RAD Spotlight: Dr. Nicole Price- Let's Make a Statement.

How long have you been a customer of Clarissa's?

Well, I met Rissa about 15 years ago while doing what any good church lady does… ear hustling in the vestibule at church!

First of all, I thought, WOW, she is stunning! Beautiful, bald, and pretty hard to miss. At the time, she was working for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and I overheard her inviting some of the church ladies to a jewelry show.

Now, I didn't know much about her, but I knew one thing: I was going to own a piece of jewelry designed by Clarissa Knighten. Fast-forward a few years, and I remember Clarissa sitting on my floor, crying because she had just been let go from her corporate job.

Now, listen. I knew she was already doing this jewelry thing on the side, and I knew she had the talent to make it her full-time career. The question wasn't whether she could do it. The question was how we were going to make it happen.

So, I did the same exercise a friend once did with me. I asked her, "What's your bottom line? What do you absolutely HAVE to bring in every month to survive?"

Because sometimes you don't need someone to tell you everything is going to be okay. You need someone to help you figure out how to make it happen.

And LOOK AT HER NOW!

Nine years later, she's a full-time artist, business owner, and creative force. And I couldn't be prouder.

Clarissa is unparalleled. She makes the world a better place, one piece of art at a time. Her work helps people express something about themselves before they ever open their mouths.

And THAT is a gift.

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Tell us about your first piece of jewelry.

If you know Clarissa, you know her artwork is anything but ordinary. Her pieces are bold, unique, and unapologetically themselves. Sound familiar? That's probably why we get along!

When I first approached her, I told her I wanted something "simple."

Now, let's be clear. When I say simple, I don't mean boring. I don't mean quiet. And I certainly don't mean something that's going to disappear into the background.

I wanted something that would amplify my style, my personality, and my voice.

My first piece was a beautiful, wide bronze bracelet. It made a statement without me having to say a word.

And now? I think I own about five of her bracelets. Maybe more.

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Tell us why you keep shopping with Clarissa.

Because I believe in her. Period.

I believe in her talent, her vision, and the power of adornment.

For me, jewelry has never been just about accessorizing. It's about making a statement. It's about taking up space. It's about telling the world a little bit about who you are before you ever say hello.

When I was preparing for my TED Talk, I thought about EVERYTHING. My words, my message, my outfit, and yes, my jewelry. Because when you're standing on a stage sharing something that matters deeply to you, every detail is intentional.

So, naturally, I called Clarissa.

I asked her to create a custom bracelet and earring combination. I didn't just want something pretty. I wanted something that felt like ME. Something that could carry the same energy as the message I was sharing.

And, of course, she understood the assignment!

That's what I love about her art. It isn't just something you wear. It's something you feel.

Her work allows me to express compassion, empathy, self-love, confidence, and sometimes a little bit of sass. Okay, maybe a LOT of sass.

But here's the thing.

I don't keep shopping with Clarissa just because I love her jewelry. I keep shopping with her because I believe in the artist behind it.

I've seen the tears. I've seen the uncertainty. I've seen the hustle. And I've had the privilege of watching her turn her talent into a career.

And let me tell you something: Kansas City is lucky to have her, but Kansas City is NOT big enough for her talent.

I want to see her work on people across the country. Across the world. In galleries, on runways, in museums, and on people who understand that art is meant to be LIVED IN.

I know Clarissa is going to pop off. And when she does, I fully intend to be standing there, wearing one of my five (or six, or seven) bracelets, saying:

"I KNEW HER WHEN SHE WAS SELLING JEWELRY TO THE CHURCH LADIES!"

Because that's what it's all about. Supporting people, believing in their dreams, and celebrating them when those dreams become reality.

And if I get some fabulous jewelry out of it along the way? Well, that's just a bonus!