Today we’d like to introduce you to Brie Wahlstrom
Hi Brie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Centerville in a diverse household with a Jamaican-English mother, I’ve always been inspired by the rich cultural background that fuels my creativity and perspective. From a young age, I knew I wanted to create multiple businesses, and over the years, I’ve filled notebooks with ideas, waiting for the right moment and enough funding to bring them to life. But WHAT iF started differently—it wasn’t just another idea on a page; it was a vision that demanded to be brought to reality.
Back in high school, I was struggling. I barely attended classes, feeling lost. Then, in my senior year, I stumbled into a jewelry class. That class became my lifeline. It was the only one I showed up to every single day. After high school, my teacher helped me get a few basic tools so I could continue practicing at home. I spent hours in my garage, freezing in winter and sweating in the summer, just working on my craft. When I finally felt my pieces were good enough, I started selling them. I built a website and began sharing my work online.
While all this was happening, I was in college, trying to figure out my path. I realized a degree in branding and marketing would help me better promote my company—and any future ventures—so I pursued a degree in Strategic Communications. That decision made all the difference. It gave me the tools to grow *WHAT IF* and helped me develop my voice in the business world.
After graduating, I knew I needed to up my skills in metalsmithing, so I attended a professional jewelry school for a few weeks. It was a game-changer. Then, during my junior year of college, a friend told me about the Master of Business Creation program, and I immediately knew I had to be a part of it. Now, I’m in the thick of it, soaking up as much knowledge as possible, making connections, and working hard to fund both my life and my business.
It’s tough at times, but I’m genuinely in love with what I do—especially creating jewelry. Every challenge is worth it because I’m building something I believe in.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building WHAT iF has been anything but smooth. Starting a business takes a lot of money, which is especially tough to come by as a college student. There have been months when I haven’t sold a single piece or even made anything because I was focused on working and finishing school. It was always in the back of my mind, waiting for the moment when I had a little extra time to dedicate to it.
Even now, it’s not easy. Jewelry is an expensive product to create, requiring a significant investment of both time and resources to produce truly beautiful pieces. As I push into the higher end of the market, those demands only grow. More money, more time—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do, and every challenge is a part of the journey I’m committed to.
Don’t get me wrong, I have days I want to quite but I won’t let myself. I know that if I keeping working on it, it will become what I imagine it to be.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
WHAT iF is an artisan jewelry brand specializing in one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces. We work extensively with Australian opals and lab-grown diamonds, focusing on creating exceptional jewelry without compromising ethics. Our mission is to challenge industry norms by offering stunning, responsibly made jewelry that doesn’t exploit workers or materials. Every piece we create is crafted with 100% traceability and accountability, ensuring that beauty and integrity go hand in hand.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me? A happy, healthy body and a strong connection with my family. No amount of money or fame can replace the value of health and meaningful relationships in our lives.
Pricing:
- $200
- $500
- $1000
- $2500
- $6000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whatifjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatif_jewelry/
