Chari Cuthbert started out making jewellery as a hobby but decided to turn her passion into a full-time endeavour a decade ago.
Her business blew up in 2020 when Michelle Obama was spotted wearing one of Cuthbert’s "Vote" necklaces at the Democratic National Convention. "This is the highlight of my career, having the former first lady wear my necklace", the jewellery designer told CNBC at the time.
News outlets covering Michelle’s speech were linking directly back to Chari’s business, and her revenues doubled that day.
Today, Cuthbert has sold over 5,000 units of the necklace, which retails between $295 (£242) and $430 (£353) depending on the chain length and letter size. She described Michelle wearing one of her designs as "life-changing".
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