Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Araujo.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
When I was 6 years old my kindergarten teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, without any hesitation I said ” I want to be a Fashion Designer.” As a kid I always loved to create stuff with my own hands such as drawing, painting, sketching and even making outfits for my barbies.
I’m originally from Venezuela, my family and I moved to Texas when I was 15. Through High School my interested for fashion continued to grow so I enrolled in as many Art classes as possible to help me develop skills that I knew would help me in college and to hopefully one day further my career in Fashion. I obtained my BA in Fashion Design and Merchandising at Wade College, a small private college in Dallas.
Currently, I work as a women’s leather goods designer at Fossil Group. I am very lucky to be able to work at such an amazing corporation who appreciates creativity and collaboration, while still having time to follow the dream of starting my own brand.
Please tell us about your art.
My brand is called Mafe Designs, a contemporary jewelry line that embraces individuality and self-expression; I tend to use Wood, Copper and Brass as the main mediums for my pieces. Each piece is handmade in Dallas TX, where I am currently living. My goal is to create season-less collections that contain timeless pieces filled with quality, comfort, and sustainability.
My approach to jewelry comes from my native roots, being born and partially raised in Venezuela, color plays a big part in my design process. It is my intention to create statement pieces that serve as storytellers with the hope of giving the wearer confidence and encouragement to express themselves through fashion and to serve as a reminder that we are special in our own unique ways.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I think the best advice I can give other artist is to be persistent and take big risks, they have to believe in themselves 100% and stick to their story. Don’t pay much mind to critics or what anyone says about it. Just do it, and great things will follow.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can find my work online at www.mafedesigns.com. I’m currently selling my store in selected stores as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mafedesings.com
- Phone: 8178626775
- Email: mafedesigns
@gmail.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mafe_designs/
Image Credit:
Chelsea Conway (jewelry picture)
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