Rising Stars: Meet Jessica McGraw of Topanga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McGraw.

Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I created Baltic Mermaid when I was a new mom, when my now 13 year old was only 1.5 years old. Back in 2014, I was making baltic amber and gemstone teething necklaces & adult jewelry out of my living room and was quickly shipping orders all over the place.
As my kids grew, so did Baltic Mermaid. With a lifetime love for crystals, I expanded to include crystals, minerals and fossils. Throughout the year I travel to gem-shows all around the country and handpick the best pieces from trusted crystal miners and dealers.
I still hand-make all of the jewelry on my website and ship crystals and jewelry all over the world. You can also find me at the Topanga Farmers Market and shop weekly crystal sales via my Instagram page @baltic_mermaid

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a lot of commitment, creativity and hard work to run an online business for the last 12 years. I am mostly a one woman show, which can be difficult to juggle a creative hands on business while also being a mother and life in general. I feel fortunate to have had success from the start but it takes constant time, dedication and creativity which can be exhausting.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I design and hand-make beaded gemstone jewelry and curate a collection of crystals, minerals and fossils. Originally my focus was on Baltic Amber jewelry and incorporating gemstones with the traditional amber teething necklaces that were on the market. At the time there were predominantly just simple amber Baltic amber necklaces. These were a quick hit and after several years of making Baltic amber jewelry I expanded to other beaded gemstone and gold filled jewelry as well as including crystals, minerals and fossils to my online store. I now travel to different gem shows around the country through the year to carefully handpick each and every crystal that I offer in my shop. I work with trusted crystal miners, dealers and suppliers that I have build relationships with over the years.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have been skydiving and swam with sharks before.

Pricing:

• Jewelry ranges from $18 to $300+
• Crystals/Minerals/Fossils range from $1 to $1000+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Balticmermaid.com
• Instagram: @baltic_mermaid
• Facebook: @balticmermaid

Image Credits
Some Photos by Claire Bryett Andrew
Some by me, Jessica McGraw