Meet Majesta of MajestaM!

Majesta in her Workshop

Samples of MajestaM Projects

My Own Rose Quartz Pendant from Majesta's Class

I have seen the MajestaM booth at nearly every trade show I have attended, but recently I took a cabochon class from Majesta herself and had the most lovely experience as she patiently showed me the step-by-step process, all the while cuddling and rocking her baby twins, taking care of her father-in-law who recently took a nasty fall and watching over her two older children! Talk about SUPER WOMAN! Through the minor chaos, Majesta maintained such a sense of joy and serenity that I left feeling I had met a friend. It turns out that she is a second generation jeweler. Here's what she had to say:

My mother grew up on a farm deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky on the outskirts of a town called Hindman. She was influenced by the arts and crafts of the Mountain folk. She went on to Rice University and studied English and History. After meeting my father who was in the Air Force, after WWII they were stationed in Japan for three years. My mother was fascinated by the history of the Japanese Pearl. Being from a small farm in Kentucky, Japan was a new world that made her realize her passion for jewelry design using the pearl as her main focus. My mother passed away at the age of 80 I spent the last years of her life taking care of her. I felt it to be my passion to carry on the love my mother had of jewelry design.

How would you describe your personal creative style and where do you find inspiration for your designs?

My personal style is based on aesthetics and elegance. I am not an abstract person; therefore, abstract is not a style that I pursue. I enjoy classic, beautiful lines. When I create a wrap for a stone or a cabochon. I am simply creating an elegant frame to a piece of nature's art.

I draw inspiration from the materials that I am working with; whether it be chain, filigree findings or the metal I choose. Then I find the proper beads or stones that will be complimented by these materials.

Tell us about forming Majesta M? How did the company start and what is it's focus?

Majesta M started as a design studio. I was designing and selling mostly to boutiques across the US. I was designing a collection around gunmetal chain and findings. After a few months of using ghastly chemicals to give us the gunmetal results, my husband, Jeff and I decided to have the chain and findings electroplated. Well, this forced us into having 100,000 pieces of each component done at a time. So we decided to have it done along with thousands of feet of chain. I was unable to locate gunmetal products so we launched the gunmetal chain and components end of the business. That line became an overnight success. We listened to our customers wants and did whatever it took to fulfill that need. Later, sterling silver, gold filled, copper, brass, tools, findings and such followed. Demonstrating how to use our products at trade shows lead to a demand for my teaching our customers.

Our focus.

A. Give 100% customer service and treat our customers as a growing family.
B. Know our products inside and out.
C. Educate our customers
D. Introduce the latest products and demonstrate them to all willing to listen.

The talk of the trade is the huge rising price of silver. How do you think it will affect the industry?

The rise of silver is a huge concern for us, as is the price of gold. We believe the price will come back down after the end of the year when confidence in a new president takes over. If that person makes improving our economy a priority, you will see a steady drop in gold and silver.

What do you see as the trend in jewelry design?

The trend throughout this year will be a major swing towards copper, gunmetal, silver and gold plate, as well as other alternative metals during this period of such high prices for silver and gold.

You run your company, design jewelry and teach classes--what is most enjoyable for you?

If I had to pick one, teaching would probably be the most fulfilling. My students come back again and again. This enables me to create a bond and friendship with them. I enjoy seeing them explore their creative side. A lot of my students have careers that don't allow them to explore their creative side. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. A family business is about building a relationship with your customer base.

What advice do you have for fledgling jewelry designers?

My advice for all up and coming jewelry designers is to find a supplier that you trust; someone that backs their products 100%. Don't sacrifice quality for rock bottom pricing. Go the highest end you can afford. You will never be able to compete with the Walmarts and Cookie Lee imported junk jewelry, so always use better materials than they do and make that your selling point.

The folks at MajestaM seem to me to reflect, in many ways, the best traits of our business; honest, hard-working, sincere and friendly, with true concern and care toward both designers and hobbyists. I wish them well!

Thanks for stopping by.

Sally