An entrepreneur who made her passion for jewelry design her career, Maya Brenner is a mom who knows how to prioritize. Her ability to always stay tuned to her business and still focused on her family is admirable. She is a favorite of many celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson, Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz, many of whom especially adore her state necklaces. Maya Brenner’s necklaces, states and charms in particular, possess a quirkiness that makes them so magnetic and so wearable. I am amazed at the delicate details and the level of craftsmanship, but even more so at how this mom is able to juggle this business [Maya Brenner Designs] and family and stay creative and inspired. This interview will reveal her story.
How did you get started in jewelry design?
I always had a love of beads growing up and would take apart my mother’s jewelry and re-design it as a kid. But I really viewed it as a hobby only. It wasn’t until I chose a career in Social Work and still felt the pull to make jewelry on the side that I realized my passion. Plus people were literally stopping me on the street asking where to buy the pieces I was wearing around my neck!
How has motherhood affected your work? What are the positives and the challenges?
Well, I don’t stay up until 3 am working anymore. And obviously my focus has changed a lot. I try to work from home instead of going into the office. It’s great that my children get to see what I do on a daily basis but I struggle with being distracted all the time!
What was your process for getting the business off the ground? How much start-up capital and resources did it require upfront?
I had a full-time Social Work position at the time so I started the business on the side. Once Anthropologie and Henri Bendel ordered, I realized I couldn’t do both anymore. I quit my job, moved in with my boyfriend (now husband), my grandmother lent me $3,000 and MBD was born!
What is the hardest thing about running your own business? What is most rewarding?
When you run your own business, your always working! I’m checking online orders Sunday morning and always thinking about the company. The most rewarding part is seeing and hearing customer’s reactions to the designs.
When did you realize your jewelry design business was a success?
There have been lots of successes along the way. First display showcase in a store, first time in Instyle, first picture of a celebrity wearing my designs. For me, it’s also been being able to significantly contribute financially to our household income.
Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry?
One of the first pieces I designed after my son was born is a charm necklace called the “Charming”. It was longer in length than anything I had done before and 14k gold. When I put it on with my sweatpants and dirty tee I felt glamorous. And, of course the State necklaces. Those are really our most popular pieces and I’m grateful people have responded strongly with so much home state pride.
Which of your designs is most favored by celebrities?
Well, Katy Perry, Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson love the state necklaces. But many celebs love our higher end line of charms, rings and bracelets with gold and pave diamonds.
Being a mom and running your own business is hard. How do you manage your time?
As my husband would tell you I’m not always great at it. I think any parent who works is always a bit stressed for time. I would love to say that it works out perfectly that I can get everything done while they are at school but unfortunately I’m usually answering emails and making dinner at the same time!
Please tell us a little about your work with Stella & Dot.
When Jessica Herrin, the CEO was starting the company she asked me to be a part of it. I had a newborn and my own business to run but she had such passion and vision that I signed on right away! The company is re-designing the home trunk show business by allowing women to achieve success and balance in their lives. I’m really passionate about Stella & Dot because I’ve seen it go from being run out of a living room to $100 million in sales last year. It has literally changed the lives of thousands of women – including mine.
What inspires you?
Everything inspires me! Clothing, travel, colors. But I really love to design jewelry that I would love to wear right now.
What are some of the biggest lessons you learned from starting this business?
Hire people who know more than you. Take risks but always trust your gut-it is usually right.
What are you working on now? What’s next for you?
Right now we are working on expanding the State collection to include World pendants. I just recently designed a Japan with Rebecca Romijn to raise money after the devastating earthquake. And believe it or not we get the most requests for Canadian Provinces. They are coming soon Canada, I promise!
If I asked your kids, what kind of mom you are, what would they say?
Fun, strict, embarrassing, silly, mean, nice, generous…they are 7 and 4 so it literally changes by the minute!
You can buy Maya’s designs and read more about her at mayabrenner.com.
