Rowan, a new jewelry brand founded by Louisa Schneider and designed by established fine jeweler Paige Sargisson, has debuted with a business plan built to capitalize on the current craze for multiple ear piercings.
Not only does Rowan retail cute, hypoallergenic earrings (mostly studs) in 14k gold, gold vermeil, and sterling silver—the building blocks of the “ear party” look that’s been popularized by Instagram influencers and celebrities including Zoë Kravitz and Dua Lipa. It also brings the piercing of ears under its umbrella, by staging piercing sessions performed by licensed nurses.
It’s a timely business model, considering how widespread the multiple-piercing trend is, with teens and adults alike peppering all parts of their ears with studs and small hoops. Ascendant with the fad has been a demand for safe, quality piercing that’s not performed by a 17-year-old wielding a piercing gun.
Schneider tells JCK the idea for Rowan came to her when, around five years ago, she took her teenage nieces to get their ears pierced at Claire’s: “For years, Claire’s had been the go-to piercing destination, but I felt the experience was lacking,” she recalls. “Shortly after having my daughter, and knowing I’d want more piercings of my own, I wanted to create a brand that upholds safe practices and celebrates the piercing milestone.”
Safety is the top priority at Rowan piercing sessions, but the overall experience has also been well considered. “Everything at Rowan is thoughtful,” Schneider explains, “from the registered nurses and pediatricians we partner with for safe piercings to the state-of-the-art piercing equipment that’s sterile and gentle for our customers, to the…accessories that are nickel-free and rigorously tested [for quality].”
Schneider was introduced to designer Sargisson through a mutual friend, and she remembers, “when I met her she was wearing these fabulous earrings, which I later learned were from her collection! We immediately connected because of our passion for unique and conversation-worthy accessories.”
The new collection also offers a subscription jewelry service, the Rowan Earring Box, for girls and teens. Here’s how it works: Each month subscribers are sent a fresh pair of earrings “and content designed to initiate meaningful conversation,” in the form of an originally illustrated card with a symbol and “conversation starters,” according to the website. The first box subscribers receive also includes an earring stand, earring pouch, journal, and a pen.
Top: Rowan earrings (all photos courtesy of Rowan)
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