Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashana Barnes-miller

Hi Rashana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I was working in education, and was just offered an Assistant Principal position at a high school in West Philadelphia. During that same time my husband was offered a position in Richmond, VA. While I did NOT want to leave my friends, family, and new job, I knew that it was the right decision for us to move. I found myself in a new city without any job prospects and started to question EVERYTHING! While my husband went off to work, I was sending out resumes, cold calling non-profits and high schools, and keeping my fingers crossed. I even offered to volunteer at a few places just so I could make connections. After a while, It felt really daunting and isolating.
One day, amidst my exhaustive search, I came across a place called the Visual Arts Center. I figured, in the meantime, why not take a class to occupy my time. I saw that they had a Jewelry Metalsmithing class. I had always been interested in making jewelry and of course wearing it, so I figured I’d give it a try. I was about thirty minutes into the class when I realized that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Absolutely NOT! There were so many things that would knock me off track. I had no formal education in metalsmithing or the Arts, I felt like I was older than my peers, we welcomed children into our family. The insecurities would just pile up. Not to mention, the “side eye” I’d get from people close to me wondering why I was “all of a sudden” making jewelry. There were many times where I’d have to come back to the realization that if I was going to do this then I’d have to build my confidence and fortitude, and surround myself with people who “got it.”
There was clearly something in me that wanted and needed to manifest this work. Even when I would put it down for a bit, I’d constantly come back to it. If I’m not creating I don’t feel like myself. It feels like something’s missing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

The name of my business is Free Maiden. I make artful, sculptural jewelry that stands out. I love to say that I want my jewelry to enter the room before I do. I’m most proud of the fact that my pieces are recognizable. There’s no denying a Free Maiden piece. I had a pair of my earrings show up in an tv episode and my cousin knew they were mine! That felt amazing. I think that’s the moment every artist craves. When people can see your “hand” on a piece it’s a deeply edifying feeling.

Who else deserves credit in your story?

I’ve had so various supporters. From people who would see me at shows just picking up my work and connecting with it, to those who bought pieces from me, to the makers who’ would give me advice or share resources. I definitely didn’t get here on my own. I mean, I got a lotta grit. But it’s the connections I’ve made with people that have gotten me through and over some heavy obstacles.
The city of Richmond also deserves a lot of credit. That city shaped me as an artist. It helped me get back to ME. I was always an artist. It took me moving there to recognize that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freemaiden.com
• Instagram: FreeMaiden_Studio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreeMaiden

Image Credits

Lauren Anderson
Tashira Halyard
Kathryn Page
Sarah Der
Kennedi Carter
Na Nin Studio