Revolutionizing Hair Jewelry, One Braid Band at a Time - Behind the Niche with Rhiannon Bowen

Jewelry is far from a new concept—it’s been a part of human culture since ancient times. But it’s the creativity and innovation behind each piece that makes it a must-have for personal style. Rhiannon Bowen is redefining the jewelry game with her unique creations called braid bands. In this edition of Behind the Niche, I got to sit down with the visionary behind Silver to Strands, a brand that’s bringing a fresh, stunning twist to hair jewelry. From humble beginnings to crafting beautiful, handcrafted pieces, Rhiannon’s journey is a testament to passion, creativity, and, of course, a lot of silver.

From Passion to Business

Rhiannon’s love for both silversmithing and braids led her to start Silver to Strands in 2024. It all began with a desire to create something unique—something lasting.

"I’ve always had a deep appreciation for silver jewelry, and I wanted to create something that could be passed down," Rhiannon shared.

Her vision came together when she realized how well silver could complement the intricate beauty of braids. The name Silver to Strands came naturally—it reflected both the strength and longevity of the materials she worked with and the focus of her designs.

When Rhiannon first started, she wasn’t sure how her creations would be received. She posted her first few pieces on Depop, unsure if they would sell. But by the next morning, her pieces were gone, and Silver to Strands began to take off.

"It started slow, but I kept posting. One piece became two, then ten, then twenty. It just kept growing," Rhiannon recalled.

TikTok also played a huge role in building her community, where she connected with people who shared her love for both jewelry and braids.

The Ups and Downs of Running a Business

Of course, building a business from the ground up hasn’t been without its challenges, especially at the age of 20. For Rhiannon, navigating the business side of things was the steepest learning curve.

"The creative part came easy, but handling customer service, finances, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff was a whole different world for me," she admitted.

Rhiannon’s journey hasn’t been a solo endeavor though. While the business side has been a challenge, Rhiannon has been able to rely on the support of her parents.

“My dad has a natural instinct for customer service, and he’s been a huge help whenever I feel stuck. He always knows the right way to handle things,” she shared.

But despite the challenges, Rhiannon finds so much joy in the feedback she receives from customers.

"The best part is when people tell me how they style my pieces. It’s amazing to see how my designs fit into their personal style," she said. "It’s such a rewarding experience to know that something I made resonates with someone."

Crafting Quality, One Piece at a Time

What sets Silver to Strands apart is Rhiannon’s dedication to sourcing high-quality materials. She works closely with local suppliers, including one of the last remaining working turquoise mines in the U.S. and U.S.-based sterling silver suppliers. This commitment ensures that each piece not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time.

Making each braid band is a labor of love, taking about six hours from start to finish. The process starts with brainstorming a design, selecting materials, and prototyping.

"It’s rare that my first prototype is the final piece," Rhiannon explained. "I make adjustments until I’m happy with it, but that’s all part of the fun."

Braid Bands & More?

Looking ahead, Rhiannon has big plans for the future of Silver to Strands. She hopes to expand her offerings beyond braid bands and introduce other hair accessories like French pins and clips. She also wants to add custom options, where customers can choose their stones, beads, and engravings.

"I see Silver to Strands being both high fashion and everyday wear—something you can dress up or dress down depending on the occasion," she said.

The Muse

Many of Rhiannon’s designs are inspired by the natural world. From animals to textures to the colors around her, nature is her biggest muse.

"I think about what I would personally wear, but I also want to branch out and create pieces that appeal to different tastes," she shared.

Her scorpion design is a perfect example of this—an intricate piece that combines her love of nature with her unique style.

"That one is my favorite. It just feels like me," she said.

Going to the Chapel and We’re Gonna Get Married

What makes Silver to Strands even more special are the personal connections Rhiannon has built with her customers. One of her most memorable experiences was working with a bride to create custom braid bands for her wedding day.

"It was such a heartwarming experience—getting to collaborate and create something personal for such a special day," Rhiannon said.

Bella Hadid - A Future Face of Silver to Strands

With an expanding customer base and a growing online presence, Rhiannon’s future in the jewelry world is looking bright. Whether you're looking to add a unique touch to your braids or simply appreciate beautifully handcrafted jewelry, Silver to Strands is definitely worth checking out.

Rhiannon’s dream even includes seeing her creations worn by some of the fashion world’s top influencers. One celebrity she’d love to see wearing her pieces? Bella Hadid.

 "She’s been rocking braids lately, and I’d love to see her wearing my braid bands," Rhiannon said.

Final Message - Creativity in Business

As I discussed in my previous article with Camila Salinas, many people still believe that creativity can’t lead to a sustainable career. Yet, Rhiannon Bowen’s journey with Silver to Strands proves that creativity not only opens doors to business opportunities, but also allows those ventures to connect with the right audience. Building a successful business doesn’t always require a completely new concept—it’s about innovation and the ability to make something unique. Rhiannon has crafted jewelry that is both simple and transformative, appealing to all people. By making her pieces accessible to different hair types and all genders, she’s created a collection that truly is for everyone.

So, what’s stopping you from handcrafting your own creative journey?

xoxo, Anisha Dwarka, Social Media