Meet Jewelie Rhodes | Stationary and Artistic Visual Designer, plus Middle School Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jewelie Rhodes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jewelie, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned while starting my own business is to not feel stuck in the direction my business is going. I started my business using my artwork to create printable party supplies, which is my passion (I started my early career as a florist and it quickly morphed into event decorating) which weren’t as successful as I hoped. It quickly leaned towards greeting cards which I enjoyed but the market is over-saturated and I again found myself struggling to find footing. I connected with a wedding planner and returned to doing what I love: creating items for events. Just as styles change, so does what consumers want or need, learning to change as I go has helped me to continue to love what I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in a very creative environment: my grandmother, whose sewing machine sat at her kitchen table, would help me make Barbie furniture out of everyday items. My mother would buy the newest crafting trend and we’d learn it together. My father is a nature photographer who also dabbles in painting and woodwork. I was immersed in artistic learning. At the age of fifteen, my mother got me a volunteer job with a local florist. I would go in a few days a week and learn floral design until they eventually hired me. That led to opportunities down the road doing event decorating. For the majority of my life, I was a stay-at-home mother of five children, my artistic endeavors centered around parties for my children, our friends, our church, or their school. I eventually started working for a private school centered in the arts. I teach elective courses and infuse art into the subjects. When Covid hit, I could no longer do events and, wanting to continue with art, I opened an Etsy shop featuring items using my artwork. I found my passion. I love designing items for people. I especially love taking a client’s ideas and turning them into something they love. My business is still in the baby stage, every day I am learning what clients are looking for, managing the ever-changing social media platforms, and finding time to continue to create new content and art, while pleasing custom design clients. Not only can I find the perfect art for an invitation, but I also offer custom artwork to truly create a one-of-a-kind design. I’ve learned that listening to the client, even if you aren’t thrilled with the changes they want to make, is the most important part of a business. If they love the end results they will return. That has been a challenge as I have to yield some of my design preferences but having a happy customer is the best reward.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love being in nature. Florida is full of so many wonderful places.

My Ideal BUSY Itinerary:
Monday-Breakfast at John G’s, our favorite breakfast spot near the beach in Manalapan. Then a day lounging on the beach.
Tuesday-A trip to Flamingo, Florida. A great area to see manatees, saltwater crocs, all kinds of birds, and if it is the right time of year, flamingos. Depending on the friend, we may do a bit of sketching and water coloring with a boat tour afterward.
Wednesday-Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a must, I love the architecture and history. We’d hit Havana 1957 for a Cuban sandwich that evening and hang out on the beach for the sunset.
Thursday-Being Native American myself, Comanche, we would head to the Seminole Tribal lands for an airboat ride followed by a trip to Shark Valley for biking to see the alligators, nothing like seeing alligators at an arm’s length from the bike path. If we are lucky, and it is the Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow, we will spend time enjoying the culture of their tribe.
Friday-Another of my favorites is the Flagler House Museum on Palm Beach Island. After a tour of the house, we’d take a walk down Worth Avenue and end the evening at a quaint outdoor restaurant called Pizza Al Fresco that feels like you are in a small European town.
Saturday-A trip to Florida would not be complete without a trip to the Keys. Mrs. Macs Kitchen for seafood and, of course, a slice of key lime pie or a key lime shake. A glass bottom boat tour or a snorkeling tour would complete our day.
Sunday-After a busy week, lounging out back at our pool with a Pub sub would complete an amazing week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To try to come up with one is almost impossible, it has been a lifetime of influence that has helped me learn and develop over the years. If I had to choose one person I’d have to choose my husband Matt. He has always been my biggest supporter. He sees abilities in me I don’t see in myself. He never complains when the dining room table is covered in supplies, he’ll make trips to craft stores when I need something (even though I know he despises them), and he encourages me to take classes and try new things even if it means he has to pick up the slack. So a big shout out to Matt Rhodes for encouraging me in all my thoughts and ideas.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/theprintedjewel www.zazzle.com/store/theprintedjewel

Instagram: The Printed Jewel

Facebook: The Printed Jewel

Other: Pinterest: The Printed Jewel Custom work: ThePrintedJewel@gmail.com

Image Credits
Engagement Sign: Blue Anchor Love Photography