Interview: Brent Neale
Brand Connoisseur & Fine Jewelry Entrepreneur
UNLEASHED Women features inspiring female trailblazers through full Q&A interviews. These women are creating new own opportunities across industries, pursuing positive impact for their communities, and leading socially productive practices in life and work at large.
This week we decided to get back to the our roots —reconnecting with the women closely acquainted with our founder Kara Ross, whom Ross worked with and mentored early on during her renowned time as a leader in the fine jewelry industry. Brent Neale, one of Ross’ former colleagues and mentees, went on to open and run her own fine jewelry line under her name: Brent Neale, while Ross concluded her career in jewelry and design and created our team and mission here at UNLEASHED (supporting and celebrating female artisans and entrepreneurs through media and holistic solutions) alongside the documentary film series Connecting Thread. Neale is a talented designer, entrepreneur, and brand connoisseur with a plethora of experience and knowledge to offer young professionals and aspiring self-starters.
What is your current career & role?
I am the founder and designer of Brent Neale, which is a fine jewelry brand.
Can you describe the mission of your jewelry brand Brent Neale , how it originated, and the inspiration behind creating it?
When I decided to launch my own line there was one main thing that I wanted to accomplish: To create a unique product that makes people smile.
How did you become interested in jewelry design and launching your own brand — what experiences or individuals helped spark your interest?
I started when I was in college at Johns Hopkins University by fabricating necklaces, initially by using strands of gemstones. Everything I was doing was self-taught: wire wrapping, stringing anything that was fairly rudimentary. When I hit a road block of not being able to teach myself any more — but still loved what I was doing — I was advised by the late jewelry historian Penny Proddow to apply to FIT’s Jewelry Design program. In my second year of the program I started interning for Kara Ross. When I graduated she hired me. Working for Kara was an education all on its own. To see a strong female designer such as Kara succeed in both the fine and costume jewelry spaces at the same time was amazing. I didn’t actually think I would ever want to start my own business because running a business takes on a life of its own. My first love is jewelry design, not business. But I had no choice — I loved it too much to stay away for too long.
Who is your sheHERO (a woman that inspires & encourages you)?
My sister, my mother and Kara Ross.
Who would you like to give gratitude to that has made everything you’ve accomplished so far possible?
There are so many people that have helped me along the way and given me pushes to do things when maybe I wouldn’t have otherwise. My family, Kara Ross, Penny, friends who have always cheered me along, peers in the industry, my professors at FIT — the list is endless.
What exciting projects are you working on?
I just completed a project with a company called LeBaang that displays my fine jewelry within a virtual reality dreamscape. I will be bringing it to my trunk shows at various retailers this fall for clients to interact with. I am so excited about it because it allows clients to explore the world of Brent Neale at such a large scale, and in a truly immersive manner.
Do you have any thoughts or opinions on the future of the jewelry industry and new, independent brands?
I think the impact that social media — Instagram in particular — has given to designers is immeasurable; it’s given power to brands to tell their own stories. I see it changing the way I think about design and business decisions. I almost can’t imagine how much technology will change things as it continues to develop.
What sources have significantly inspired your work (place, person, experience, worldview…)?
Travel, art, fabrics, landscape, books — it’s so cliché but inspiration is everywhere.
What are some quick pieces of advice you would give to a young professional entering the working world?
Work hard. Learn something new every day and write it down. Be respectful of people that have done the work before you. Ask questions. If something isn’t working find a different way to make it work. Ask for help.
Karma is circular — if you put out good vibes you will get them back.
What are some important life philosophies or values you encourage others to consider?
Nothing is more important than family. Support them and cheer them on as much as you humanly can.
What advice would you give to your 22 year old self?
Be patient, don’t worry, everything will work out.
Biggest pet peeve?
Impatience. Generally, my own.
Favorite thing that makes you happy? (small or large, in general)
My family. After that, work, French fries and wine!
What are some other goals you have for the future or new things you’d like to try? What steps are you taking so far to get there?
FIT’s jewelry design program gave me so much and I will be forever grateful.
I have recently been trying to think of a way I could give back. I’m currently working on putting something together with them, and when it all comes together I can’t wait to share it!!
Why do you think empowering women and giving back is important?
I think it’s crucial to pay it forward. Karma is circular — if you put out good vibes you will get them back. As the daughter of an educator, teaching is one of the most important things to me. It propels our society forward.
