The Flora earrings are a subtle yet powerful reminder to embrace confidence and emotional grounding in the year ahead.
A new year brings a desire for clarity, confidence, and authentic expression. The Dappled Wood, a Black-owned and woman-owned jewelry studio founded by artist and former tech professional Brittany Arnett, offers a fresh perspective on how daily adornment can support those intentions. Known for lightweight, nature-inspired earrings shaped through vibrant palettes and emotional design, the brand has sold more than 2500 pieces nationwide, with the Flora flower earrings emerging as a customer favorite.
A Story of Reinvention and Creative Purpose
Brittany’s path began in the tech world, but her lifelong love of color, texture, and nature eventually drew her into a more expressive and intuitive form of work. Her shift into jewelry design became its own new year moment. A conscious choice to follow creativity, reclaim joy, and reshape her identity through art.
The Flora earrings were among her earliest designs and continue to represent the heart of The Dappled Wood. Their sculptural petals and bold palettes reflect her belief that color can shift mood and intention in an instant.
“Color can transform how you feel,” Brittany says. “The Flora earrings are designed to help people feel brighter, more grounded, or more confident, depending on the colors they choose.”
Color Theory and the Practice of Intentional Adornment
Brittany draws from color theory and the principles of dopamine dressing, crafting earrings that serve as emotional anchors for the wearer. Flora blooms in rich jewel tones encourage strength for the year ahead. Soft pastel Floras offer calm and clarity. Bright blooms bring energy for those seeking joy and playfulness.
“Intentional adornment is powerful,” Brittany explains. “Choosing a piece that reflects your goals or your identity can change how you show up in the world.”
Many customers select Flora earrings at the start of the year as a small daily ritual that reinforces personal intention. A chosen color becomes a reminder of who they are becoming.
Nature-Inspired Design for Personal Identity
The Flora Collection showcases Brittany’s signature nature-inspired approach. Each petal is shaped to feel organic and alive, offering a sense of movement and connection to the natural world. The earrings are featherlight, making bold self-expression accessible without discomfort.
Customers see Flora designs not only as accessories but as extensions of identity. They choose colors that help them step into the new year feeling centered, expressive, and ready to grow.
The Dappled Wood Named Best Statement Earrings in Baltimore for 2025
The Dappled Wood has been recognized with the prestigious “Best Statement Earrings in Baltimore” award for 2025, a testament to their exceptional blend of creativity, quality, and innovation. Known for their nature-inspired, color-rich earrings like the popular Flora collection, The Dappled Wood stands out for its unique approach to emotional design and intentional adornment. Founded by Brittany Arnett, woman of color artist, the brand combines artistic expression with personal empowerment, offering bold yet lightweight pieces that resonate with wearers on a deep, emotional level.
A Growing Creative Community
Since launching, The Dappled Wood has built a loyal collector community, especially within Maryland’s creative scene. Buyers often meet Brittany at markets, where they share stories about how wearing Flora earrings has supported confidence at work, creativity in daily life, or intention setting for the new year.
Her story and perspective have been featured by AP News, reflecting the brand’s expanding national reach, along with coverage from regional publications such as VoyageBaltimore, affirming her influence within Maryland’s creative community.
Looking Ahead
As the new year unfolds, Brittany plans to introduce new Flora color stories and additional nature-inspired designs that continue exploring the relationship between creativity and emotional intention. Drawing from her ever-evolving understanding of color, texture, and emotional well-being, she hopes to create pieces that reflect the personal growth and transformation each wearer experiences. Her goal is simple: Create jewelry that helps people feel more like themselves in every season of life, empowering them to embrace their authentic selves with confidence, clarity, and intention. Each design will continue to be a reminder of the beauty and strength found in embracing both individuality and connection to the natural world.
To explore the Flora Collection or connect with the brand, visit The Dappled Wood online or follow on Instagram and Facebook.
