Today’s Interview features the wonderful jewelry of Mija Jewelry. The collection is crafted from the finest quality gold, silver, gemstones, and pearls. The pieces are cast from original hand-carved wax sculptures and the gemstones are individually set by hand. MIJA is proud to bring you a line of timeless, delicate, handcrafted jewelry for babies, children, and women…
Hope you enjoy the behind the scenes….
What made you start this business – the major turning point?
The idea for the company came about when I was in London in 2006 visiting my older sister and her family. I had graduated from UCLA a year earlier with a bachelors in communication studies and had planned to follow in my older sister’s footsteps by working in film production (she runs/co-owns a large commercial production company in London). While I have always been a creative person, I had spent the better part of high school and college ignoring my creative passions and focusing on academics and grades. During the year after I graduated, I began to take on the hobby of jewelry making. So, when I went to London and saw my beautiful nieces, I was inspired to make them something I knew would make them feel like a princess. My sister had a broken pearl necklace. I took two pearls from it and made two little gold chain bracelets, each with a single pearl. My nieces and my sister immediately loved them. The girls slept with them and bathed with them and would not take them off. My sister had told me that she had looked everywhere (London, LA, NY) for jewelry for her little girls and she could not find anything worthwhile. All she could find was either solid gold and super expensive or extremely garish and cheesy. My sister was convinced that there was a huge demand for sweet, simple jewelry for girls that was made of precious metals, pearls & gemstones, but that did not cost a fortune. She convinced me that I should start a line of jewelry for little girls. So, the collection started as strictly a children’s line and has evolved into women’s as well. Now the women’s collection has taken off and I have also started designing a bridal collection (inspired by my own desires to have beautiful jewelry for my wedding…I’m newly engaged). The bridal collection was also inspired by so many women buying our jewelry (especially our earrings) for their weddings.
What inspires you?
I find my inspiration from everywhere! One of the pieces I am most excited about, which will be unveiled in our new spring/summer collection, was inspired by a tattoo on the back of a girl sitting at the bar in Sushi Ko in Glover Park! Somehow, that tattoo stuck in my head and ended up turning into a necklace design!
What is the best part about your job?
One of the best parts is that I am finally able to nurture my creative side. After ignoring it for so long during school, it is so great to be able to finally explore my artistic talents again. I also LOVE seeing people who are thrilled after buying a piece of jewelry that I designed. Seeing that smile on their faces is wonderful.
Whats the process?
I design the jewelry and it is all made overseas. It is actually quite an interesting process: It of course begins with an idea for a design (inspired from all sorts of things which I will get into later). I then draw and sketch the design using pencil and paper. I must specify every millimeter of the design: the exact dimensions of each part and what size gemstones or pearls are to be used, etc. We then go about gathering all the materials for the piece (chain, gemstones, etc). We buy gemstones from the US, India, Thailand, China, etc and then buy our chain and clasps from Italy. All the pieces are then gathered and shipped to China where they are all skillfully put together. Our metalsmiths usually work with gold and diamonds, so needless to say, they are extremely meticulous and careful with their work since they usually are working with such expensive materials. Our jewelry is actually all cast in sterling silver. Some pieces are also plated in 18k gold and then the precious & semi-precious gemstones and pearls are all hand-set.
Tell us a little about yourself, to get to know you more (where are you from …etc)
I grew up in the Bay Area in California in a little town called Orinda (right next to Berkeley). I went to college at UCLA and lived in both LA and San Francisco after I graduated. I knew that if I didn’t leave California in my early 20’s, then I would never leave and explore another part of the country. So, I moved to NY when I was starting my business. I don’t think I realized how difficult it is to start a business in NY (the cost of living and the cost of space is so extremely high!) At the time I was also dating someone who was living in DC. So, I would go back and forth between NY and DC and finally ended up settling in DC (with the man who is now my fiance). He too started his own company a few years ago (www.smathersandbranson.com) and I was blessed to be able to learn from him and his business partner about how to run a business. I am currently running the office, traveling for the business, and designing several new collections (which will launch in a few months)!
Hi, my name is Kelly and I’m addicted to HGTV (Canada) and all its renovating, decorating shows. What started this addiction? you ask… two words. Sarah Richardson. My ultimate bestest favorite designer of all times. It started with Design Inc, then moved on to Sarah’s house season 1 and 2, the Christmas special and then Sarah’s Cottage. Now, I thought I could feed my addiction with plain old repeats… but NO. HGTV has announced that there will be a Sarah’s House #3. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
For those of yous not familiar with the show… this is how it works. Sarah purchases a house, guts it out entirely and spends ridiculous amounts of money to make it fab. Even though 95% can’t afford what she designs and elements she puts in her projects, she has amazing ideas, and the inspiration is over flowing. If I won a whole chunk of money, I would pay Sarah to design my office… and pay her to be my friend
Here are some images from Season 2, for those who haven’t seen it.
Now, for season 3 of the majority tv hit, she’s taking on a new project, an old Ontario farm property. The press release promises that Sarah and her sidekick Tommy will scour “country flea markets, search salvage shops, and visit their own special sources.” I love it when they go to flea markets. They always seem to find the amazing elements and transform them into something even more spectacular.
Looking forward to see the progress. It’s going to be amazing. (like always) For you excited readers out there (surely I’m not the only one in love with Sarah) here is the episode list for season 3. As for you Americans… I am not quite sure if it will make it’s way to your tv screens just yet. (Actually I think they just started to air season 1)
March 9, 2010 – Ep. 28 Mudroom and Entry
March 16, 2010 – Ep. 29 Main Bedrooms
March 23, 2010 – Ep. 30 Main Bathroom
March 30, 2010 – Ep. 31 Kitchen
April 6, 2010 – Ep. 32 Dining Room
April 13, 2010 – Ep. 33 Living Room
April 20, 2010 – Ep. 34 Kids’ Bedrooms
April 27, 2010 – Ep. 35 Family Bathroom
May 4, 2010 – Ep. 36 Master Bedroom
May 11, 2010 – Ep. 37 Exterior/Finale
I am very excited to tell you that spring has arrived at Edmoure Ralph. They recently launched their Spring 2010 collection, and it’s prettier than ever. They expanded on their original collection by introducing new weaving techniques and lots of color with semi-precious stones.
Here are a few of my favorites. Just look at them, definitely must haves in your closet this season.
Super excited because tonight, I am going to see Zumanity of Cirque du Soleil. Yup, I’m going to be a voyeur tonight, and plunge in the sexiness of Cirque.
I can’t help but be proud or Cirque du Soleil, since it all started a little over 20 years ago, here in Montreal. My first cirque show was when I was about 10, and I instantly fell in love. Now, being in Vegas and seeing Cirque, seems like an awesome awesome accomplishment (on their part)
Don’t you just love giveaways? Even more-so when a vendor who previously offered a piece as a giveaway comes back to offer you more goodies. Thanks to Tina of Sweet B Paper, she offered to give one lucky winner a beautiful blush embellished ruffled clutch. Perfect for a wedding, or special event… look at it… it’s gorgeous! (the winner will be able to choose the embellishment since the one in the image is not available)
How to Enter
Visit Sweet B Paper Etsy Shop and comment below telling me you absolute favorite piece in her store. Beware, you might have a hard time just naming one.
To up your chances to win, you have 5 more ways to enter the contest & win (please make sure to leave separate comments, otherwise you’re entries won’t count and you will miss out):
Tweet the following: I just entered to win the awesome giveaway courtesy of http://tinarie21.etsy.com/ Check it out here: http://glamourthis.com (via @blushink)
Then comment (a separate comment) when you’ve tweeted.
Blog about this giveaway and comment with the link.
Share the giveaway on facebook & let me know you did in a comment.
A winner will be picked at random and will be announced on Friday March 12th 2009. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE !!! Contest ends Thursday March 11th 2010 at 8 PM (EST).
Last August, I started offering blog designs in exchange for donations to fund my upcoming Vegas trip. The demand was actually a gazillion times higher than what I expected (thank you everyone for the support)
So operation Pimpin’ blogs for Vegas is officially accomplished… and I am leaving TOMORROW, for my long awaited Las Vegas trip. Whoo hoooo. It’s gonna be my first time and can’t I tell you how excited I am! Like… seriously!
Here are a few blogs I designed along the way:
For those of you wondering, I unfortunately don’t offer blog designs in exchange of donations… but I am working on a template shop and once that will be launched, I will offer custom blog designs too.
Last week was the official ultrasound with the gender reveal. When I called to make the appointment, I decided to go to the hospital (public) since it was free… but because I wanted my mom and step-mom to be there too… I soon abandoned the idea because there was no way in hell they would like 2 people let alone 4 peek at the ultrasound. I decided to cancel and call a private clinic, to switch my appointment. (Since I’m covered with my private insurance, it wasn’t gonna cost me much) The girl on the phone told me the price of the ultrasound was 220$. I figured that was the “usual” price for an ultrasound and didn’t ask any questions… but when we got there… to our surprise we saw baby in 3D /4D which originally we said we wouldn’t spend the money on… But glad we did, because it was worth every penny.
Last week, I put a poll up and made you guess the sex of the baby. Majority of you’s said Boy. Well, you are RIGHT my friends! We saw his weewee. Here are some pictures (but baby boy was hiding away) I know it’s not super clear, but if you open the image in a new window, it will be much bigger. It’s crazy how the 3D really gives you details.
Since I’ve been lacking in the baby updates, I thought I could start now (a little over mid-way) Hopefully that doesn’t make me a bad mommy to be.
CURRENTLY AT: 22 weeks
BABY SIZE: Papaya (10.5 to 11.5 inches, 12.7 to 20.8 oz)
BABY GENDER: Boy
CURRENTLY LIKING THESE NAMES: Miles, Liam, Mavrick, Ryan, Tristan…
MY WEIGHT: As of now, I have gained a total of 10 lbs. Isn’t that amazing? I am currently at 195 lbs. (still below my heaviest non-preggo weight (which was in august 2007) ) Unfortunately by the end of my pregnancy I will be well over 200 lbs…eeek but it’s okay, I think a baby is a good enough reward for the weight gain.
SYMPTOMS: Apart from being tired first trimester you can say None. Seriously. and I am beyond excited. No morning sickness, no weird cravings, no weight gain. Like I said, AMAZING! Only thing is a few stretch marks under my boobies…. but that happened in the first month, and the damage was done already.I take baths…. ALL THE TIME, is that considered a symptom?
MOVEMENTS: All the time. The first time we actually felt him move (both the hubs and I) was at 18weeks in. It was amazing that we could feel baby together. Since then… he hasn’t stopped one bit. He’s a kicker alright. I guess that means I’ll be a soccer mom.
CRAVINGS: Nothing out of the ordinary… just something that isn’t available during winter. Slushies and Freezies (and no popscicles or icecream don’t do the trick) its that ice mixed with juice that I love.
MATERNITY CLOTHES: LOVE EM. That is all.
WHAT I MISS: Eating Sushi and occasionally a baileys coffee, oh and also a swiss cheese and ham sandwich… oh well. No cold cuts for me.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO: Holding baby for the first time, and breast feeding. I really really really really hope I can breastfeed. I think its one of the most wonderful things a mommy can offer her baby (besides love)
CURRENTLY READING: Nothing! Does that make me a horrible person? I mean, I have my iPhone apps that tell me what stage the baby is at, and whats happening to my body… but that’s about it. I am not nervous, or feel like I need to be overally educated on the subject. Am I normal?
RANDOM THINGS: I love the my dad was like “Oh he looks like me when I was a baby”… I was like. Dad! there’s no way you can tell. He’s the size of a banana. I also love when people touch my tummy… that’s something I really don’t mind, and I know the more my bump goes the more it will happen.
I’m sure you all know Ami of Elizabeth Anne Designs… right? Well, if she wasn’t busy enough, she decided to start a new blogging venture called Edit and Post… and I am beyond excited for her. This new blog will focus on the whole business aspect of blogging as well as tips for those of you who aren’t familiar with all the technical aspect of a blog.
Edit and Post will encourage you to think more closely about your blog, about your business, and about your goals. I am excited to share the blogging and Wordpress knowledge that I have gathered through the existence of Elizabeth Anne Designs, and while I may chat about weddings on EAD, my education and experience is in finance and accounting so I will be providing plenty of general business suggestions and tips.
Now you definitely don’t want to miss out on the awesome information that will be found on Edit and Post, be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed. Wishing you all the best Ami and lots of success Happy Blogging, and I’ll be sure to stop by.
Custom face what? Ya, I know… sound weird, but I am not talking about the stamps that go on your mail, but rather handmade stamps you use with an ink pad. Look at this amazing artist talent. Transforms a picture into a custom face(s) stamps.
Wouldn’t this be amazing for save-the-dates or actually wedding invitations? I’m just saying. I think it’s pretty neat!
I don’t know about you, but I can’t WAIT to see Tim Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland. I’ve always been a fan of Tim Burton and even more a fan of Johnny Depp. I think the twist to the story will make this an awesome movie, filled with amazing costumes and decor.
The story: 19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.
Movie will hit theatres this Friday March 5th.
I think I will go the extra mile and see the 3D version. How about you?
When we purchased our house back in September, I was super excited that I would have my own Blush!nk office. I wanted to set it up so that maybe one day I could receive clients at home… well because, we all want to be able to have our own company and live off it (right?). I had big plans for my office… but that’s pretty much it. 5 months later, still nothing is done (well apart a turquoise painted room, and a white desk – from Ikea )
Now that I am pregnant, I really want to complete my office before the little one shows up. Problem… I have no clue how to set it up. Le Sigh.
Here are the colors of my website + blog and stationery
I wanted to print out my blog pattern as a wall paper to put on 1 wall… but dunno where I can get that done for cheap. I wanted to print my logo on a big canvas and frame it (in a white frame) so that it would pop against the turquoise wall… that hasn’t been done. And this doesn’t even include the countless boxes that are lying around on my office floor. (I would take a picture but… I don’t think you want to see it)
Here is some office inspiration to give you an idea of what I like :
Wall paper idea, I was talking about.
Love the shelving and color coordinated storage
Love the white elements against the sage green walls
Love the collage of vintage elements, frames and typography as wall decor
Now, to make things a little more complicated… I have a 6 foot Crystal tree and a vintage retro (1970s) sewing machine integrated in a desk in my office. I wanted to paint my sewing machine desk (in white) and cover the chair with fabric that I purchased for cheap. (but that’s not done either)
What I do have :
Work Desk (White)
Black Filing Cabinet
Gray Desk Chair
1 gray painted bookshelf
Curtains
Large 23 x 40 White Frame (to frame logo)
What I need:
White Wall Shelves + White Bookshelf
Desk Storage
Patterned Wallpaper
Printed logo on Canvas
2 chairs (to put in front of my desk – for future clients)
Wall Decoration
Any tips on how I can get this project rolling? I think the overwhelming of it all is throwing me back. But I want this done before baby comes. Egh. If you have a home office… did it take you forever to get it done?
Petit Plat (aka small plates) is the home of Stéphanie Kilgast, talented artist who has a passion for food miniatures. Making these mini’s since 2007, Stéphanie has had much success and this worldwide. I mean, look at some of these pieces and you’ll understand why.
Now small can these over the top real looking miniatures be… really really tiny. Just look at the next picture. A box of macaroons… mmm, well the next picture actually shows how small the box really is. Amazing isn’t it?
The amount of details that goes into making these little pieces is beyond amazing. That’s talent my friends, combined with alot of patience.
Now she doesn’t just make miniatures, but jewelry (with miniatures) as well. From earrings, to pendants and even brooches. Check out this french artist Etsy Shop. If you want to say updated on the latest items, add her blog to your google reader. She sometimes even posts DIY is you want to attempt the mini in polymer clay
If , like me you like décor magazine, then there’s a huge possibility that you’ve seen the Kohler advertisements. The concept, and the overall design is simply stunning. Heck, makes me want to buy everything Kohler.
What makes a good advertisement? When after days, weeks, or month you remember that specific ad, therefore the brand attached to it. Kohler, my friends did just that. Like I said, “Kohler, you do it right!”
Keep the ads coming, because they are amazing. Great work, designers, artistic directors, photographers.
This week, I will be at 21 weeks… Exciting isn’t it? I’m actually more than half way there and it also means that the ultrasound is right around the corner. This Wednesday we will know for sure whether we are having a girl or a boy. I have to say, I am very excited… even though I originally didn’t want to know. But just knowing, will make things alot easier. (say in decorating the room ) I invited my mommy and stepmom to the ultrasound to learn the news at the same time as us.
When I did my first ultrasound, at 13 weeks, the doctor asked us if we wanted to know the sex of the baby. When we said yes, he told us that 85% it was a “blank”. Since it was still early in the pregnancy the doctor specifically told us to wait until the next ultrasound. (aka the one coming up) so that’s exactly what we did.
“What do you think it is Kelly?” People ask me… I have no freaken clue. All these things they say how you’re suppose to have a feeling, a maternal instinct on the gender of the child. Well that aint my case. Sure, I can say “a girl” because I always thought my first child would be a girl. But that is based merely on what I would want and not what I am feeling. Anyhow… do you really feel what your baby is before hand? All I know I have this little being growing inside me.
So what do you think… is baby part of team blue or team pink?
I admit, I’m difficult when it comes to looking at baby bedding. I have all these rules, that generally expecting moms don’t…. and I’m sure if I were to list them, you would all look at me weird, or be like “really?!?” I mentioned last week that the room was painted before we knew we were expecting, and that 90% of the room design/decor would be based on the bedding we would choose.
I am really lucky, because the hubs tends to trust me with all the house decoration, and of course he gives his opinion, but knows that in the end what I come up with, looks good and/or better than what he thought. So ask him what he would like to have as room decor… he’s going to say animals, butterflies, planes… etc…. exactly the opposite of what I want. But try and find baby bedding without those elements. Not the easiest task.
I want modern, a mixture of textures and patterns… and IF and I mean IF there happens to be anything in the list above, it better be modern and not too in your face.
Here are a couple of bedding inspiration… I thought I would share with those who like me… don’t like the classic stuff.
Do you have a distinct taste when it comes to baby decor? Do you know of any awesome modern bedding sites that are must sees? I’m still trying to find a way to incorporate some typography elements… so maybe next time around, I look at nursery decor inspiration and maybe then, I might find the bedding to match the decor. Ya, okay who am I kidding. It’s not that simple! But I wish!
Thanks to Tina of 
Here are some pictures (but baby boy was hiding away) I know it’s not super clear, but if you open the image in a new window, it will be much bigger. It’s crazy how the 3D really gives you details.
