Seola: Resilience and Hope Through Jewellery – An Interview with Founder and Cancer Survivor Rachel

Seola isn’t just a jewellery brand; it’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope born from a deeply personal journey.

Rachel, the founder and a cancer survivor, created Seola to offer not only beautiful, waterproof pieces but also a source of inspiration and empowerment. In this interview, Rachel shares how her experience battling cancer influenced Seola’s philosophy and how each piece of jewellery reflects her journey and offers encouragement to others facing challenges.

Nicolle: What inspired you, Rachel, to create Seola, and how has your personal journey as a cancer survivor influenced the brand's philosophy?

Rachel: Seola was born from a personal need to find affordable waterproof pieces of jewellery. I was struggling to find alternatives to Gold ones. In Paris, where I used to live, I found Wholesalers who agreed to sell me a bunch of items. I´ve bought them all, I’ve decided to keep some and put the rest online. My first sales came from there. Last year, at 35 years old, I was diagnosed with breast Cancer.

I promised myself to make the brand grow so I could make small changes in people’s lives, by informing them, donating and offering items that could remind customers that every day is a gift and we that have more strength than we think.  Between Chemotherapy treatments, Seola kept me busy and active. Seola's philosophy is now deeply rooted in that understanding. Each piece of jewellery reflects the strength I discovered during that time, and I hope it inspires others to find their own.

Nicolle: Can you elaborate on how the designs of your jewellery reflect the themes of resilience and hope?

Rachel: I believe Seola’s story was a call. Our first design that allowed the brand to take off was a clover design which is a symbol of luck and hope. This design has always been at the heart of our collections and has now a deeper meaning. The rest of the collection is bold statement items to symbolize strength and bring confidence. The pieces of jewellery are designed not only to be aesthetically pleasing but also to carry a deeper, emotional connection to the customers. I want each client to feel even more confident and pretty and each piece to be a reminder that no matter what struggles we face, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

Nicolle: In what ways do you believe celebrating everyday moments contributes to overall well-being, especially for those who have faced challenges like illness?

Rachel: I strongly believe that it is vital to maintain a positive outlook, especially for those who have faced serious health challenges.  During my cancer treatment, I learned to find joy in the smallest victories, whether it was finishing a treatment session (one less to do) or simply feeling good on a particular day. I was lucky to make it through a new day.  Celebrating little wins, remind us of our strength and progress, which is crucial to emotional healing. 

Nicolle: What specific experiences during your treatment have shaped your understanding of beauty and the importance of small victories?

Rachel: Losing my hair, and going through physical changes, was very difficult, but it also taught me that beauty can also come from within, and makes you shine.  It is not just physical appearance, but also emotional resilience, and the determination to keep going. It is so beautiful to see someone who refuses to give up, regardless of the challenges they face. Small victories like a day without pain, or the support of loved ones, became incredibly meaningful and beautiful to me.

These experiences have shaped my belief that beauty can be found in resilience and the courage to keep moving forward, even when things are tough.

Nicolle: How does Seola aim to connect with its customers emotionally, and what message do you hope to convey through your jewellery?

Rachel: Seola aims to connect with customers by offering more than just pieces of jewellery, it offers a story of hope, strength, and resilience. Each piece is designed with the intention of evoking emotion and creating a personal connection. I want our customers to feel empowered when they wear Seola, knowing that the piece they’re wearing symbolizes their journey and their strength. The message is clear: we want to make you feel confident. No matter what you’re going through, you are beautiful, and you are strong.

Nicolle: Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Seola in terms of expanding the brand's impact on the lives of women?

Rachel: My vision for Seola is to continue empowering women by creating more meaningful pieces that inspire strength and hope. We have a Good Luck gift collection, and we are currently working on new designs to make this collection grow next year.  I also want to expand our reach by collaborating with organisations that support women going through illness or hardship. Macmillan Cancer Support helped me during some of the hardest times, and we´ve raised money this month to support them. My goal is to create a community where women feel inspired by the strength and victories of others.

Nicolle: How do you ensure that the craftsmanship and materials used in Seola jewellery align with the brand's values of resilience and adaptability?

Rachel: We are very intentional about the materials and craftsmanship that go into each piece. We use high-quality Stainless Steel and sterling silver. Our items' strength has also improved as we want to offer long-lasting, durable pieces of jewellery. We take any feedback from our customers very seriously and work closely with our artisans.  The adaptability comes in with the design—our pieces are versatile, meant to be worn daily, and waterproof to withstand life’s challenges.

Our minimalist designs are meant to be kept, you can wear them overnight, and shower with them. They are hypoallergenic. During the busiest time or when you don’t feel it, you can just keep our items for days or months without worrying about tarnishing. You will forget that you have jewellery on.

Nicolle:  Can you share any specific customer stories or feedback that highlight how Seola jewellery has made a difference in someone’s life?

Rachel: As we grow, I’m excited to receive feedback from our customers about how Seola has touched their lives, and I hope to create a community where individuals feel uplifted.

We’ve received heartwarming feedback from customers who have gifted Seola jewellery to loved ones as a symbol of luck and encouragement. Many have shared how our pieces have become cherished tokens during challenging times, whether it’s been for someone facing a personal battle or starting a new journey in life.  These stories highlight how our designs go beyond just aesthetics—they offer a meaningful way to bring comfort and luck to those who need it most.

From offering symbols of resilience to creating meaningful connections with customers, Seola’s jewellery speaks to more than just style—it’s about strength, endurance, and finding beauty in everyday victories. Rachel’s vision extends beyond the jewellery, as she continues to grow Seola, supporting women in their journeys with pieces that symbolise hope and courage.

As Seola expands, Rachel’s message remains clear: no matter what challenges we face, we have the strength to overcome, and each new day is a gift.

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Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator, content creator and social media executive for The C Word Mag. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.