Jewerly By Mikai, LLC

Name: Jewelry By Mikai, LLC.

Designer: Nikki K. Peoples

Hometown: Houston, TX

Q&A with Nikki Peoples, creator of Jewelry By Mikai, LLC

How did you get started? My best friend Rosalyn came to visit me while I was on maternity leave in 2008.  She showed me how to make a necklace and I fell in love with my ability to create wearable art!

How long have you been in business? January 29, 2012 will make my third year as a full-fledged LLC
  

What gave you the idea to start this type of business? I’ve never been big on jewelry of any sort.  I was always simple: diamond studs, necklace, bracelet.  For “color” I’d usually add a ring with my birthstone (Sapphire).  When I realized I could make jewelry to literally match every outfit in my closet, I wanted to give other women in my same predicament the ability to have jewelry that made them stand out!

What are your short term and long term goals with your company? Short term I’d just like to build my client base....get to know my clients and get a feel for what women want in their jewelry. Long term, my gift to myself for my 35^th birthday will be a boutique.  In addition, I’d definitely like to produce a line for a major department store to give the nation a taste of something new! 

What is the hardest part of running your business? The hardest part would be naming all of my pieces!!!  In three years, I’ve probably made over 400 pieces.  I’m sure there are names that have been duplicated. Since I very rarely make duplicates, I’d say coming up with new ideas would be second on my list. I’m sure there have been names that have been duplicated LOL  

What does a typical work day include? Well, I’m still in Corporate America, so my jewelry time doesn’t begin until after my kids are in the bed, which is around 9pm (my 3 year old daughter LOVES to help me make bracelets).  Some days I’m in my bedroom/studio until 3am, other days I make one piece and I call it a night! 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Happy and proud to be working 100% for myself

How do you make your items? Everything I make is by hand. While most of my ideas come straight from my head, there are a few that I have to actually sketch out to wrap my brain around the idea I’m trying to give life to.  Most items though, like my cuff bracelets, are a result of a million ideas all coming to fruition at once! 

How long does it take to create 1 item? Once I have an idea, it takes me anywhere from 20 minutes for a simple necklace to 3 days (for the cuff bracelet for example)

What is your favorite part of running your own business?  My favorite part would be waking up everyday knowing that I absolutely love what I do.  Three years in, and I’m still passionate about every piece I make! 
 

What is your least favorite part of running your own business?  Saying goodbye to my “babies”.  I love them all, and when they’re sold, a piece of me goes with them. I continue to be humbled and amazed at clients’ reactions when they receive their pieces!

Nikki, normally an avid fan of the classics - diamonds and sapphires - stumbled on making precious stone and metal jewelry while on maternity leave with her daughter in 2008. While visiting Nikki on maternity leave, her best friend shared her love of handmade jewelry, and after several trips to craft shops, a star was born. Recognizing her raw talent for crafting exquisite pieces, friends and family encouraged Nikki to start her line and on January 29, 2009 Jewelry By Mikai, LLC became official.

The company is named after Nikki’s first two loves, her children Mikaela and Kai. Jewelry By Mikai, LLC (aka JBM) pieces are crafted with passion, style and chic individuality.  And individuality is key to her line, as no piece is ever duplicated. JBM is currently sold online at WoogieWoo and can also be found at Pasha’s Boutique in Houston, TX.

JBM will also be one of the hand-picked featured designers at the uber hip indie fashion underground market THE FIND on December 3, 2011 in Houston, TX. In 2012 the JBM brand is growing to several exclusive boutiques throughout Houston, in addition to hosting a pop-up boutique at the CUBE in the Houston Pavilions.  Nikki is also dedicated to expanding her “Weddings by JBM” and “Him by JBM” lines slated for completion in February 2012. Also on her plate: The 2012 casting call for Lifetime’s Project Accessory in the hopes of landing a spot and opening the door to taking her brand nationwide. A full viewing of her portfolio can be found here!

Jewelry By Mikai, is offering a 20% discount for the month of Decemeber.  Use coupon code: JBMHOLIDAY20 upon checkout.  Click here to shop now! 

For additional information and media info, contact Jewelry By Mikai,LLC  publicist Ahshia Berry of Events & Lagniappe Public Relations at ahshia@eventsandlagniappe.com, office: 281-656-1573.