Birk Creative Curated: Rebel Green

We continue to celebrate, via our growing database, Women-Owned Businesses in the Midwest of America that are capturing attention powerfully online on multiple platforms, just like the big brands do. To meet our criteria, the business must have a business website, a BUY button, NOT be exclusively selling on Amazon, if at all, have 100% solid pipeline to sell and ship/deliver, be a powerful example of e-commerce and headquarters must be in the midwest. Finally, the business must have a YouTube business channel, a LinkedIn profile of owner and/or business page an email newsletter subscribe ability and an Instagram profile. *Seems like a lot right? Well, in order to compete in the attention economy, businesses must adapt, and quickly.

Woman-owned brand Rebel Green

Continuing the Birk Creative Curated series, we’re profiling how Detroit-based jewelry line Rebel Nell is empowering employment through technology.

Amy Paterson and Diana Russell started Rebel Nell in 2013 to “teach women to fish,” aiming to employ, educate and empower women with barriers to employment. While most companies start with a product and develop a brand ethos, Rebel Nell started mission first, and eventually landed on a homegrown product, turning Detroit street mural scraps into graffiti jewelry with an artisanal flair. Hiring women from local shelters as Creative Designers, the jewelry is handmade and named after the woman who crafted it. Rebel Nell extended its mission in 2017, founding T.E.A. (Teach. Empower. Achieve.) a local nonprofit that offers financial management, life wellness, and entrepreneurship coaching. The company has become more than just a safe space and support group for these women, but a path to self-sufficiency.

So how does a business best spotlight its product and its people? Digital storytelling of course! As Rebel Nell’s founded on the pillar of community, social media is a natural channel for it to expand its reach to like-minded organizations and audiences. With their “Tuesday Talks,” Amy interviews Detroit-based founders on IG Live discussing mutual interest topics like empowerment, wellness and entrepreneurship. Through bi-monthly #ShopSmallDetroit Giveaways, Rebel partners with local businesses like popular confectioner BonBonBon to not only grow their audience with “Like, Tag, Follow” challenges, but also introduce their product to new markets. Hop over to their Facebook and you’ll find virtual events like “Vision Board x Jewelry Making” seminars or Team Building Workshops, that expand engagement through interactive experience. For a deeper dive into their employee’s remarkable stories, Rebel Nell’s blog holds space for Community Callouts and “Shero Spotlights.”  All these efforts showcase the power of digital platforms to not only build community, but create a culture of social change.

To discover and buy from amazing women-owned businesses in the Midwest of America, as handpicked by the vibrant team at Birk Creative, visit bit.ly/BirkCreativeCurated.