With a common first name and a tricky last name, LSU alumna Becca Baudry decided to pull inspiration for her jewelry line’s name from another place — her childhood family dog. 
Savannah Jane, originally the name of the family’s chocolate Labrador Retriever, now takes on new meaning as Baudry’s jewelry and accessories line. She started the line in September and has taken more steps to make her brand known throughout the year.  
Baudry graduated from the University in December 2012 as a textiles, apparel design and merchandising major. She said she originally started as a business major but needed more creativity and switched to interior design. But that move was overwhelmingly creative. The TAM program was the perfect balance of creativity and business. 
When Baudry began her design business, she started as a dress designer. She worked on her own and used only her savings to start, so the multiple sizes and fabrics for dresses was too costly. She said her switch to jewelry made designing much more stress-free. 
“The jewelry I can do all on my own,” Baudry said. “I can get as creative as I want to, and it’s a little bit more budget friendly.” 
Savannah Jane jewelry and accessories consist of stone necklaces, beaded bracelets and suede tassel keychains. Baudry also makes infinity scarves and fur vests for her fall and winter collections. Most of the jewelry is on gold chains, but she also makes some pieces on silver chains. 
Baudry said most of the necklaces are one-of-a-kind because every stone looks different, but for bracelets, she normally makes duplicates of some.
Baudry said she buys Savannah Jane’s supplies from various sources. She is originally from Atlanta, so some of her supplies come from the AmericasMart, a wholesale trade center in the city. She also buys items from online shops like Etsy.
For Baudry, the design process is a lot of trial and error. 
“A lot of times, I’m just sitting in front of the TV and just putting stuff together and I’m like, ‘Oh, this is pretty,’ and if I put it together and I don’t like it, I’ll pull it apart,” Baudry said. 
Every Savannah Jane piece is something Baudry would wear herself. She said if something doesn’t sell, it’s not the end of the world for her since she can wear it herself. 
“It’s all stuff I like, I wear and I think it’s pretty,” Baudry said. “It’s hard to sell something you don’t like so that’s definitely been my whole thing. It’s all stuff I like and I would wear.” 
As for getting her brand out there, Baudry has used her website and local pop-up sales. 
Pop-up sales are different venues where the jewelry can be displayed among other designers, so shoppers can browse and buy as they please. Savannah Jane has been displayed at a Hemline @LSU, now Fashion Association at LSU, November trunk show, as well as a pop-up sale at Blend Wine Bar in February. She is now planning to be involved in another pop-up in May.
Baudry said the trunk show atmosphere helps her get the company name out there in person, rather than just online. She said it allows customers to see the jewelry in person so they can purchase immediately or at a later time online. 
Savannah Jane will also be at Pi Beta Phi’s Down the Row event tonight. 
Pi Beta Phi’s vice president of communications and mass communication sophomore Maggie Valdes said the event is meant to encourage community among the sororities. 
The event is free to all sorority members at the Pi Beta Phi house from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s titled “What’s Poppin’ with Pi Phi” and will include foods related to “pop” like popcorn and popcorn chicken. 
Valdes said Baudry is related to a member on the house’s executive board and emailed Valdes about getting involved. She said Baudry will have her own table at the event where women can look at and buy jewelry. 
“It’s a great idea for Becca to get involved in this event because it’s open to all sororities so it’s great for her brand awareness,” Valdes said. 
 You can reach Meg Ryan on Twitter @The_MegRyan.
 

Gallery • 7 Photos

Charles Champagne

An agate slice necklace is modeled Sunday, April 12, 2015 as part of Savannah Jane's custom jewlery collection.