Today we’d like to introduce you to Anette Cavazos.
Anette, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Jewelry making became an accidental love that grew into a creative passion. Creating with my hands and bringing joy in all my pieces. Two years ago I came across a few seed beads and string and began making bracelets for my nieces. They fell in love with the bracelets and so did I. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but a hobby. I was getting compliments left and right and one day I sat at my desk in my studio and just kept creating and experimenting with different types of material. The idea for the bracelets grew into earrings and other accessories and MuyMuy became what it is today a small, handmade local business.
My inspiration for MuyMuy came from the MuyMuy in us all. Growing up in a traditional Mexican family I knew right away I wanted to keep a sense of culture in my brand by Spanish characterizations of who we are, act, and feel. I’ve incorporated that into the design of all my pieces. Each piece of jewelry has its own MuyMuy identity to describe ourselves with positive intentions and affirmations. All of my pieces are limited edition and one-of-a-kind. I love the idea of not only wearing a one of a kind piece but also representing who we are. All my jewelry work down to the packaging and design logo is handmade by me. Inspired by all things dainty and artsy most of my jewelry has a touch of simplicity and fun for everyone.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I’m grateful for the challenges and struggles I’ve had to get to where I am today. One of my biggest challenges along the way was my senior year of college. I was balancing a full-time job, school full time, extracurricular activities, life and trying to make time for MuyMuy. Time was not on my side and I had to put my priorities in order. I decided to separate myself from my business, graduate and then give MuyMuy my full undivided attention. It wasn’t an easy decision, because I didn’t want to give up on my dream and at the moment that’s what it felt like. I felt like I would graduate and forget about MuyMuy. However, I didn’t forget about my business. Most college graduates would soon afterward look for a job, but I didn’t. A few weeks after graduation I went back into my studio and start creating every single day.
I had some bad ideas and pieces that I never shared, but the point is I didn’t give up. The time away from MuyMuy taught me to be patient, it helped me reflect on the type of ascetic and jewelry I wanted my brand to be and I knew when the time came to get back to MuyMuy I would know exactly what to do. Another one of the struggles that I have until this day is quality and pricing. I look for the best quality materials I can find to integrate into my pieces, but that doesn’t always work for me. I hope that one day I will have the fundamental skills and tools to fabricate exactly what I want instead of sometimes having to purchase specialty pieces. The time I spend on each piece is very valuable to me and you can see the time and creativity that was put into each piece. I try to make my prices affordable for everyone without selling myself short, but I still till this day I struggle with that.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
MuyMuy is for everyone and anyone. It’s dainty it’s sweet and it’s a fun way to express yourself with jewelry. I specialize in one of a kind limited accessories such as earrings, bracelets, rings and apparel. The majority of my pieces are made with seed beads and string. I create personalized pieces while still being able to maintain the authenticity of my brand. I’m mostly known for my color arrangement, presentation and my variety of bracelets. I’m most proud of myself. I have come a long way in a short amount of time and not once have I abandoned my dream. I’m proud that I can look back to when I first created MuyMuy and see how much my ideas and my brand have grown, but most importantly how much I have grown as a person because of the successes and failures that make MuyMuy what it is today. I never thought I would be part of the community of local handcrafted small businesses. I use to be hesitant and self-conscious about what other people would think of MuyMuy.
However, I overcame that fear and now I belong to a talented community of vendors like myself and I’m proud to be alongside them. I believe what sets me apart from others is my consistent committed approach to my style and ascetic for MuyMuy. I would never make a piece of jewelry that I wouldn’t wear and neither would I try to fit in to be part of a fad or trend. I make jewelry that is true to me and also conveys a fun special reminder of who we are with positive affirmations and characterizations. I stay true to my brand and my style because I believe in myself.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like most about my city is that it’s home. What I like least about my city is the negative stigma that San Antonio is boring, but it’s only as boring as you make it.
Pricing:
- All MuyMuy bracelets are $10 each
- Standard shipping cost is a flat $4 fee
Contact Info:
- Email: esmuymuy@gmail.com
- Instagram: esmuymuy
Image Credit:
Anette Cavazos
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