1) Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
When I was about 9 years old, I used to play with my mom's hippie turquoise jewelry. I started changing some of those pieces, adding something or shortening them.
2) How would you describe the style of your jewelry?
Versatile, Delicate yet Bold, Bohemiam-chic. I grew up in Berkeley, CA, so there is a lot of influence from a very relaxed and hippie style. Later on, I moved to Manhattan where I have been for the past 8 years. New York is where I started my business, so obviously my designs have been inspired by city style.
3) What inspires your jewelry designs?
Everything...I've traveled a lot and many times the colors of my vacation show up in my jewelry. I went to Santorini, Greece and the next season I used a lot of dark appatite, which is the color of the Mediterranean Sea. I am also inspired by what I want to wear. Many times I design a piece of jewelry for myself to wear with an outfit and end up putting it in my line.
4) You are in a lot of store. Do you do your won PR/marketing? If so, how much time each week do you devote to this?
I have been very lucky when it comes to sales and PR. A traveling sales rep contacted me after seeing my jewelry in a store in Berkeley. She has been repping me for about a year now. Before that I did it all myself, and hated selling my own designs. I would get sweaty palm every time I had to walk into a store. A PR company also contacted me after seeing my line and asked to represent my line. I had already received some press on my own, but this company really helps get my jewelry into the fashion magazines.
5) What has been your proudest moment since starting your business?
Being in the New York Times-Sunday Styles section and getting into Henri Bendels the same week.
6) What has been your most difficult moment since starting your business?
Quitting my full-time job and not having any money. There was a very slow time in the business when I was worried I would not be able to make it.
7) What type of business/sales/marketing advice would you give to others?
I have no business sense at all. I never know how much money I am making until the end of the year when I give all the paperwork to my accountant. It's very difficult to do all aspects of the business and still have time to design. My advice would be to hire someone you trust to handle all the aspects of the business that do not require the designer's attention.
8) What type of creative advice would you give to others?
Be original!
I want to thank Maya for sharing with us. You can see more of her jewelry designs and find out where she sells them on her web site.
