I first encountered Mishakaudi jewelry on a trip to Fringe & Fray, a funky resale boutique in my neighborhood. I saw a golden pair of earrings, like celestial gumdrops, that were under $10. It was love at first sight.
Turns out that Mishakaudi is a jewelry line designed by Marissa Lewis (above, all photos hers), who lives in Spokane Valley (not so far from WanderChic.) Lewis started Mishakaudi in 2010 and makes each piece by hand. A self-described “proud vegan,” Lewis creates striking looks without leather or feathers.
Lewis reports that Mishakaudi is expanding bigtime and has launched a fundraising campaign to support this growth. For a $10 contribution, you could be the namesake for a piece of jewelry in an upcoming Mishakaudi line. Pretty cool!
WanderChic: How would you describe the aesthetic of Mishakaudi?
Marissa Lewis: My line is Trendy Bohemian with tribal and world influences to simple classic designs. I also have a line of positivity promoting jewelry, that I like to put out in the world to create good energy for the wearer and the world. My demographic is wide, ages 20-60 depending on the line. My trendy pieces tend to be more for the 20-40 year olds, but I have a lot of chic and simple pieces that older women wear as good basics. Overall, I see my ideal customer as a 20-30something, trendy, creative, expressive in style and life, fun, and positive.
WC: What have been your most popular styles?
ML: My most popular styles lately have been the Trichev and V Necklaces, Honora Necklace, all the sparkly glass jewelry, like infinity earrings. My new spring line is my new fave! It is full of bright colors, and I am really loving it. The new Tube Necklaces, Joshen Earrings and Trituge Necklaces are perfect for spring and summer.
WC: How would you describe your own personal style?
ML: My style is simple with a bohemian flare. I wear a lot of basics and layer with lots of jewelry. I also have two little girls, ages 2 and 4, so dressing super nice is unrealistic, besides the fact that I make jewelry all day.
WC: What have been some of the joys or challenges of running a small business?
ML: I love to be my own boss, run my business my way, and do what I love! How lucky am I?! The downside is that I work alot! Much more than a regular 40 hour week.
WC: Do you have any “rules” about wearing jewelry, such as no more than 3 pieces, or don’t mix gold with silver?
ML: I kind of have no rules for jewelry. The cool thing about jewelry is that is a piece of art made from one person, but expressed however the wearer wants to. I personally love to layer lots of necklace and bracelets. I kind of think 2-3 necklaces at a time is a must have, unless it is a big statement piece. And I love mixing metals.
WC: Do you end up traveling for work a? Do you have any trips on the horizon?
ML: I do travel for work. I tend to spend about 1 week a month, most months out of town. I travel to Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Montana to do tradeshows and sales trips. I just got back from Las Vegas for our biggest show, Pooltrade. I go to that show twice a year. I will be going to Portland end of March to see all of my wholesale accounts.
WC: What are your travel essentials?
ML: I like to travel, but I hate being without my stuff. I am a vegan and eat pretty fresh, it can be hard to find the right food when I am traveling. When we went to Las Vegas last week, we drove ourselves and rented a 1 week apartment with a kitchen so that we could bring our juicer and blender for our smoothies and such. We also went to Whole Foods and loaded up on fresh groceries and made dinner a couple nights we were there. Staying on our healthy eating is key to our family’s happiness, so we make it a big priority. I also always have my tea with me so I can grab a cup of hot water.