My Story...

Almost a year ago, I tragically lost a beloved friend I had known for over 30 years. She lived in Maui, Hawaii, and owned and operated a beautiful boutique jewelry line where she crafted truly wearable art pieces using Puka shells, gold, and pearls. After her passing, I traveled to Maui to visit her family. Surrounded by the Puka shells, I felt a profound sense of peace, which was the first relief from the overwhelming grief and sadness I had been grappling with for months. 

During my visit, I also encountered the word “Saudade” for the first time. My friend (we'll call her 'P') had used it as the name of a collection in her jewelry line, and had written a beautiful note about its meaning. I realized that this single word, perfectly described the feelings I had about the profound impact I felt when losing her.

Upon returning to North Carolina, I immediately missed the feeling of connection I had experienced in Maui. I decided to get on Etsy, order a variety of Puka shells and gold beads, and begin creating pieces that reminded me of my sweet friend. Beading provided a distraction during extremely painful moments, allowing me to process my grief. Every time I made something beautiful, I felt a little sense of joy, as if I had created a reminder of her beauty to carry with me throughout the day.

People began complimenting my bracelets, and many asked if I had an Etsy shop or sold them. I initially declined, but the more bracelets I made, the greater my joy. I decided to keep creating them and started giving them away as gifts. Seeing others wear them kept my dear friend in my thoughts and brought me even more happiness.

As I contemplated continuing, I realized that I needed to consider selling enough bracelets to cover the costs of materials. I began doing that, and that’s what has led me to where I am today.

Every piece of jewelry I make is a tribute to my friend. She was such a gifted jeweler with a beautiful spirit, both inside and out. These bracelets are not meant to copy her ideas or designs as her legacy lives on through her jewelry line, which is still thriving and well-run by her close friends and family. The only similarities to her style were to remind me of her, but I want to make it clear that I’m just a by-day paramedic who is dabbling in jewelry crafting to help me cope with this profound hole in my heart. With all the love that remains in my heart, I make these in hopes that they bring you as much joy to wear them, as it gives me to make them.

As they say on the island 😉 

Mahalo,

Mian