Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Rae Eveson.
Hi Abby Rae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally from Troutdale, Oregon, I bring a creative and personal touch to every event through my mobile charm bar, Ciao Charms. The name “ciao” reflects the warm, familiar connection I strive to create—it’s a simple hello and goodbye shared between friends and family. I really just love to say it so that’s why I picked it! My husband lived in Italy for a couple of years and we really just loved the culture.
In 2019, my daughter Jade was stillborn, and a family member gave me a necklace with her initial, birthstone, and an angel wing. I actually never took it off until I started Ciao Charms. I just wasn’t ready. After I started my charm bar, I discovered that charms are such a fun way to express yourself, but engraving can take that personalization to an even more intimate level. Whether it’s a name, handwriting, date, or memorial piece, engraving can capture something incredibly personal. Customers often share their stories with me while I’m creating their pieces, and the memorial pieces can be especially emotional because I can deeply empathize with their grief. Being trusted with those stories is something I never take lightly.
I often hear, “My kids would love this!” And they absolutely do, but Ciao Charms appeals to all ages. It’s a unique gift, too, because each piece can really tell you a lot about someone. Some of my favorite pieces have been created by people with decades of life experiences—their jewelry reflects the memories and people that have shaped their lives.
In addition to bringing Ciao Charms to events, I recently opened a small, humble shop where customers can stop by by appointment or request to create personalized pieces. I also offer laser engraving and can provide onsite engraving for select events. My goal for 2027 is to also start adding permanent jewelry.
My ultimate goal is simple: to create a fun, memorable experience where everyone can design jewelry that means something to them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges has been finding the balance between building a small business, raising a family, maintaining my previous career, and simply making time for myself. After 15 years as a clinical dental hygienist, stepping into entrepreneurship has required me to learn how to manage a completely different pace and set of responsibilities.
Another challenge has been putting myself out there and learning to network. As a woman in my 40s starting something completely new, I’ve sometimes faced skepticism or felt that people didn’t take my business seriously. Learning to communicate with different personalities and styles—and, most importantly, believing in myself—has been a huge part of the journey. There were some moments in the beginning when I would go to bed or wake up and wonder what I was doing. I come from a time where you just went to college and got a degree. Checked that off my list but now I am a dance mom, soccer mom, football mom, wife and hygienist.
There have certainly been setbacks, but I keep going. I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t always come before you take the leap; sometimes, it comes from taking the leap, continuing forward, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things. My fears have actually propelled me to keep going.
Social media has also been a challenge! My sister n law who runs a company called the Hat Haus in Utah told me I just had to get out there and do it! Now I feel pretty comfortable putting myself out there. It is definitely time consuming.
We’ve been impressed with Ciao Charms, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The charm bar experience is where customers get to design their own jewelry or accessory and add charms. I specialize in charm jewelry for all ages, personalized laser engraving, and a mix of jewelry styles, including demi-fine options. I intentionally offer a variety of materials, styles, and price points so there is something for everyone. One of the things that sets Ciao Charms apart is my laser engraving service, which allows customers to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces with names, initials, dates, designs, and other meaningful details. I’m also proud of the authentic customer service I bring to the business. I grew up in a small-business family—my dad owned Overhead Door Company of Portland—and my parents taught my siblings and me from an early age how important it is to genuinely take care of your customers. That lesson has stayed with me and is a big part of how I run Ciao Charms. Most of all, I’m proud that the brand has become about more than jewelry—it’s about creating an experience where people can express themselves, celebrate someone they love, or carry a meaningful memory with them.
I would described myself as tenacious. I’ve truly surprised myself with my with how much I’m capable of learning, building, and I am always adapting.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t think the luck is the most compelling part of my story. It’s what I’ve done with it. Some things have gone my way, some absolutely didn’t, and I kept adjusting and moving forward. Good luck usually comes from my networking and following through with potential business avenues. I have definitely been turned down, not gotten into certain events, or been told I was too expensive. My cousin who has helped me a lot in my earlier days of business always reminds me that I have a good product and to stay confident. It is so easy to doubt yourself during those setbacks.
Bad luck for me has looked like picking the wrong events, machinery breaking, weather that influenced turnouts for events, and second guessing my intuitions. I’m really still figuring out my niche but those bad luck times are what will get me there.
Pricing:
- Average Engraving is around $40
- Necklaces range from $25-40
- Bracelets range from $20-30
- Charms start at $5 each and go up to $16
- All my current price options are ala carte
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ciaocharmbar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaocharmbar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ciao-Charms-61579732656822/
