We were lucky to catch up with Charlotte Mazey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I’ve always been passionate about art across all mediums – painting, drawing, ceramics, and darkroom photography. Basically, anything I could get my hands on, I would try it. Some things stuck, and others gave me random skills I could apply to other mediums. My background, what I originally went to college for, was graphic design and photography.

I started making jewelry for kicks with my mom. It was all about beads back then. Who knew that post-college, I’d trip over the world of fine jewelry and get completely swept away? I’ve got a whole “how it started” saga with a nose ring, but I’ll skip the epic this time around. Just picture this: On day one of jewelry school, the teacher sparks up a torch, and there I am, falling head over heels for the glow of molten metal. Maybe it’s a fire sign thing or just the thrill of creation — either way, I was all in.

But here’s the thing — my love for art has always been intertwined with a love for stories, for the histories behind the things we cherish. That’s where LaRue & Co. comes in. It’s more than just a brand; it’s a narrative that began as LaRuexBlack on Etsy and evolved, as all good stories do. The LaRue Shop was a placeholder name that stuck out of necessity until I could give it the title it deserved. It’s funny how history repeats itself — even in the little things like naming a business. It took me a while, but I eventually aligned the name with the vision: LaRue & Co.

Starting my own business felt like following a breadcrumb trail I’d been leaving for myself all along. It was a natural progression, a story unfolding one chapter at a time. And when it came to embedding sustainability and inclusivity into the fabric of my brand, it was my background — that deep-seated respect for natural history and the environment — that nudged me forward.

Size and gender inclusivity stemmed from living in a town where not many people wore jewelry, leading to many questions. “Can guys wear this?” or “Can a girl like a more masculine piece?” and “Can you mix metals?” These questions, both conventional and curious, drove me up the wall. Jewelry, even fine jewelry, is an investment and arguably art, but at the end of the day, it’s an object. Wear whatever you want! It’s 2023, for goodness’ sake.

Inclusivity in size and style isn’t just about being progressive; it’s about honoring the uniqueness of each person’s story. Learning about the diverse shapes and sizes of our bodies in jewelry school was just the beginning. It was the real-world experience — like meeting a woman with a ring size as delicate as her tall frame, or my husband, with his size 14 finger — that taught me the true range of our individual tales.

There’s something magical about matching a customer with their perfect piece, regardless of size. I’ve been there myself, standing on tiptoes at barely 5’2″, looking for that elusive fit. So when I see that light in someone’s eyes dim with doubt, and I get to rekindle it by saying, “Yes, we have it just for you,” it feels like we’re not just sharing jewelry — we’re sharing history, one sparkling moment at a time. That’s what LaRue & Co. is all about.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Charlotte LaRue Mazey, the creative spirit and founder behind LaRue & Co. Fine Jewelry for Humans. My journey in the world of jewelry spans nine years, with LaRue & Co. blossoming into its fourth year of existence. It’s a story of passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of artisanal excellence.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

My path to jewelry-making began at the revered Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. Though the academy has since closed its doors, the teachings of master goldsmith Mr. Alan Revere live on, imparting wisdom through his online classes. Here, I honed my craft, a journey that began with curiosity and blossomed into a lifelong vocation.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Books have always been mentors, shaping my thoughts and guiding my entrepreneurial spirit. ‘Rise and Grind’ by Daymond John stands out as a beacon for budding entrepreneurs, while ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu offers unexpected insights into the resilience needed in the competitive world of business. These readings, coupled with my academic texts and a close eye on global developments through publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, keep me tethered to the ever-evolving landscape of art, business, and innovation. It’s a perpetual learning journey, fueling my passion and keeping the flame of creativity alight in all that I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shoplarueandco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larue.and.co/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-mazey-55565674
• Other: tik tok: @larue.and.co

Image Credits
portrait done by bees and mulberry photography (Saren Halter) product shots by charlotte mazey