to wear.

CI: What’s your favourite accessory/jewelry?

CTR: My favorite accessory/jewelry are bracelets. Unlike necklaces, chokers and earrings, which I also love, bracelets can be worn with a wider variety of outfits. For those of us who are more visual and tactile, they’re always within reach. There’s no need to look in the mirror to enjoy their beauty and feel.

CI: What’s your number one tip for anyone starting a new business?

CTR: Persevere. There will be many obstacles; not losing focus and keeping at it is, in my opinion, key.

Check out her line here.