My Journey

Brenda McDermott, Owner | Designer | Rei of Light Jewelry

My name is Brenda, and I design beautiful intentional jewelry, jewelry that speaks to your soul.  Before I discovered my personal soul’s purpose, I spent the first part of my working life in the corporate world.  When I realized my deepest passion was in helping people, I left that world behind to devote myself to health, wellness, and the healing arts. Now, I draw on that background as I devote myself to working as an artist and teaching people ways to reach their highest potential.

The name of my company, "Rei-of-Light Jewelry Designs," is an homage to my Mother--my personal guiding Ray of Light.  During a profound "out of body" experience while meditating, I saw myself on the Titanic as it was sinking. I was tied to a massive desk by a ball and chain and as I jumped off into the water, I was screaming, "I'm drowning!  Someone please help me!"  At that very moment, a beaming ray of light appeared in the sky with a clear vision of my Mother, who had died tragically in a car accident when I was 26 years old. And here is what she said to me: 

"Just let go; be free; go live the life you desire..." 

This message came at a critical juncture for me. I was living the life that I created, but I was literally "drowning" in it.  It was not the life I desired. I was not happy and I was certainly not free.  Everything changed for me after that revelation.  I knew it was time to follow my heart's desire. 

From a young age, I had been interested in designing jewelry. I would make it and sell it at Farmer's Markets or to friends that loved it, but being mainly self-taught up until then, it just felt like a hobby. Years later, I began taking jewelry designing classes to learn new skills and techniques. I loved everything about making jewelry--the process from inception to completion, the creative outlet that designing provides, learning new techniques, and experiencing satisfaction when a fabulous piece emerges. As my skill grew, I began to realize I had a gift I could not deny.

My art studio is in Savannah, Georgia where my creative juices now flow from the beauty and light of my environment.  Every step of the crafting process is personal for me:  shopping for the highest quality materials, conceiving designs, and meticulously hand-crafting each item. And when I’m immersed in designing a piece, I find myself so fully present and in the moment it’s as if time stands still.

The jewelry I create represents more than just a sale to me. It is a personal and valued connection to you, my customer. From the deep spiritual qualities it imbues, all the way to merely catching the eye of the buyer who wants to look her best, it can be appreciated on many levels. In either case, I am most profoundly moved when I see one of my creations resonate with its new owner. That is a connection I value deeply. If I can be an inspiration in your life in some way, I will consider my work a success.  My hope is that you will find something that connects you to the healing properties of the natural world and awakens a sense of your own inner beauty. 

Whenever I hear the words, "Your jewelry has become my 'go-to' pieces," I feel immensely gratified.  Thank you for joining me in this endeavor--one that inspires, satisfies, and brings healing and light!