The Creators

If there is one thing that Southwest Florida is famous for, it’s their sea-themed jewelry. Whether you’ve been beach combing for many years on the tropical beaches of Sanibel Island, where the Sea Reel Life® originated, or just love the sand between your toes in your favorite part of the world. You will no doubt understand how the allure of the islands can captivate and inspire the imagination. That inspiration has produced an extraordinarily special line of fine jewelry that goes beyond mere gold and diamonds and actually motivates people to educate themselves about the fragility of our environment. And not only that, it may just be the cutest line of jewelry ever created!

It all began over Thai food one night when co-creators Brad and Colbi Congress of Bradley’s Fine Jewelers, began to discuss an island themed cartoon based direction, showcasing a cast of lovable characters with names and personalities unlike anything ever designed. They wanted to fashion a fanciful collection distinctly different from mainstream island jewelry. Using the elements of the tropics as their canvas, The Sea Reel Life By Bradley’s was born.

This one of a kind jewelry collection is actually dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting individual and corporate responsibility. Each purchase helps create awareness and provide monies to defend and preserve wildlife. A portion of the proceeds is donated toward wildlife organizations both locally and internationally.

The creators even had the opportunity to share the Sea Reel Life with Wildlife Conservationist, Jack Hanna. After viewing the collection he said,

“I think Brad and Colbi Congress are seriously devoted to using their jewelry line in a ways that will promote conservation of our natural resources and wildlife. They are showing the business community that they can be successful and have a positive impact on the environment at the same time. They have great ideas and a true innovative spirit. – Jack Hannah

Brad Congress grew up on Sanibel Island in Florida, spent much time with animals at the C.R.O.W. wildlife refuge and was profoundly influenced by the nature of the island. As jewelry designer and gemologist for many years Brad has successfully created sea themed jewelry on Sanibel for well over a decade. When asked what makes this collection so exceptional, Brad noted,

“First my wife and I have a desire to teach people to take care of our very fragile ecosystem. Second, the quest to do something I hadn’t done before. With the Sea Reel Life you can see a complete departure from the basic replica of shells and sea life that people are used to seeing and has been done in the past. In our new collection we’ve actually poured imagination and love into the equation, creating 31 individual characters each with their own attributes, eccentricities and quirks. You can really see my wife’s influence as we combine superb craftsmanship with personality and whimsy!”

Co-creator Colbi Congress also grew up in Florida, but in Miami, where she saw too much of the environment compromised in the name of progress. Colbi has both teaching experience as well as a media and advertising background. So, because she came to the partnership without a formal jewelry history, she offered a fresh perspective on the prescribed jewelry philosophies. Hers were free from common corporate ideologies. Brad and Colbi were determined to do something positive for the environment, so they took a leap and incorporated jewelry with their imagination to design the Sea Reel Life. When asked what the catalyst was for she and Brad to take on such a large project as this, Colbi said,

“We both love our world. And we see so much being taken for granted. We currently live in a beautiful part of the country, and it was reasonably quiet and serene. It kept the tourists coming back. But over the last 5 years the accumulation of harmful pollutants, the ozone layer depletion and rapid over development of our land has begun to noticeably affect our wildlife, our air quality and the Gulf of Mexico is in a threatened state. There needs to be strict ethical guidelines in place that respect our earth. We are all connected by our ecosystem. The Sea Reel Life’s goal is to give people the chance to learn that there is a better way and to do something to help. Our jewelry line offers an optimistic and fun way to get involved,” Colbi offered.

“We both believe that there are a lot of people out there that would like to do something, but just doesn’t know where to start. Our hope is that The Sea Reel Life concept can link people and corporations together with one common goal. Through good old fashioned ingenuity, technology and personal commitment we can all help the earth to heal itself and restore the natural balance that is necessary for all to co-exist and remain healthy and happy.” Brad added.

Since its inception, The Sea Reel Life By Bradley’s has taken on an energy of it’s own and will soon be available at fine jewelers and boutiques across America. Each member of the Sea Reel Life Family has been hand selected for their specific area of expertise and dedication to this project. These professional artisans are inspired to make the collection unlike any before. Each Sea Reel Life Character is an ambassador of good will for our planet earth. The Sea Reel Life and its creators are dedicated to a path to a healthier planet and that means speaking for those who cannot protect themselves. Brad and Colbi believe that just one little voice can make wave! Wear it and enjoy it. It means so much!