Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lily Raven. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lily, thanks for joining us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

My jewelry line, Corvo Jewelry, donates a percentage of every single sale to a charitable cause. The charity is often chosen on a monthly basis and rotates throughout the year, however, during prominent social movements we dedicate many months to the same cause. Our PRIDE collection is a year-round collection that showcases the symbols within the LGBTQIA+ community and each sale from that collection goes toward The Trevor Project.

It’s a point of great joy that my line gives back and it’s been a cornerstone of my mission. I never wanted to be the only person who benefited from my line’s success. I wanted to give back to causes that reflect who I am and that align with my company’s beliefs. I think of it as an extension of my company’s purpose and persona.

This, of course, comes with taking a stance. On occasion, the charity we choose might not be for a cause that everyone supports. I made my peace with this long ago. For years I worked in the fashion industry and I heard designers and CEO’s be compelled to keep politics out of the company, as not to deter buyers. I am incredibly proud of the community of like-minded people who I have had the pleasure to get to know, as they’ve become longtime customers of mine.

We are all on the same mission and I am overjoyed to know that we’re all giving back, together.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Lily Raven, a jewelry designer and business owner. I began my journey in jewelry over six years ago and learned a great deal about the ins and outs of the business very quickly. I was taken on in roles that allowed me to be a sponge and get eyes on the front-facing efforts as well as the details involving how jewelry is designed and made. I fell into an industry that spurred so much creativity and beauty to adorn yourself with.

I took on the task of educating myself on the most ethical and sustainable methods available and learned about the corners that so many people cut. So I taught myself how to make my pieces start to finish. I learned to source gemstones, carve wax, cast the pieces into gold, set the stones, and polish. I became enamored with how metal folds and bends in order to hold a stone safely in place. I continue to be a student of jewelry and am constantly educating myself to further my craft.

I hold dear the the idea that jewelry is a way to adorn yourself with wearable art. A painting can be hung but you cannot wear in on you for a night out. A sculpture can be gazed at but never carried with you from adventure to adventure. Jewelry is different. Jewelry is carved and strung; it’s dreamed up and made by expert hands. You carry it on you and it melds with your self-image. It can becomes so notable to who you are as time goes on that it becomes a part of you. It really is wearable art, and when the purpose, story, or memories made with a piece resonate with you, it really becomes a sentimental treasure.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn since starting my own business is to follow trends. It’s simpler that that, actually – start the trends. When it comes to designs, I dream up what I make. It’s not worth the time it takes to create something if it isn’t my own idea. Plus, the trend you were going to follow is already out there.

On a marketing level, following trends has gotten me in trouble as well. What works for one person, my not work for you. To copycat as you go is to be a carbon copy and it holds your brand and creativity hostage, waiting for the next best thing to come along so you can ride its coattails. Sure, it’s difficult to think of fresh ideas and it’s even harder to have the bravery to be the first to do something, but if you’re lucky enough to think of something original and authentic, embrace that.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I started my line at the end of 2019, just before the pandemic hit. Try starting a luxury fine jewelry line right before the world is pinching pennies. It was hard to feel hopeful, despite a strong start. It made me feel like I’d made a mistake and like I might be destined to fail. But I kept going and I was forced to find the purpose in it, outside of making money. It was a special lesson. To form a bond and love for your business that is separate from its success, is one that is invaluable to you as a business owner. It gives you strength in the tough times and at the end of the day it feels like a partnership – you and your business, through thick and thin.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://corvojewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvojewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corvojewelry

Image Credits
Any image with its title including Hannah Thornhill should credit: Hannah Thornhill www.instagram.com/twothirdshoney/