Rock Hard Design House
Custom Photography + Web Design by Leslie Brown
There are those times when everything clicks…
(no pun intended) in the situation that I’m shooting. That happened here - at Rock Hard Design House. And yes, these people Rock…. hard! The vibe here is inviting, and it totally wraps around you. Because there is story here… deep loss, entwined with lasting legacy. And the story is felt when you walk in.
First steps inside this storefront reveal a distinctive, elegant setting that embodies a beehive of creativity and artistry.
I met Carla Hard, owner of Rock Hard Design House (RHDH), through introductions by Mitch Roberts, publisher of Coastal Lifestyle magazine. The moment I entered her business, I knew it was unique, and felt a keen curiosity to know the full story.
It’s evident that Carla knows what she loves, and works tirelessly to create an environment that fosters beauty, individuality, and artistic design. Yet it’s the history of RHDH that provides the foundation to where Rock Hard has evolved to, today
The original owner of (formerly) Rock Hard Jewelry was the late Gregory “Rocky” Hard.
Rocky has a world renown reputation in jewelry design.
He and his wife, Carla, traveled the world together. The artist in Rocky sculpted creations using precious metals and gems - and his inspiration often came from his travels. His protege, Jeff Spencer (JDavid Designs), studied under Rocky’s eye for detail, and carries on many of the original works that originated with Rocky. Although Rocky passed away 3 years ago, his influence lives on in the continued re-design and journey of RHDH.
It’s a new era for Carla, Jeff, Anna. and the Rock Hard family. They foster a creative energy in the artisans who are a part of their community “beehive’ — they promote (and sell) great and meaningful art in the city of Pensacola, in the gulf coast region, and worldwide. Browsing through the spacious gallery is worth taking time to peruse the work of several local and international designers of fine apparel, jewelry, and art on display. Of course, it can be yours, if you feel it calling you. This gallery will definitely have pieces that call your name, and make you feel something as a result.
The legacy and vision of Rocky Hard lives on. His exuberance for art is felt in each crafted and curated design.
