We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Larisa Criado Barrios a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Larisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The concept that sparked the creation of my business was inspired by Parure Jewelry, which I studied during my time in college. Parure refers to 19th-century jewelry pieces designed to be disassembled and reassembled into different items, offering versatility and functionality. This idea deeply resonated with me, and I became determined to create modern, functional jewelry incorporating interchangeable components for various occasions.

The official start of my business came after completing my master’s degree in Italy, where I specialized in the business side of fashion. With the guidance of a mentor, I developed my final project focused on establishing my own business. I began by drafting a business plan, carefully defining the mission and vision of the brand while simultaneously working on the design elements such as the logo and color scheme. From there, I outlined my first collection, sourced suppliers, and created prototypes to test the designs. This process took over three months and involved many challenges, but ultimately, the results made the journey worthwhile.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Madú, I believe that jewelry is not just a piece of art, but an expression of who we are. As the founder and designer, I’ve dedicated my life to creating modern, functional jewelry for women who are always on the go. Inspired by 19th-century Parure jewelry, my designs incorporate innovative, interchangeable mechanisms that allow for fresh and revolutionary looks.

All of our silver pieces are crafted from locally sourced materials, including Swarovski-certified gemstones and ECO-silver, ensuring sustainability and respect for the environment. Our studio, based in Spain, guarantees high-quality craftsmanship and supports the principles of slow fashion.

I believe that everyone deserves to express their unique style at their own pace. With Madú’s exclusive design mechanisms, you can easily personalize your jewelry, making each piece truly your own. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement or a subtle accessory, Madú offers something for every style, so you can stay fashionable while feeling comfortable and ready for anything.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I sell my jewelry through several platforms, including my website, Instagram shop, Etsy, and a physical store. Gaining visibility on my website and Instagram has been the most challenging, as it’s difficult to compete with other brands in Spain. While Etsy has provided good exposure, it has not translated into many sales. The most successful avenue has been the physical store, which also features other brands. This has proven to be highly effective for both visibility and sales. The store offers a unique opportunity to work in a showcase area, where passersby can observe the craftsmanship behind the pieces, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My advice for effective team management is to establish clear expectations regarding deliverables, responsibilities, and deadlines. This ensures that each team member understands their specific duties and timeline. Equally important is fostering open and transparent communication within the team, allowing for the discussion of any issues or challenges that may arise. To maintain high morale, it is essential to actively listen to your team and incorporate regular team-building activities, such as escape rooms or casual gatherings like pizza days, to strengthen relationships and promote a positive work environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madujoyeria.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madujoyeria/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madujoyeria
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madujoyeria

Image Credits

Photography: @christian_khol⁠
Make-up: @maurosaccoccini⁠
Models: @alejandrarrojo