At Stella Says Go, we feel fortunate to have hired Jane Howard, who works part time for us here in the store. Jane is a woman of many talents, and for several years she has designed jewelry. This weekend, we’ll feature jewelry from Jane’s line, MaryJane Designs during our anniversary party on May 5th from 2 – 6pm.
These pieces are perfect for Mother’s Day, and allow you to customize a gift for someone complete with initial and birthstone charms and inspirational words. MaryJane Designs also does custom necklaces (so that you can get the names of your children, pets, etc.) in sterling silver; chain and hand-made and lengths are customizable as well.I recently sat down with Jane and her business partner and friend, Mary Beth, to ask them more about MaryJane designs.
1. How and why did the two of you start MaryJane Designs?
Jane: I have been creating custom earrings and necklaces using precious and semi-precious stones for over five years. My friend Mary Beth has always been an enthusiastic supporter of my business. One day, when we were traveling together in Italy, I asked her if she would like to come to my studio and help me. We had such great synergy and fun in those few hours, we decided to create an entirely new line of custom hand-stamped jewelry. It has been a blast and we are now selling our sterling silver baby name pieces in a local maternity store and are thrilled to be showing our initial disks and inspirational tags at Stella Says Go.
Mary Beth: I have been a fan and friend of Jane since our kids were in first grade together and her son asked my daughter if she wanted to see his “secret weapon.” (Thankfully, a karate move!!!) We have been laughing and crying together ever since. I was beyond thrilled when Jane asked me to work with her! I have been working in oil and gas for almost twenty years and haven’t been able to exercise my creativity. I look forward to our time in the studio together – we catch up, listen to old records and create. So much fun!
2. What inspires you?
Jane and Mary Beth: Our beautiful and quirky friends, and definitely other artisans!
3. How long have you been in business?
Jane and Mary Beth: MDJ is almost a year old!
4. What is your dream mothers’s day?
Jane: My dream mother’s day would be spent relaxing with absolutely no responsibilities! Last year Mary Beth and I spent mother’s day in Italy with two other dear girlfriends. It was the best trip ever – we were gone 10 days and ate, drink and museumed our way through Rome, Tuscany and Florence. When we returned home we both felt so appreciated by our husbands and children who had actually figured out all that we do for them on a daily basis that they had sort of been taking for granted.
Mary Beth: Ditto! I was just thinking we should start planning our next trip! How about Paris?
