Meet Abrielle Cogen | Jewelry Designer & Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abrielle Cogen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abrielle, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is my best friend. Risk is necessary in small business ownership. Being a small business owner is all about finding the comfort in risk, because risk is such an intrinsic part of the journey. I had to take a big leaps to be a small business owner. I began knowing there was lots of uncertainty in this pursuit, and I had to feel the mission, vision, and passion strongly to be able to put my soul behind it, to be willing to take such a jump. I knew this risk was exactly what I deeply craved— to try something new, be vulnerable, and learn about a different side of myself. For me, I’ve been propelled out of my comfort zone constantly— externally and internally. I’ve had to present myself and my goals to the world completely differently, which led to a lot of new struggles, questions, and insecurities coming up. Taking the risk to present your work and passion to the world is putting your heart on your sleeve. You are being boldly real, dedicating time, energy, and money to something you love with absolute uncertainty in what will follow. Risk brings up deep fears and vulnerabilities, but risks are exactly what will teach you who you are in this world, and who you want to be. Befriend risk and risk will take you on a walk, holding your hand along the way, and lead you to exactly what you needed to learn in life. The most risky decisions I’ve made in life have also ended up being the most impactful— starting my business, moving across the world, and becoming a yoga teacher. Take a risk and see what happens…

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create lightweight wire statement jewelry that aim to give people the power of self expression through bold yet elegant designs inspired by nature and humanity. “I have never seen anything like this,” is a reaction by many, along with “I can’t believe how light they are, for such a stand-out look.” I find inspiration in things I love and connect with, and sharing my own passions allows me to find those who are passionate about similar things. I’ve been on this journey since 2021– it’s been a rollercoaster, and I’m still learning how to effectively change with the times of the seasons. Our world is constantly shifting and small business owners are forced to be adaptable to the wants, needs, and accessibility of their clients. I’ve learned to… keep learning. Trying new things, developing new skills, and meeting + communicating with my audience differently has been necessary in such a fast world. At first, my business blossomed quickly and I thought the process was easy, however, after taking a break when I moved across the world, I have come back to an increasingly difficult prevail. I am having to fully learn how to be a social media marketer, which is a challenge and a growing experience. I am learning how embody the fact that my self worth is inherent, no matter what results happen (and so is yours).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Every Portland visitor must check out the Portland Saturday Market— the largest open-air arts and crafts market in the USA, right along the waterfront, and most importantly I am a vendor there ;)! Nature excursions are plentiful and gorgeous. Forest Park is a forest right in the middle of the city, and the Columbia River Gorge has stunning views and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls (a must see), less than an hour away! Walk around on quirky streets including 23rd Ave and Hawthorne. Check out Powells Books!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is dedicated to my mom, Arlene Cogen, who has always told me “you can do anything you put your mind to,” and who took the risk of starting her own small business. Thank you mom, for leading by example and showing me what is possible when you put yourself out there. Witnessing you birthed courage in me.

Website: https://inbodyinearthjewelry.etsy.com/

Instagram: InBodyInEarthJewelry