For 24 years, I have had the privilege of forging gemstones, beads, and other materials into wearable creations that make women feel joy, delight, and — yes —ageless.

As a jewelry designer, it has been my mission to create enduring treasures that speak life over the women who wear them, no matter their age. One of my greatest joys is watching a woman’s transformation as she tries on one of my creations: the youthful glow it brings to her face and the bold confidence it brings to her carriage. Those are qualities you couldn’t put a price tag (or a timestamp) on.

Rachel Reinhardt Jewelry was born as a result of a shopping trip to Bergdorf Goodman with my late mother. During this trip, I saw my ‘soulmate’ necklace: a $600 choker. My mother, the voice of creativity and reason, exclaimed “I can make that for you.” She then headed to the bead store, bought her supplies, and created my dream necklace — at a fraction of the cost of the Bergdorf choker.

Thanks to my mom’s creative fire that day, we were inspired to make more jewelry together and, eventually, to start what is now a very successful business. As we collaborated, I saw my mother — this 50+ woman — in a new light. Galvanized by the work she was clearly meant to do, she seemed to age in reverse, becoming more vivacious and beautiful with each passing year. In doing so, she had revealed to me one of life’s most powerful secrets:

Following your passion can be the path to ageless, enduring joy.

Now that I’ve reached my fifties, I realize how lucky I am to have found work that revitalizes me. I feel the glorious richness — the confidence, the self-love, and the inner peace — that it can bring. But it was my mother who dropped that priceless gift in my lap.

If you’ve already uncovered your own purpose, congratulations. Treasure it. It can be one of the keys to unlocking ageless joy on this wild and wonderful journey we all share. And if you haven’t, don’t worry. My story is proof that it’s never too late to find it.

Rachel and I met via Instagram when she started following me. I love Rachel’s story and feel it is one that can resonate with many that are trying to re-invent or figure out what to do next. Check out Rachel’s beautiful designs here. I will be featuring some of her gorgeous jewelry in some future posts. Rachel Reinhardt jewelry has been featured in InStyle, GLAMOUR and Shop etc.

Age Positivity Feature: Rachel Reinhardt