Dominique Bela started a crash course in online business with a cream wall, a self timed digital camera and some questionable photoshop. RAD sold vintage items on Facebook before founder Bela launched her own website to sell curated vintage and her own handmade jewellery. After taking a travel and modeling break, Bela reevaluated her brand and realised the importance of original handmade jewellery and fair trade. Bela found a fair trade certified jewellery components supplier that works with Karen Hill Tribe artisans and a local silver mine in Thailand. A local family translates Bela’s ideas to the artisans.
RAD is an ethical mix of old and new. Bela’s designs are influenced by vintage pieces and have a spiritual meaning behind their design. Handmade imperfections are cherished by Bela who has the silver jewellery oxidized before polished to create a grungier look. Up until now Bela has concentrated on online but she understands the importance of face-to-face communication and is about to start offering wholesale accounts. For more information, email info@radjewellery.co.nz.
