[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’re always looking for unique brands to bring to our South End boutique, and we’ve been closely following Foundrae jewelry for about a year. Foundrae’s creator Beth Bugdaycay was the one of the executives behind the amazing clothing brand, Rebecca Taylor. About three years ago she founded with her husband their ultra cool jewelry line. When our team visited Foundrae’s beautiful headquarters this fall in NYC we knew we needed to add the line to our store because the jewelry is so personal, worldly & sophisticated. Foundrae creates modern heirlooms that tell your story.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”13899″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”13898″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We had the chance to interview co-founder and creative director, Beth Bugdaycay about the brand and we’re excited to share the Q&A with you![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”13912″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

Why the name Foundrae?

Foundrae. The name is a composite of two words that represents the inspiration of the collection.

i. Found: 1. Inspired by symbols & objects found across cultures and time periods. 2. To lay the base; to establish (as in the “foundation”) 3. To take the first steps in building up (as in I “found” myself, or to “found” a new company) 4. Act or process of casting, melting (as in Foundry)

ii. Rae: 1. Middle name of my Grandmother 2. Homophone of Ray, as in sunray, a ray of light, warmth.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

Has jewelry been an important part of your life?

I’ve always felt my personal jewelry imbued significance that was much greater than the piece itself.   It started with a gold ring that I received from a cherished neighbor when I played Alice in Alice & Wonderland in 1^st grade.  It represented a change in me.  I felt the responsibility of the role and that she trusted me with a valuable ring was validation for me that other people saw the change in me too.  I wore a leather necklace pouch all through high school and college with amulets inside,  It felt very much “mine” because I would never share what was inside, wouldn’t open it, which gave me a feeling of strength and power that a young woman doesn’t always feel.  I have the diamond watch that was my grandmother’s that I wore on my wedding day, the silver Mexican Olympics coin that my mother wore throughout the 70’s…the list of memorable jewelry for me is endless.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

What tenets represent your story?

All of the tenets represent my story. At the inception of Foundrae, my husband and I developed what we called the “Foundrae lexicon” which is all of our symbols.   I tried to communicate to people what the symbols meant and how they could be utilized, almost like individual letters of the alphabet that formed words or sentences when put together as one composition.   Then one day someone asked me, “will you show me yours?”.  I wrote them down as easily as if I were writing an entry in my journal and then suddenly I realized that those were our tenets.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1545250131932-1be803a4-f7cc-10″ include=”13896,13895,13894″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

How was the transition of running an apparel company to a jewelry brand? How do they relate and how do they differentiate?

It’s a new life for me. I’ve been able to take every element that I love and put it together in one space.   I love the small size of our business that allows me to be personally connected with all aspects.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

What are your future plans for the jewelry line?

Everything for me is about the idea that we design tools of self-discovery and self-expression. I want to keep on working towards that.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

How would you describe the woman that wears Foundrae?

Both women and men wear our jewelry, people that are seeking to become closer to themselves.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13904″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]