In a sea of cookie-cutter costume accessories, Beth Hutchens has built more than just a jewelry brand — she’s developed a new language of legacy. As the founder and creative director of FoundRae, a modern heirloom brand, Beth designs fine jewelry that’s designed to be customized, treasured, and passed down for generations to come. In our conversation, Beth shares on tapping into her own light, living life without limitations and empowering the voice of the customer.
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We think many influential women have come from themselves being inspired by the women in their lives. Who were the women most instrumental in shaping your life?
"My mother has always inspired me to think big, making me feel that my options were limitless. From a very early age, she would ask big questions (“where will you live,” “what will you do”) but in a way that was always expansive. She encouraged me to open my mind to places and things I didn’t know yet. She never suggested that there were any limitations whatsoever."
"We pride ourselves on pairing thoughtful craftsmanship and engineering with meaningful jewelry rooted in classical symbols."
FoundRae’s pieces are so special. The way they blend a current, distinctly FoundRae style with a timeless feel truly makes them modern heirlooms. How do you balance incorporating the time-honored tradition of creating jewelry while also designing pieces that feel so relevant and timely?
"We pride ourselves on pairing thoughtful craftsmanship and engineering with meaningful jewelry rooted in classical symbols. Each piece — crafted in 18K solid gold — is designed to be a timeless, modern heirloom. We give our community the ability to make their pieces truly one of a kind, adding or modifying over time by adding a medallion, an inscription, whatever feels true to them. This is what makes FoundRae so special — each composition of chains and medallions is unique to its wearer, marking their journey and expressing their personal story."
Jewelry is so deeply personal. When pieces are worn daily, they become an integral part of the wearer’s day. When they’re purchased for gifts, they’re markers of life’s milestones. Do you have a favorite story from a customer about how the significance of a FoundRae piece in their lives?
"One of my favorite monthly meetings at FoundRae is “Voice of the Customer,” where our stylists share meaningful client stories. A recent one came from a longtime New York client: a dermatologist who chose the Internal Compass medallion to honor her path in medicine. She paired it with a large Lunar/Solar Strength medallion to reflect her inner power, a miniature Heart medallion shared with her business partner to represent their friendship, and a clear quartz Wholeness medallion as a reminder to stay connected to herself through all of life’s challenges. We’re so lucky to hear incredible stories like this, and every single one inspires me as much as the last."
We love the idea of rituals — those small but meaningful acts that anchor us. Do you have any personal rituals, whether in business, design, or daily life, that keep you feeling connected and inspired?
"Whenever I feel the need to center myself, I light a candle, take a few deep breaths, and close my eyes for a minute, turning inward. The flickering of the candle flame reminds me of my own light and its power to illuminate. That is a reset for me no matter where I am. When I open my eyes, I feel refreshed, centered, collected, renewed. It’s a quick visit back home in order to go out into the world again."
Beth's Ritual:
