News

Actions

Jewelry designer uses Detroit graffiti, employs homeless women

Posted at 6:06 PM, Sep 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-25 18:06:31-04

Graffiti can be considered art, but for one company it can be wearable art.

PHOTOS: Jewelry made out of graffiti 

Rebel Nell takes fallen pieces of graffiti found on the streets of Detroit and turn it into jewelry, for a good cause.

CEO Amy Peterson explained, "The whole reason why we exist is the provide employment opportunities for woman who are looking to transition out of homelessness and into an independent life."

Peterson got the idea about five years ago.

"I went running one day on the Dequindre Cut. I saw some graffiti that had fallen on the ground. I picked it up. I thought 'oh that looks kind of cool. I wonder if you can do something with it.'"

Four months later, Rebel Nell was born.

The company is located on Grand River and near 14th Street.

They have employed 15 homeless woman to make jewelry, six of whom have transitioned into a traditional workforce.

Rebel Nell pays a living wage of up to $12 an hour and provides a family-friendly environment.

"We've had many situations where woman have had to bring their children into work. My dream is some day when we are in a bigger space we will have a daycare available."

Their brand is evolving. Rebel Nell just came out with a new line called the Everyday Collection that has smaller, more trendy pieces.

You can find the jewelry online and at more than 30 retailers across the country.

Next year, Rebel Nell is working to create new collections using graffiti from other cities and countries, continuing to be as unique as the jewelry itself.

She added, "To try and recreate that we just can't do it that's the beauty of each single piece of graffiti that we are working with