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Entertainment February 21, 2017
Actress Kelly Rutherford is best known for her role as the glamorous Lily Van Der Woodsen on “Gossip Girl”, but in the past few years she has made headlines for a very different reason: a contentious and controversial custody battle with ex-husband Daniel Giersch over their two children, who now live in France with their father.
Not only did the battle go public – it was splashed across headlines around the world – it drastically changed Rutherford’s life.
Rather than let a messy divorce and the pain of separation from her children get the best of her, Rutherford resolved to remain centered and focus on the positive aspects of her life. As part of that process she channeled her energy into creating a jewelry line based on symbols she finds both spiritual and uplifting.
Entity met up with the 48-year-old at the Blushington beauty boutique in West Hollywood, where she held a private sales event of her necklaces, bracelets and earrings, to chat about her journey so far and what it’s like to start a business in the midst of personal turmoil.
ENTITY: You played a character in “Gossip Girl” where you wore furs and jewelry – did that have anything to do with creating your new jewelry line?
KR: Those were very over-the-top super expensive pieces. I created a line that’s affordable and super simple. I really wanted to include pieces you could wear every day along with pieces you could wear to events that are a little bit dressier. And it’s made in the U.S. I’m really taking my time doing this – I’m doing it all on my own.
ENTITY: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced starting a business on your own?
KR: You know, it’s a new venture, and I’m still learning a lot. There is so much to learn every day! Even with small things like the necklaces, I learned that I wanted to make them adjustable in the back, so you can change their lengths.
ENTITY: Can you talk about your inspiration for making jewelry for little girls and moms — the mother-daughter aspect of your line?
We’re doing little tiny earrings for little girls, for their very first earrings. They are not going to bother their ears because they’re 14-karat gold. And I have little bracelets, it’s very mother-daughter. It’s just a beautiful way to share.
ENTITY: Can you describe the jewelry for us?
KR: It’s based on stars, moons and hearts, in necklaces, bracelets and earrings. There’s also a tiny version for teens and kids. I always talk about love and energy. For instance, sometimes I just wear the big heart for days, I’ll sleep in it. It makes me feel better! Sometimes I wear the star, which represents creativity to me. And the moon is the circle – it’s a full moon. I’m wearing the moon disc earring right now. It’s all very clean and geometric.
ENTITY: Do you have any shows you love at the moment, or would love to be on?
KR: I want to do a series again. I love being in a series. That’s mostly what I’ve done in my career. And there are so many great choices, with cable and everything. I watch all these shows all in one night – “The Crown!” for sure.
ENTITY: How often do you get to see your kids in France now?
KR: I go a lot. Every four to six weeks. I’m usually there for ten days, two weeks. Things are getting much better with that whole situation. The whole thing went out of proportion, it got so much media attention. But it did raise awareness about custody laws.
ENTITY: Do you have any advice for young women?
KR: I believe young women need to know that you get up every day and you have a decision to make about whether you want to be happy. You must make a decision to love yourself, despite past mistakes and your faults. Each day find those little things that bring you joy – whether it’s that person you talk to or that glass of Champagne or reading a book. Whatever brings you joy.
I don’t think bitching and complaining helps at all. It doesn’t feel good to talk badly about people. It actually helps our body to talk about uplifting things. We need to notice beautiful things, we can always find something good in any person, in any situation.
ENTITY: What is it like trying to juggle a career, a family and a new business all at one?
KR: I’ve been working, but only intermittently, because I’ve really had to be available to my family. Now the kids are older and I don’t feel as guilty about working more. All mothers feel that when their kids are little. I know that I can do my jewelry and do a full time series and be a good mom. We can all do many things. And it’s important that we do many things – we all have many sides, and we need to express them. It’s great to be known for one thing — it’s great to be known at all — but why not do more?
Life has no meaning other than what we give it. We can really create the life we want. You will save yourself years of quandary if you just stop, get clear and figure out what you really want.
ENTITY: In your opinion how do people find what they really want?
My trick is get quiet and find a mantra. I like this one: “I have enough time. I have enough money. I have enough love.” That came from my friend’s hairdresser!
Remembering to be grateful is one of the most important things too. We can’t forget that!
*Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.
