Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Landers and Mariko Enkoij-Busch.
Emily and Mariko, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
EM: We met while working at a West Hollywood boutique and quickly discovered a shared interest in jewelry design.
MEB: I had this vision of elevating the classic ball chain to a more elegant iteration with two tone layers in solid gold. This simple piece could be worn as a bracelet, a choker, a long or layered necklace, it would be a versatile everyday piece.
EL: For years, I have collected Saint Christopher pendants from flea markets and various local collectors. I had been drawing some engraving ideas to personalize the back of one of my favorite pendants. Over time that idea demanded it’s own design. That is how our first twelve-point Star Pendant was born. When Mariko showed me her chain ideas something just clicked.
MEB: Honestly, the business was born in that very first moment and everything after that came very naturally. We both have a strong work ethic and shared a background in retail and wholesale sales. There was no question about whether or not we were going to create something together. Our commitment to developing a line was there from the start, we just dove in headfirst and have continued to learn and grow along the way.
EL: We have both been fortunate to work for independent designers such as Rick Owens and Raquel Allegra. We continue to be inspired by designers like these who refuse to compromise their creative vision and aesthetic. We made a commitment to ourselves early on that we would create what we love and want to wear. Our intention with EMBLM was to create a line of wearable, everyday pieces that are striking, distinctive and powerful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Neither of us had ever owned a business before so there has definitely been a learning curve. The fun part will always be designing, so our goal is to continue maintaining a balance between the creative and the nitty gritty details of running a business. We feel very fortunate to have each other to rely on when difficulties arise. Our partnership developed very naturally and our differences have become collective strengths.
Please tell us about EMBLM Fine Jewelry.
EMBLM was born out of a desire to create timeless, distinctive fine jewelry that can become treasured heirlooms with a personal significance to each individual wearer. The designs are at once iconic and intimate, drawing inspiration from both art and the natural world.
Since EMBLM’s inception we have been committed to giving back and honoring our planet and its inhabitants. EMBLM honors this commitment by donating a portion of proceeds from select designs to a variety of non-profit organizations. EMBLM also contributes through their Artist Partnerships Collection, a collaboration between the jewelry line and various artists. Each partnership will donate to an organization of the individual artist’s choice. Everything from our ethically sourced stones and metals to our packaging was decided upon with intention. We are proud of this commitment and will continue to stand by it as EMBLM continues to grow.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing! Everything we’ve learned and struggled through has gotten us to where we are today. Jewelry is an ancient art form. It has been humbling to acknowledge how much we have yet to learn about this art form, the jewelry industry and its history. We are also proud of how much we have accomplished in our first year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emblmfinejewelry.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @emblmfinejewelry
Image Credit:
Product photos by Brian W. Moreland
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