Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Brenner.
Maya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My business started as a part-time project while I was working as a social worker in New York City. Making jewelry was a hobby to calm my nerves after stressful days. People began to take notice of the pieces I was wearing and asked if they could place an order. With that and a loan from my grandmother, I started Maya Brenner Designs.
Today, our headquarters are located in the Jewelry District of Downtown Los Angeles. Everything is still handmade; my team and work space is just a bit larger now!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many hurdles throughout my 20 years in business starting with quitting my career to start this company. I had no formal training, in jewelry making or business and I only had my studio apartment to work from. Somehow none of that scared me away from taking this leap. Then three years later I moved to Los Angeles. I was essentially starting from scratch as I had to find all new suppliers and production. One of my biggest business lessons came 3 weeks before Christmas in 2010 when we were featured on the Today Show.
We had anticipated sales of around 5,000 pieces so imagine our surprise when 25,000 orders came flooding in over the next 24 hours. I know this may sound like a dream come true for a small business but with limited production it was an incredibly hard situation. It took us 4 months to fill every order and we had a lot of very unhappy customers… but we were upfront and honest about the situation and we could tell our customers appreciated that. This certainly hasn’t been a smooth road but I’ve been able to learn from every bump and come back stronger. Honestly, I feel so lucky to have been able to do what I Love, struggles and all, for the last 20 years.
Please tell us about Maya Brenner Designs.
Maya Brenner Designs is a lifestyle brand that specializes in fine 14K gold jewelry. Hands down our best seller is our Asymmetrical Letter Necklace, fine gold chains adorned with the letters of those nearest and dearest to you. The personalization of our necklaces means that we are involved in some of the most important moments of our customer’s lives (marriages, births, graduations etc.) and I cherish that.
Even though my business has expanded it still remains very personal to me and I’m very hands on with every aspect.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t change anything! I’ve been able to come back from each bump, failure and mistake as a stronger person and business owner.
The today show taught me valuable lessons in preparation and customer service. Moving from New York to Los Angeles taught me patience, perseverance and gratitude. All of these experiences help me stay calm in the face of uncertainty because I have been through harder things and come out on top.
I have a saying- “it’s just a necklace” that I repeat to myself and my employees repeatedly when we get stressed out or overwhelmed. It’s a good reminder that we aren’t curing cancer or fighting wars overseas. We make people happy with jewelry and it should be that simple.
Pricing:
- 14K Gold Asymmetrical Letter Necklace – Starting at $240
- 14K Gold Letter Studs – Starting at $98
- 14K Gold Word Plate Pendants – Starting at $295
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MayaBrenner.com
- Phone: 2136272756
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Maya_Brenner
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MayaBrennerDesigns
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/Maya_Brenner
Image Credit:
Devin Pedde
Emma Feil
Tiana Menelli
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
