We were lucky to catch up with Maria Glezelli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

A few years ago, I applied to take part in an international exhibition in Los Angeles. To my surprise, I was selected and after receiving the invitation directly from the exhibition’s curator, I decided to physically attend the opening ceremony. I travelled all the way from Europe and I had the most interesting and amazing experience in my life. From the people I met there to the feedback I received to the travelling experience I had, everything strongly influenced my later life decisions. A few months later, I decided to move to London where I founded my business. I know now that this trip gave me the motive and the courage to change my life significantly.

Maria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a kid, I used to spend hours learning new crafts, drawing and creating all sorts of things from decorations to gifts. Later, a special person, my grandmother taught me how to knit and that memory has always accompanied me throughout my journey.

When I grew up, I felt that a career in fine art was a clear choice for me. At university, I started experimenting with different materials and techniques, exploring the intersection between art and fashion.

Having always in mind to incorporate my grandmother’s craftsmanship into my work, I gradually developed a special technique, which I later used to construct my jewellery designs. As a method, it was quite uncommon and different from the jewellery methods that were popular in the market and I started seeing a demand from people who were requesting bespoke jewellery made with my technique.

What makes my business unique is the fact that each piece is entirely knitted by hand without the use of any machinery.

Working with your hands is a very unique process – you develop a relationship with the tools which eventually become an extension of yourself. When you come across a handicraft – an item that has been used or created by one of your ancestors – you don’t just see a tangible piece; you see the years and feel their hands, you preserve a moment of their lifetime. Reminding people of their ancestors through a piece of jewellery is what I envision to achieve through my business.

Another reason my designs are special is the fact that they are extremely lightweight but at the same time big and bold. In this way, women can still choose to wear extravagant pieces that are not heavy or uncomfortable. Each piece of jewellery is designed and crafted in a special way so when you are wearing it you can barely feel it.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I remember reading about why new businesses fail. Many researches prove that the first reason is resilience. When I read that, it was a big revelation for me. I soon realised that staying focused and not letting any failure defeat you on the path to success is a fundamental quality. Being resilient is challenging and at the same time the most important to hold close to your thoughts and your heart.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Everything started many years ago, while I was studying in the University of Fine Arts. For my graduate thesis, I decided to develop a collection of wearable garments, each one made by metal and other rigid materials, in an effort to revive the historical aspects of femininity from different eras through time. However, when I started experimenting with metal, I realised that I knew nothing about it.

I did not expect to be able to manipulate it; and that was actually very challenging but I instantly fell in love with it. The way its surface reflects, its robustness but also delicacy. Over the years and after many years of studies, I managed to develop my own signature manufacturing technique.

What fascinates me most about this technique, is the transformation the wire follows: each time a single line of wire is transformed into a tri-dimensional piece, it is then shaped in a flexible lightweight construction which along with tiny others, will bring to life the final piece. It’s a very delicate and also time-consuming process –but the result is very rewarding.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is to be patient. Patience is a trait that is of fundamental value for any business owner. Each technique and material needs to be approached differently. A designer must spend endless hours in order to become a master in his/her craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariaglezelli.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria.glezelli/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariaglezellijewellery
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-glezelli/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaGlezelli/featured

Image Credits
Photographer: Riccardo Tognaccini