CHARI
Series: Chapter 5
2020
MIKOH
MUSE
Muses come in many forms—artists, models,
philanthropists, musicians, and those that have that sparkling spirit that ignites the creation of great things.
Muses aren’t just about looks, what they wear, what they have, where they’ve been, or what they’ve
accomplished. Muses are inspiring for their hearts, their zest for life, their passions, and what they
represent as people.
Words by Oleema Miller
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment we met Chari—and I mean this in the best way possible. I feel like the people that are most magic seem to have always been there since the beginning. She was one of those women that has always been woven into our lives over the course of the growth of MIKOH as we have built our businesses side by side over the last decade.
Chari oozes cool and is always covered head to toe in the most lust-worthy jewelry from her line, by Chari. Think thin gold bands, customizable necklaces, diamond huggies, and most recently the most “it” necklace of the year- the coveted “VOTE” necklace, as seen on none other than Michelle Obama.
She is incredibly kind, has probably one of the best accents out of anyone that I know (Jamaican… does it get any cooler?), and has always been one step ahead of the game. I still covet closely my diamond shark tooth necklace that she gifted me years and years ago. She is the kind of girl you just always want in your corner, seated at your dinner table, and especially when you’re in need of some sparkle.
We chatted with our girl and asked her all things about her childhood, what is was like to start a business purely solo and driven off of passion and what it feels like to have the former First Lady wearing her designs.
My design aesthetic is very much influenced by the elegance and simplicity of island life. Since the weather doesn’t fluctuate much there is a strong emphasis on simple, sexy and timeless pieces that you wear year round day or night. In addition to having my aesthetics shaped by my upbringing, I was also taught a strong work ethic. The people of Jamaica are such hard workers. It’s just part of the culture to really put yourself into your work.
How did your upbringing in Jamaica shape who you are today and how you run your business?
"I have two essential pieces of advice for women starting a business completely on their own. The first piece of advice is: never take no for an answer. For every twenty times you hear no there is one yes, and fortunately you only need one yes. If you know something is a good idea, be persistent until you finally get the yes you are searching for. The second piece of advice I’ve learned over time is: the worst thing that can happen is that you fall down and when that happens you have to get right back up. Don’t let a fall stop you, just pick yourself up, ask yourself what can I learn from the experience and move forward. Most business owners will fall and it’s not the fall but how you recoup from the fall that will define your success."
“I was beyond excited and surprised to see Mrs. Obama debut the VOTE necklace while watching her deliver one of her most historically relevant speeches to date at the DNC. I was instantly, and continue to be, honored and humbled to have had an icon beloved by so many wear one of my designs.”
What advice do you have for choosing your everyday jewelry pieces?
"My advice for choosing everyday jewelry pieces is to ask yourself if the piece is simple, sexy and timeless. Each piece has to check all three boxes. If the piece doesn’t pass the test continue your search so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Also, if you’re just starting your collection I recommend starting with the piece that you will wear the most, for some that will be a bracelet and for others that will be a ring or necklace. Selecting your first staple piece will help set the tone for building your collection."
What’s always in your purse/carry on?
"A few things you will always find inside of my day bag are vitamins, manuka honey packets to add to my coffee, hand sanitizer and a sweatshirt! I always have a sweatshirt. (island girl problem, always cold :) "
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Make Waves Tee
Kekaha Romper
What were the first emotions you felt after seeing Michelle Obama wearing one of your designs?
What are your words of advice for women starting a business completely on their own?
When did you realize you wanted to design jewelry?
"I’ve been passionate about jewelry since I was a young girl. After pursuing designing jewelry in my spare time, I finally decided to take the plunge in 2012 and quit my job to dedicate all of my time and energy to BYCHARI. It was a major risk since I only had $100to get started but I was up for the challenge and let my passion for jewelry design help me get through the low days."
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
"I draw inspiration from the women in life. I view jewelry as an extension and expression of an individual and want each piece to help women express themselves. Every piece of jewelry has the ability to celebrate something as big as a defining moment, as well as something as small as the simple beauty of everyday life."
Favorite place to travel?
"This question is nearly impossible for me to answer. Travel is my absolute favorite thing. It’s so important to me to see the world and experience a variety of cultures. Since I am a Jamaican girl, I always find visiting the beach inspiring and rejuvenating, but I also feel the same way about visiting a bustling city. "
Portugal One Piece
Make Waves Tee
Kekaha Romper
Portugal One Piece