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.
Do you have an online shop?
Yes!! www.mijajewelry.com
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)!
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No thank you Michelle, for sharing your beautiful talent with Glamour This! Be sure to check out the website for more lovelies.
If you would like to be featured in the Interview Series, simply give me a shout out via the contact page.
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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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.
Samuel Necklace - Brass and Pink Jade Necklace.
Christian Necklace, Brass mixed with quarts, rhinestone and pearl. A Messy Must-Have!
Check out their website for more of these lovelies. Bracelets, necklaces and earrings… all unique and handmade.
{ Images via: Edmoure Ralph }
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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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.
Zumanity
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)
What’s your favorite Cirque show?
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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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
{ Images : Petit Plat }
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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Last week I featured M.A.Cs Spring Color Forecast #1 Pink and #2 Coral. I mentionned that parts 3 and 4 were to come shortly… well now is the time.
Pick a mood, decide on a demeanour, then mix it up for a fervent flash of authentic emotion! Find your forecast, pursue your passion with four vivid, sensual colour ways designed to capture the season in M·A·C style.
If it’s wicked, noble, naughty, it’s PLUM.
If it’s precious, excessive, golden, it’s AMBER.
Out of the 4 colors, I’m have to admit I am mostly Pink and Plum. I mean, I love all colors… but I tend to be attracted to those colors first. What color is more you?
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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I am loving M.A.C cosmetics spring color forecast. I received Parts 1 and 2 and these colors are very true to my style. Though I have to admit PINK is always my way to go… the other colors are as awesome. So their motto is simple : “Pick a mood, decide on a demeanour, then mix it up for a fervent flash of authentic emotion! Find your forecast, pursue your passion with four vivid, sensual colour ways designed to capture the season in M·A·C style.”
If it giggles, tickles, teases, it’s PINK.
If it’s tawny, sensuous, glowing, it’s CORAL.
Check out their site for cute videos for each forecast ( Pink & Coral )
and stay tuned for #3 and #4
oh and for you Canadians out there : FREE STANDARD SHIPPING WITH ANY PURCHASE. Simply use code PINK. Ends Sunday, February 7th on orders shipped to Canadian Addresses only.
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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I’m a fan of beauty products and cosmetics… so when the ladies behind JAC beauty accepted to take part in the interview series, I was super excited.
How did you come up with the name?
Back in California, I was doing wedding hair & makeup on the side with my cousin Jean. Since we love MAC makeup so much, we joked about naming ourselves JAC and copying their logo. (JAC meaning Jean and Carol) However, when we became “serious”, we decided that we really liked the sound of JAC Beauty. Luckily when I moved to New York and found my business partner, Jina, the name JAC Beauty still worked! I loved the simplicity of it and I wanted to make sure that it would be a name that I would never get sick of.
What made you start this business – the major turning point?
Honestly, it was due to the bad economy! When I moved to New York, I could not find a job for the life of me. I knew that I wanted to stay within the arts, but all I could find were free internships. I decided to take a huge risk and pursue the business full time with my business partner Jina. It worked out really well because everyone within the industry was willing to negotiate and collaborate with each other. Everyone was going through rough patches and was eager to work together!
What inspires you?
I love hearing people say that JAC Beauty is exactly what they’ve been looking for! Although we do all ethnicities, there was a huge need for Asian American hair and makeup artists. I was really happy to hear clients say that they felt safe in my hands because we specifically say that we understand the needs of Asian American features.
What is the best part about your job?
Definitely meeting new people. I love seeing the work of all these talented photographers and stylists that are yet to be discovered by “the world.” I also love befriending brides and bridesmaids. Sometimes with certain clients that I bond with, when we’re about to leave, we just stare at each other and say “you know, we should really do coffee sometime!” A lot of them end up being my Facebook friends!
What is your best beauty tip?
Don’t ever compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone has different ideas and opinions of what “beauty” is and how it can be done. The most beautiful thing about a woman is her heart and her “essence” and that can’t be bought with creams or scented with perfumes. On another note, just moisturize! Your entire body. All the time.
Tell us a little about yourself, to get to know you more
Born and raised in California, I moved to New York with my husband after a year of marriage. I fell in love with the wedding industry while planning my own wedding, and then somehow fell into the wedding hair & makeup world. I never took classes or have been professionally trained and have no desire to do so! I simply enjoy hair & makeup for what it is. I know there are people better and worse than me, and that’s ok.
I love all of the arts: music, photography, dance, theater and performance art. I love cats, (although I’m deathly allergic to them) am obsessed with “my” TV shows, (30 Rock!) and have a serious relationship with my laptop. Aside from being married to my husband, I think that having real, genuine girlfriends is the greatest gift a girl can find.
Thank you ladies for participating in my interviews series. I hope readers will understand a little more what goes on behind the scenes. I wish you all the very best. 
Don’t forget to check out their site for lots of great tips, before and after shots and the latest trends in the cosmetics world. If you would like to be featured in the Interview Series, simply give me a shout out via the contact page.
{ Photo credits: ( in order of appearance) }
1 – Photographer is Yoni Goldberg
2- photocreds” Photographer, Yoni Goldberg
3- Photographer Randy Pace
4- Photographer Frank Wang
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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I don’t know if you’ve seen this boudoir photoshoot done by the ladies of SimplyBloom Photography, but its beyond gorgeous. The vintage feel to the shoot makes me sooo happy, and wanting me to do a shoot like that… ya ok Kelly.. dream on. But I figured, since its paired with white feathers which reminded me of snow, I thought this was a pretty unusual post for a December 24th don’t you think?
The girl behind the shoot is Rachel… and might I add she is drop dead gorgeous. She should be really proud of these photos and I’m sure the hubby loved them too.
If you don’t know the girls behind SimplyBloom Photography go check out their site, you will be sooooo happy you did. They are really really really talented. Did I say really???
To see more of this beautiful shoot, check out the original post
Happy Holidays everyone!
{source: SimplyBloom Photography}
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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I’m a devoted fan to M·A·C cosmetics, and whenever I see an email from them, I’m oh-so excited to see whats the next big trend and not to mention the pretty pretty images. Yesterday, M·A·C declared that they love lace, and I … love lace and M·A·C … how perfect
Check out their new collection here.
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one excited about M·A·C news and updates. And if I am… well I’m an addict and I’m proud to say it 
What’s your favorite M·A·C item? I’m a sucker for their Studio Fix anything and their fake lashes and eye shadows. I so need to take a pic of my cosmetic case. You wouldn’t believe it
Here’s a preview of just a few items in my case :
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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If you are a jewlery fan, you have seen nothing yet. A good friend of mine started a jewelry company with a friend and they recently launched their website and online shop. The company is called Edmoure Ralph and honestly their pieces are stunning. Just look at these beautiful pictures.
Chic, vintage-inspired, stylish and haut de gamme pieces perfect for everyday or if you want to add that extra bling to an outfit. Perfectly said “Whether worn alone or layered, the versatility of Edmoure Ralph reminds us that getting dressed can be fun.” – Edmoure Ralph
I am beyond excited to tell you that we will be hosting a giveaway next week courtesy of Edmoure Ralph. Until then be sure to check their website, follow them on twitter and become a fan of their Facebook page.
Best of luck to the ladies behind Edmoure Ralph!!!
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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I had too… in honor of New Moon and my love for the Twilight series…
Weheartit / DeviantArt
Leave a comment by finishing the sentence “Will you…”
Could be on what the image represents to you. What emotion evokes from the image featured.
Have fun with it.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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Simply Stilettos
I’m lovers with white. But recently I’ven been having an affair with black…
But a threesome… now thats awesome!
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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When I was planning my own wedding, I loved seeing inspiration boards. I couldn’t get enough and I was making myself some as well. It really gave an overall feel of what type of wedding I was going for, and it’s a great starting point to any party planning.
What I loved even more was seeing real wedding inspiration boards and comparing the original ideas with what the wedding actually turned out to look like. It’s fun to see if the theme/ideas stayed the same and also to see if the wedding turned out better than the inspiration board itself!
I made my own before and after boards. (click to enlarge):
Original Inspiration Board
(1940s, Vintage, Glamour Theme)
Real Wedding Inspiration Board
(1940s Vintage Glam Movie Theme)
Our wedding theme changed a little in the planning process. When I first created my inspiration board, I was going for my pinks, golds, champagne colors and more a vintage modern approach. Then, it shifted to a 1940s brown and ivory movie vintage theme. Honestly I really like how our wedding came out, and if I were to do it again, it would be exactly the same.
I have to confess that I was sort of competing with my own inspiration board. I wanted my wedding to be better than what I had envisioned. I know… isn’t it weird? What do you think, is our real wedding board better than the original?
Did you make a real wedding board as well? If so, I would love to feature them on Glamour This! so email me : deluca.kelly @ gmail dot com your original inspiration, the real wedding inspiration board and a little background on your wedding.
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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Cake toppers isn’t something I’ve really blogged about. I’ve talked about cakes many times but haven’t paid much attention to its toppers… and I apologize. They are as important as the cake itself, so today I was to introduce you Chateau de Gâteau a unique cake topper company.
Image courtesy of : Chateau de Gâteau
Alison Dawson, owner and creator of CDG was nice enough to give me a little information about herself.
I’m originally from Vancouver, and have lived in Brussels Belgium, and currently reside in Toronto. Chapeau de Gateau seemed very fun name and appropriate for this product: the top of the cake! I’d love to develop the line further emphasizing ribbon in each creation.
Image courtesy of : Chateau de Gâteau
You can find one of her super cute orange cake toppers on the well know Matthew Mead ‘s website. Plus, she is extending her line and working on place card holders and on an accessory line of ribbon brooches for the bridal party called C’est Joli (that’s pretty)
For additional informaiton visit her website. I have a feeling this is just the start of the success of Chateau de Gâteau. Hats to you Alison!!!
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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Your wedding hairstyle can be the finish touch to your wedding attire. Whether or not you are opting for a veil or not, you have to treat your hairstyle as if you would your wedding dress… with lots of consideration. Low style buns are very popular, because they can be very glamorous and at the same time not too overpowering.
Here are some examples of hairstyles which I think really demonstrates the various possibility for low style buns hairstyles. Whether you decide to go modern or vintage, the overall look will be stunning and you will be the center of the attention on your wedding day.
Sources: 5 : Instyleweddings.com – 6, 8: Brides.com - 7: unknown
If you want to add something more, hair embellishments come in all shapes, sizes and colors. You can chooses feathers, flowers or even crystal hair pins to make your hair even more WOW than it already is.
Source: 9, 10, 11, 12 : People.com
Posted by: Kelly of Glamour This!
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