The Self-Discovery Of Self-Made: Interview with Sam Reid

I’m walking through my hometown’s most popular flea market. Weaving through tents stacked next to each other for rows. Around the corner, I lock eyes with the most colorful and intricately designed body chain I have ever seen. Intrigued, I make my way to the table covered in jewelry that remind me of something straight off the runway of a 90’s fashion show. Each necklace was adorned with different charms and chains that gave the pieces their own personalities. That’s when I got the amazing opportunity to meet sustainable jewelry designer Sam Reid. 

A year ago when Reid moved to Los Angeles, she had no idea her life would soon be consumed with silver and gold- jewelry that is. The Maryland native came out to the West Coast in search of something bigger and better. It’s safe to say, she has found all that and more within the city as she has created her brand SELF. According to the SELF website, the brand was created to transform repurposed jewelry into innovative accessories with bold and unique designs that capture the essence of the wearer’s style. However, when speaking with Reid, she gave me the inside scoop on how the brand came to be. 

Inspired by a necklace she had seen online, Reid decided to try and recreate a necklace from designer Jacquemus. However, when she ran out of material to finish the project, she found herself reaching for what she already owned for inspiration. She finished the piece off with another old necklace she had. That night, when given a compliment on the piece, she realized the potential market there was for her eclectic styles and techniques. 

Thus, she was launched into a career that offered her the ability to be creative and grasp onto the entrepreneurial side of the business. Although Reid said it has been adjustment to the routinely small details of running a business, she has loved the opportunities it has brought. VidaKush, another talented jewelry designer, saw the magic in SELF and helped set Reid up with a spot of her own selling at the Melrose Trading Post. She has said she’s found the most success at this specific market location because of the kind of people who shop there, and that customers resonate with her pieces. Her undefined style is what defines SELF as a brand—to continuously push the limits of jewelry design which inspires its customers to be authentically themselves. 

After meeting Sam, it is easy to see her passion for sustainable fashion, and her love for Los Angeles. Talking with her, she mentioned the energy of the people and their creativity that is constantly inspiring her newest designs. Although her friends and environment are constantly feeding her inspiration, she still says one of her biggest muses is her mother. Looking at her jewelry, it’s easy to see Sam has a great eye for detail and aesthetic. If you are lucky enough to visit in person, please support Sam and other local artists like her at the Melrose Trading Post. Additionally, head on over to the SELF website to check out her designs there, and follow their Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on new projects in the works. A huge thank you to Sam Reid for speaking with me and sharing her story!

By Frida Rose Gaspar