March 6, 2008

Giveaway: rose gold and diamonds by Blessedcharm

Today we have a very special Stylephile giveaway, courtesy of a woman who took the plunge and made a completely fresh start in her career, going from high-powered Hollywood agent to jewelry designer.
Making a career change is something many of us think about, but are too frightened to actually do. But for Emily Rabinowitz, founder of Blessedcharm jewelry, the call of creativity was too much to ignore.
Formerly an agent at Innovative Artists Agency in Santa Monica, Rabinowitz took her experiences in the entertainment industry and the corporate world and used them to help build the business side of her Blessedcharm and Kiss of Karma collections, high-end lines whose pieces convey symbols of hope, optimism and personal clarity. Blessedcharm can be found at Fred Segal and Jennifer Kaufman in Los Angeles, K. Frank in Santa Barbara, and Rich Hippie in Dallas. Rabinowitz has offered to gift one Stylephile reader her lovely rose gold and diamond-encrusted "Hugs for Harmony" necklace. Feminine and sweetly discreet, it's an adorable piece that I picked out especially for the Stylephile. It is worth $600, and looks very similar to the one pictured.
To win, simply post a comment (don't forget to include your email address) telling us about the biggest change you've ever made in your life. Deadline is Wednesday March 12 at 5PM.

March 6, 2008 in LOS ANGELES | Permalink

Comments

Skydiving in 2003 and embracing myself as an entrepreneur has been the biggest change in my life. I had to rescue my life from the monotonous anthill that I was living to see the greater horizon. I set my burdens free and moved to the west coast where my contributions of positive energy through activism and media have taken my career and lifestyle to a whole new level. ournewsong@gmail.com

Posted by win | Mar 13 2008 2:07PM

When I lost my job I took some time to figure out what I really wanted to do with my career. Now I'm working in the non-profit sector.

Posted by anonaddress1@earthlink.net | Mar 12 2008 5:49PM

I am about to embark on the biggest change I have ever made in my entire life--my life long mission on this planet to create positive change in the world-especially for young girls. As a young child, I was inspired by the media to create a dream job for myself. (Be careful what you wish for because dreams do come true). And now I am determined, as it is time for me to give back to young girls for them to create amazing jobs for themselves. I am creating an educational, empowering, and aspirational TV show for young girls. And I cannot wait to get the show on the road. I hope that you will enjoy the show. Playwerks@hotmail.com

Posted by S.S. | Mar 11 2008 11:09PM

the biggest change i ever made in my life seemed like the worst thing in the world. i was a TV writer at the top of my game, a jaguar-driving single mom with a 2 year-old baby girl, a house in brentwood and an army of nannies. then i got fired for the first time in my life (by a woman!) who told lies about me all over town to boot! my agent said maybe i could get a job in canada. instead, in the millennium new year's eve, i decided to move to a place i had only visited but felt drawn to -- the island of maui. i left behind the jag, the nannies, the big house -- and learned how to be a mom, a good girlfriend, a surfer, a Buddhist and someone who didn't define herself by her bank account or list of credits. i'm back in california now, working again, but i've kept the lesson that sometimes what looks like the wort thing in the world actually turns out to be the best thing in the world. thanks to mother maui, i start each day remembering i am BLESSED! jacquiz7@mac.com

Posted by jacquiz7@mac.com | Mar 11 2008 6:13PM

The biggest change I ever made in my life consists of two parts: getting married and moving to the US. I know it may sound like a cliche, but I left family,friends and my work in television to come to Los Angeles, a very big deal considering I said I would never live in the US. After three years in LA, life is not easy at all, I haven't found any opportunities in production, I even resorted to change careers (still no luck). I guess, my biggest life change is still happening, I left my comfortable life back home and moved here, where I find most people are rude just for the sake of it. I am still adapting to the change without forgetting to smile. claudia_gaza at hotmail dot com

Posted by Claudia | Mar 11 2008 12:27AM

So here's a quick summary. Even though joining the Army at 20 to refuel helicopters & drive 5,000 gallon tankers was a huge change...it doesnt compare to what I did next. After I got out, I went back to college to get a degree in Forensic Anthropology. Then, out of nowhere, my father was killed in Iraq. 6 months later, I met a girl who worked in the film industry & offered me a job. 4 months later I dropped out of school, packed up my car & moved to New Orleans where I knew 1 person. 3 years later I know now that things happen for a reason, I have found my niche....kaiyah1928@yahoo.com

Posted by shannon... | Mar 10 2008 3:12PM

So, here's a quick summary...joined the Army at the age of 20 & got out 3 years later. Decided to go back to college & get a degree in Forensic Anthropology. Then, out of nowhere my father was killed in Iraq. 6 months later, I met a girl who worked in the film industry. She said if I ever wanted to get in, to come to New Orleans. 4 months later, I dropped out of school, packed up my car & moved to a city where I knew 1 person. Happy to say, I'm still working in the biz and more content than ever!

Posted by shannon parker | Mar 10 2008 3:05PM

At the age of 21 I decided to take hold of my life and I lost 80lbs by diet and exercise, and I'm still on a journey to a more fit me. It's not about looking hot, but feeling better for myself! I was able to have the confidence I needed to pursue graduate school in another state. Losing weight and keeping it off is the hardest thing I've ever had to do...seriously! But now going to the gym is an amazing relief from all the stressors of the day! Plus I have a cute boy in my life now (I couldn't get that with the confidence I had before)! Thanks!!! stellio@utmb.edu

Posted by Stephanie E. | Mar 9 2008 11:43AM

I have had a moment to read the comments this morning, and the experience has been amazing. It is a very challeging thing to commit to major changes in your life, and very rarely are there opportunities to share them with others. I feel very "blessed" to be invited into your stories and situations. THANK YOU for reminding me that there are never endings, just beginnings. We all have the right to pursue happiness. The journey may be exhausting and sometimes terrifying, but if you try you''ll never wonder whether you could have made the attempt.

Posted by Emily Rabinowitz | Mar 7 2008 10:33AM

I left my family and friends, my job in production, and my beloved Nashville for my boyfriend (who is now my fiance). It was an enormous sacrifice because he and his family are in Mexico, and that is where he plans to spend the rest of his life. I made the choice knowing that I will probably never get to work in production again. There aren''t a lot of opportunities in his city for that kind of work, and hiring a woman for the job would be less likely. I''ve also had to start over socially in a very closed society, not to mention some very apparent cultural differences. I can identify with Emily, as I''ve made a big change in my life to go after something (or in this case someone) that I love, knowing that there will inevitably be some hiccups along the way. Hopefully, with strength and lots of patience, I''ll find peace in my new home. jmaree04@gmail.com

Posted by Jeannette | Mar 7 2008 8:54AM

The biggest change and choice I made in live; My grandfather and father are one of the biggest theatre producers in Holland(where i live) and after college everyone expected me to join the business, make big bucks and lead a comfortable life. I chose differently. I have always believed the world had a bigger plan for me in this life. I started my own business at 22 years of age becoming an international booking agent for theatre productions worldwide. I had no money, no experience, no teacher, no net, but last month one of my productions performed in Dubai during the shopping festival. I proved to myself and to everyone in Holland who thought i was insane for jumping in the deep end where no one knew my name that I am capable of anything i set my mind to.

Posted by Katherine@bongajo.com | Mar 7 2008 3:22AM

The biggest change in my life so far has been moving to the east coast, not knowing anyone, living on my own and basically starting my life over.

Posted by surfck-21@yahoo.com | Mar 6 2008 8:40PM

I just checked in to post about leaving my job to be with my family to win the blessedcharm necklace, but after reading some of these posts I was moved to tears at the unbelievable hardships that some of you have faced. Life changing illnesses, so many moms leaving behind everything for their children~ I wish that Stylephile could give a necklace to most of the people who have written in. You are all so brave and I feel blessed to have read your posts! Best wishes to you all!

Posted by jctimon | Mar 6 2008 5:07PM

The biggest change in my life was actually a pendulum swing - from light to darkness and back again. I was the deliriously happy mother of a beautiful 2-year-old boy and had a great career and marriage — the world on a string, as they say. One afternoon, my son was officially diagnosed with autism by a man who left us by saying, “don’t worry, he’ll be alright.” What did that mean? I still don’t know. The world, and my entire life, completely changed on that day. At first, I was heartbroken, devastated and felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach. It was literally hard to walk from place to place, and depression followed. But in the months and years that have gone by since that time, I’ve learned to work through the feelings, face the issues and do what’s best for my son, first and foremost. I’ve also learned more from him than anyone else could have ever taught me. Love may not conquer all, but it sure does conquer a lot. I see and accept my son for exactly who he is, and I’ve found my way back to being the deliriously happy mother of the most beautiful and special boy in the world. He still has autism. And I’m still his doting mom. And that will never change.

Posted by Norma; nrosenfield@earthlink.net | Mar 6 2008 4:56PM

The biggest change that I have endured so far is quitting my job as a graphic artist to stay at home to raise my two children, ages 2 and 5, last year. These two are tougher than any deadline I had to meet, any press check I had to go to, and more demanding than the most difficult client. This has been one of the biggest adjustments I have ever made. But by far the most rewarding!

Posted by Vanessa L. | Mar 6 2008 3:11PM

The biggest change in my life was when I went from aspiring Olympic contender to everyday college student because of a debilitating stroke. I had a stroke when I was 18 years old that completely paralyzed the entire left side of my body. Before that, I participated n the Junior Olympics for three-day eventing, an equestrian sport. After, I was faced with learning how to walk, talk, eat, and even smile again. Even after three years of therapy and rehabilitation, I still cannot move my hand or left arm very well. Since my former life plan was destroyed, I had to think about what other passions I may have. I had always been a fan of culture and the arts, so I moved from my home state of Texas to New York to study the media and how it affects society. While I still battle depression over my loss, I am learning to enjoy learning about things I would have never gotten the chance to explore had I dedicated my life to my former sport. I will graduate this summer and join the workforce in Manhattan which will be an entire new adventure on its own. lauratoledo@gmail.com

Posted by Laura | Mar 6 2008 1:35PM

The biggest change I've made in my life is when I left the grueling world of television production to work in local goverment. I went making sure the correct kind of milk went into an actor's coffee to helping a homeless person find an open shelter for the night. I found the fulfillment my old career lacked and have definitely grown as a person - plus, I'm MUCH happier!

Posted by sunjay1@att.net | Mar 6 2008 1:26PM

The biggest change in my life was to leave the city I loved and all of my friends behind to move back home to take care of my dad who was very ill and eventually died. I don't regret it, having that whole year with him was priceless. Now I am taking care of my 91 year old mother and cherish every day I have with her. naejro@gmail.com

Posted by Jean | Mar 6 2008 1:18PM

My biggest change in life was discovering that I was pregnant, a month and a half before my 40th birthday ... and after having resigned myself 8 years prior to what appeared to be my complete infertility. Having a baby really DOES change everything - you see dangers all around in things that you never before gave a moment's notice, but you also see beauty and wonder in life in a manner you likely haven't since you were a child yourself. Being a Mommy is the hardest best job I've ever had, but it's also by far the best.

Posted by FlexSis | Mar 6 2008 1:16PM

The biggest change in my life was recreating a relationship with my son. We had not spoken in many years. The reason? We both could not recall. After spending 17 days in the hospital and having many hours to reflect on life and living, I decided to take a leap of faith. I called my son to arrange a meeting. I asked him if we could begin anew. I told him that I was sorry for anything that I had said or done to offend him, to make him sad, or to make him angry. I asked for forgiveness and told him that I loved him. In that very moment, the past was washed away. I know that life is short and very fragile. I also know that family is the real thing in life that counts. We now have a respectful and honest relationship for the first time in our lives.

Posted by sandra1940@comcast.net | Mar 6 2008 1:09PM

woops forgot to include my email - here is my comment again, my apologies The biggest change for me is the birth of my daughter 3 years ago. She is the purest most honest being and I am so honored to be a part of her life. The fact that I can not put myself first right now is the biggest blessing for me. By focusing all my love, energy & time on her I am actually getting so much more back than I ever thought possible. Being a part of her day and seeing her pure love for others and openness to the world in which we live in is huge. I hope she will one day change the world with just a little bit of the love that she

Posted by Trina 124beach@cox.net | Mar 6 2008 1:08PM

The biggest change for me is the birth of my daughter 3 years ago. She is the purest most honest being and I am so honored to be a part of her life. The fact that I can not put myself first right now is the biggest blessing for me. By focusing all my love, energy & time on her I am actually getting so much more back than I ever thought possible. Being a part of her day and seeing her pure love for others and openness to the world in which we live in is huge.I really don''''t know how I got so lucky, she is a real spitfire and I love the journey she is taking me on and boy does it change daily!!Never a dull moment.

Posted by Trina | Mar 6 2008 1:01PM

The biggest change in my life was re-creating a relationship with my son. We had not spoken in many years. The reason? We both could not recall. After spending 17 days in the hospital and contemplating life and living, I decided to take a leap of faith. I called my son to arrange a meeting. I asked if we could begin anew and told him that I loved him. I said that I was sorry for anything that I had ever done or said to offend him, to make him sad, or to make him angry. I asked for forgiveness. In that very moment the pain of the past was washed away. Today, we have a healthy and respectful relationship. Life is so very fragile and short. Family is so very important.

Posted by sandra1940@comcast.net | Mar 6 2008 1:01PM

My greatest change occured after I hosted an arts workshop for abused and neglected foster youth. I was so inspired, I left a filmmaking career and have been dedicated to assisting foster youth full time.

Posted by jann580@aol.com | Mar 6 2008 12:55PM

A New Yorker at heart, I always lived my life 12 steps ahead of the rest. But after moving back from London, I realized that it is OK to take some time to relax and breathe. That it isn't normal to sit in a cubicle for 365 days a year. And a meditation class that I took earlier this year transformed my life. Now not only do I take my due vacations and don't feel bad about it, but I take 15 minutes out of every day for MYSELF. khanna.ritu@gmail.com

Posted by newyorker | Mar 6 2008 12:52PM

My biggest change was at 21. My Dad became ill and passed away. But before he did, he asked that I take care of my little sister who was 10 at the time. My Mom, who had not worked in 20 years, said I took it too literally because from that moment on I gave all my heart, my energy and my income to help raise her. From paying for wisdom teeth to prom dresses, cars to college, I gave her all that I had. Even though I lived modestly (no couch for 2 years in my apt.), I wouldn't change a moment. She graduated from a top 50 private university with honors and is now working...and applying to Law Schools. That simple request changed my life and my youth, but seeing her turn into an amazing young woman brings tears to my eyes. So worth it!

Posted by Susan Jones at sbcglobal dot net | Mar 6 2008 12:40PM

Best change I ever made was to adopt my daughter when I was working in DC, and leave my job as a news producer to be her mom. Financially it hasn't always been great, but today she's a 12-year old delight!

Posted by Yelphets@yahoo.com | Mar 6 2008 12:38PM

The biggest change I have made in my life has been to let go of the small stuff and to live each day to the fullest. I now live, love and enjoy each day! forte1@tampabay.rr.com

Posted by Forte | Mar 6 2008 12:37PM

biggest change i have made is learning to love myself. praise to whitney - she said it, it's the greatest love of all.

Posted by Lnewman@waltonisaacson.com | Mar 6 2008 12:33PM

the biggest change I've made (and there have been many) is not letting chronic medical conditions define who I am. It's sometimes hard to admit (even to yourself) that you feel sick or weak, but in some ways everyone has something that could hold them back, I just learn to do more and accept and love my body, even if it hurts a lot of the time. Nice contest arceedub at yahoo dot com

Posted by Rachel - arceedub at yahoo dot com | Mar 6 2008 12:33PM

So I was standing on top of a heap of refuse in New Zealand's biggest landfill at 3 AM, clad in iron-toed boots and a Parka, supervising the filming of a TV movie, when I wondered, "Is this all there is?" After a 25-plus-year career and over 50 produced film and TV projects, I needed something new. A year later I am completing my second semester teaching film development and production for the University of Texas/L.A. project. It's the best, most challenging thing I've ever done, and I get the chance to use my experience to help launch the next generation of film-makers.

Posted by Diana; email, Dianakerew@sbcglobal.net | Mar 6 2008 12:32PM

The biggest change I have made in my life was moving from Hollywood where I worked with A-list Talent and Directors back to Shreveport, Louisiana to take care of my sister who had a Bi-lateral leg amputation at 33 years old.

Posted by Kimberlyn | Mar 6 2008 12:31PM

The biggest change I made was to divorce my husband only after 5 years of marriage- I had a 2 year old and a 4 year old child and could not imagine what my life would be like I am glad I did- I have a great job, 2 wonderful kids and now a fabulous boyfriend who I love dearly!

Posted by Lisa | Mar 6 2008 12:31PM

The biggest change I ever made was admitting to myself what I really want. It's become a habit that spills over into everything from what I write to the job I do to falling in love. It's not always easy, but it's much, much better than the alternative. Thanks for asking, Stylephile! lemonprint @ gmail.com

Posted by J.L. | Mar 6 2008 12:28PM

A monumental change made in my life was a horrible divorce was ending a 24 year marriage as my youngest child was graduating high school and going off to US Marine Corp recruit training. To make a new start without the baggage of everyday reminders I sold my house and car, moved to a new town, a new house, a new car and new job, without children for the first time in two decades. I do not have the daily reminders of a bad marriage, worry about running into ex-in-laws and it was a great career move. I am in another county but close enough my daughter can still come and visit without trouble, my son is in Afghanistan and we text message when he is able. kcvail@comcast.net

Posted by kcvail | Mar 6 2008 12:28PM

The biggest change I've made in my life is realizing that work is just work! It's not life. I went from full time to consultant and now work to live, not live to work. I enjoy my family, friends and my home much more than before and appreciate all life has to offer. gabalii@aol.com

Posted by Gabalii | Mar 6 2008 12:27PM

Posted by kcvail | Mar 6 2008 12:26PM

The biggest -- and BEST -- change I've made was adopting the cutest rescue mutt in the world. Ketzi has made my life unbelievably better during the past 6 years.

Posted by shwerb@yahoo.com | Mar 6 2008 12:24PM

The biggest change I ever made was quitting my full-time job to be a full-time artist. I am 10,000 times happier. Every day is a gift, don't waste a single one. furpants@gmail.com

Posted by Furpy | Mar 6 2008 12:21PM

The biggest change I have made in my life is when I cut ten inches off my hair & sent it to Locks of Love.

Posted by Alison | Mar 6 2008 12:16PM