Get To Know The RI Native Whose Designs Have Been Featured In The Zoe Report And Vogue
Recently I had the chance to connect with Rhode Island native Divina Rae. She relocated to southern California a few years ago and launched a line of stunning and very wearable jewelry that’s caught the attention of Brides, Coveteur, The Zoe Report, and Vogue. She’s also introduced a chic trio for the home that includes a fragrance, a candle (that crackles like a real fire when you light it) and a luxe hand sanitizer spray. Find out more about her company Divine Individual, her must have’s for pandemic life, and (of course) her favorite places back home in RI.
1. What inspired you to create your jewelry and now fragrance line?
I've always had a love for fashion and art from a young age. Starting my own brand/company has been a dream of mine for a long time. My late grandmother had her own jewelry line and I remember the joy it used to bring me trying all of her pieces on whenever I went to visit her. When I moved to Los Angeles I got a job working with the jewelry designer, Maya Brenner, who had successfully launched her own line. Initially, I was hired as holiday help but my role quickly grew into a more prominent one in the company after proving my skill set and work ethic. She mentored me and was extremely supportive in helping me start my own line as well. Branching into fragrance was a nerve-racking process for me because I was afraid my customer was only interested in jewelry. Come to find out, this fragrance line helped me hit a milestone of most sales I've ever had in 1 day! I plan to continue to expand to truly turn Divine Individual into a lifestyle brand.
2. What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your brand Divine Individual?
I've built Divine Individual to be an affordable luxury brand that has a piece that can suit anyone's taste level. From simple gold necklaces to custom engagement rings and now fragrance, the line offers something for everyone.
3. What are the top 2 or 3 items that everyone needs in their life for the holidays?
Every woman needs a pair of gold hoop earrings in their jewelry wardrobe! My absolute go-to for everyday wear or when I feel like my look needs a little bump. My site has a size and style for every personality.
Every person needs the Divine Signature Scent candle and luxury hand sanitizing spray. The scent is so warm and comforting and the crackle from the wooden wick is so soothing to listen to. The sanitizer is also truly a necessity during this pandemic that is carrying into the winter season. The non-drip misting spray makes using it so easy to apply and the bottle is small enough to keep with you everywhere you go.
4. Any tips for staying calm and balanced during the pandemic?
Burning one of my candles, spoiling yourself with a delicious meal, and reading a book! Personally, I have noticed that I consume way too much screen time throughout my day and nothing helps keep me balanced like unplugging. It's always great to stay informed, but too much media/news coverage can send you spiraling into a panic during such crazy times. So important to separate the moments of your day and leave time for yourself to meditate, soak in the real-world experiences around you (like the sunset), and remind yourself that time for personal reflection is necessary to preserve your mental health.
The Divine Signature Scent Candle
5. What are some of your Rhode Island favorites that you really miss?
Oh, so many! I have to start with the food though. Italian food holds the biggest place in my heart and unfortunately, I have not found a restaurant in Los Angeles that compares to anything like back home. My favorite pizza places that I crave all the time are Caserta’s on Federal Hill and Fellini’s on Wickenden Street. Portuguese cuisine is also dearly missed. My family and I always plan dinner or lunch at O Dinis in East Providence whenever I am in town.
Nothing beats New England in the fall. The foliage is such a beautiful sight to see and I always miss that fresh crisp air when the season changes from summer to fall. Walking around the historic parts of the east side, like Benefit Street and Blackstone Boulevard are some of my favorite places. My grandmother's remains are also in Swan Point Cemetary on Blackstone Boulevard so it holds a special place in my heart.
For more from Divina, check out DivineIndividual.com. (I signed up for emails and updates and you may want to too.) Also, the Divine Individual Instagram is a must follow.
***This post has appeared previously on PattyJ.com.