Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Mewborn.
Margaret, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
MAE Wearable Art is a modern-day costume jewelry company on a mission to create statement pieces that inspire. The idea of this product/company stems from a pair of clip-on earrings given to me from my grandmother’s eclectic costume jewelry collection. These earrings are AMAZING, but they truly hurt after an hour’s worth of wear. I was determined to find a way to create something comfortable, stylish, light-weight, and, most importantly, affordable. I was so tired of really cute stuff being so heavy and so damn expensive.
Enter a few of life’s crazy circumstances – the unexpected loss of two best friends, needing to take a step back from the day-to-day grind of the corporate world, becoming a new mom, and desire to be the best version of myself for my family – I had to find my way back to a creative outlet and the result has been MAE Wearable Art.
Hands down – it has been the hardest year and a half of my life, but it has also been the most rewarding. At present, I handcraft every single piece, but this is something we are working on expanding in the next few months. My long term goal is to offer employment to those in need of art therapy, reliable and fair pay, and a support network like no other.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. Entrepreneurship is not easy, and if anyone tells you otherwise, they are a liar. Haha! The way I look at it – the more challenging the scenario, the more reward when accomplished.
We’d love to hear more about the company.
MAE Wearable Art prides itself in handcrafting every single piece of jewelry. Our goal is to maintain this level of creation as I feel as though the “art” would be lost once the machine made.
In terms of accomplishments, I am proud of so much that we have managed to do. The highlight reel for our first year and a half is below:
-Raising just over $3,000 for two charitable organizations (supporting cancer research) via the Anna Collection and Natalie earring
-Being featured twice on The CW’s Dynasty after just three months in business
-Inspiring women to feel their absolute best. I have had multiple clients tell me how confident my jewelry makes them feel while wearing and that is the biggest compliment that can be received.
-Connecting with our local markets. You can find us at various pop-up events and farmer’s markets throughout the year. The Serenbe Farmers Market gave me a chance to believe in myself and my product, and that is something I will forever cherish. I feel like we will always be involved in the local scene because of this.
Someone once said to me, “you can’t be seen as better until you are seen as different,” and that mindset has never escaped. In a world full of jewelry, I had to find a way to stand out and be different. I believe we are doing just that.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! Atlanta cultivates and truly supports the creative community. When starting, get involved. Find creative groups online and really connect with the people associated. It is unbelievable how many artists, agencies, networks are willing to help if you just ask!
Pricing:
- Earrings range from $18 – $55 a pair
- Bracelets range from $15 – $65 each
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wearmae.com
- Email: question@wearmae.com
- Instagram: maewearableart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearMAE/
Image Credit:
Angie Webb
https://angie-webb.com
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