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Meet Megan Smalls of MNDL in Northeast

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Smalls.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Megan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My love for accessories and jewelry has grown since I was very young. I remember when I was in pre-school and kindergarten, my favorite toy from Dollar Tree was the pack of plastic jewelry. I would beg my mom to let me wear my real and toy rings and necklaces to school every day. My favorite thing to do, while growing up was playing in my grandmother’s jewelry, trying on her pearl necklaces, clip earrings, and stacking her bangles up both arms.

I begin MNDL during my senior year of college. I started making bead stretch bracelets as a hobby in my apartment. I had a 3 tier bracelet stand in the middle of coffee table, filled with a variety of colors of bracelets so my friends could see when they would come over. My friends fell in love with trying on different bracelet combinations and started asking for custom orders for game days and over campus events. I launched a Facebook page and Instagram to showcase my jewelry and to reach a bigger market. I began to set-up vendor tables at my family’s event center and other events in the city to show off my unique, one of a kind bracelets. Since my first job until February of 2019, I worked in retail, so I loved color coordinating, styling, and providing excellent customer service. My brand stands out and is different from other jewelry lines because of the thought and hand selection I put into every custom piece I design. My jewelry is fashion forward and can accessorize any outfit to the next level. My pieces are excellent conversation starters and carry value because of the stones used and exclusivity. Everyone deserves to live a “Diamond Life” so, why not add one of my custom pieces to your collection.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Although I have had great success with my brand, it has not been an easy road & every day is a new day for a better opportunity. Some struggles I have experienced are transitioning from being an affordable brand to become a brand that offers fine pieces. I did not want to only offer the bracelets I made when I first started as a hobby. I wanted to expand my product lines by offering sterling silver rings, diamond necklaces, and precious stone bracelets. I had to go back to the drawing board and ask myself, “Who is my market? Why will someone want to buy my stretch bead bracelet for $40-$50 when they can buy a stretch bead bracelet for $10?” Another issue I have experienced is my consistency with my posts on social media. Life can get so crazy, being full time graduate student, starting a new business as a realtor in a new city, and constantly planning for my businesses.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is an exclusive, stylish handmade demi-fine jewelry line. I source and design every piece made. My line consists of precious stones, sterling silver, pave diamonds, CZ stones, and gold. Each piece is unique on it owns. I began only making bead stretch bracelets, one of each, and grew my product line to offering rings, necklaces, and anklets. My brand stands out because of the high quality, timeless pieces that offer exclusivity and maintains its value over time. Another aspect of my business that is noteworthy is MNDL aims to supersede our customer expectations, every time. I believe that a brand cannot thrive if it does not serve the people that keep it alive. Customer service is a trait every brand cannot represent or claim proudly but MNDL over-deliver every time. MNDL pieces are elevated and represent ‘living a diamond life.’ Everyone loves diamonds and strives to have at least one in their collection. A diamond lifestyle is living in your truth unapologetically, boldly, and shining at all times, no matter the situation. Although you go through trials and tribulations in life, life is still beautiful and luxurious. You live it, you own it, you wear it in MNDL.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up an only child, I was very close with my family and friends. My best friends were my grandparents, parents, and aunt. I enjoyed spending time with my family, growing and learning about life. My family exposed me to a lot of inspirational experiences. Traveling to big cities with my family and seeing the rewards of hard work really pushed me to always do well in school. My grandmother was a teacher and a great artist. She taught me how to draw and to explore my creative thoughts. My aunt was very fashion forward and loved expressing herself through clothes. She always stayed up to date with fashion trends. I remember being up at 6 am with her watching fashion shows. When I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer. Using my creative skills, I would draw models in my collections and dream of owning a fashion house in Paris. My mother and I were really close. Wherever she went, I was there. I am truly blessed because whatever I wanted to explore and learn about, she made it happen. I was very creative and allowed to dress and express myself.

I am excited about MNDL and reaching newer heights. I am looking forward to the path my love of jewelry design will lead me in the fashion world. Shop MNDL.

Pricing:

  • Bracelets can range from $20-$45
  • Necklaces range from $30-$400
  • Rings range from $50-$150

Contact Info:

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