We were lucky to catch up with Tina Mai recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
From the time I was little, I’ve always had a soft spot for jewelry. Every weekend, my mom and I would wander through local markets and shops, and she’d give me the freedom to pick out one special thing. Without fail, I’d gravitate toward a piece of jewelry—something sparkling, unique, and mine. Whether it was a simple fashion ring or a sterling silver necklace, I’d spend my little allowance on something I hoped would last. But, as time went by, I’d watch those beloved pieces rust, fade, or even break.
As I got older, I began to buy pricier pieces, thinking they’d last. But instead, I found myself hesitant to wear them often, worried they might get lost or damaged. The fear took away some of the joy. That’s when I started researching sustainable metals, exploring every avenue to create jewelry that looked beautiful, lasted, and didn’t cost a fortune. I discovered stainless steel, a material that wasn’t just durable but also sustainable and waterproof. With that spark of inspiration, Mai Desiree was born.
My vision for Mai Desiree is simple: to be the go-to brand for affordable, everyday jewelry that feels like a touch of luxury but doesn’t come with the worry or the price tag. It’s all about creating pieces that are both beautiful and resilient, adding that final touch that completes any outfit, day after day, without losing their shine.
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 studied fashion design and business marketing in college, and after graduation, I spent a decade working in the fashion industry, diving into product development and overseeing production. Over those years, I gained deep insight into the business—working with fabric and trim suppliers, creating prototypes, collaborating with buyers and fit models, and managing the production process from start to finish. I worked across both low bridge and high-end markets, experiencing the full range of the industry’s pace and demands.
I’ll never forget landing my first job in New York City as an assistant production coordinator. The CEO saw my passion and told me to “be like a sponge—learn, watch, and absorb everything.” That advice became my guiding principle, and I embraced every challenge, always eager to grow.
After years of learning, I took a leap and put my experience to work by starting Mai Desiree Jewelry. My e-commerce jewelry store allows me to be both a business owner and a stay-at-home mom—two roles I cherish deeply. With a focus on sustainability, Mai Desiree only uses sustainable materials, and I create each style in very small batches to reduce waste. Even when things don’t come out perfectly, I repurpose those pieces into new designs, practicing zero waste to ensure that nothing goes unused. My goal is to offer jewelry that is both meaningful and mindful, reflecting the care and dedication I put into every piece.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story from my journey that captures my resilience is the commitment to simply show up every day. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely road, and you have to be your own biggest cheerleader, showing up day in and day out. Some days, things don’t go as planned; there are setbacks, and results don’t always meet expectations. But the key is to pivot, keep moving forward, and never lose sight of your goals.
When I made my first few sales, I wanted every customer to feel valued. I took the time to write a personal, handwritten thank-you note and packed each order with care. Those little touches made a difference, and before long, new customers were coming in through word of mouth. I also consistently posted on Pinterest and wrote about my jewelry, putting my brand out there in ways that felt genuine.
Then, one day, I noticed a huge spike in traffic from Self magazine. It turns out a journalist had discovered one of my Pinterest posts and wanted to feature Mai Desiree in their “31 Delicate Sweatproof Jewelry Pieces You’ll Wear All the Time” article. That moment reminded me: you never know who’s watching or when the right opportunity might come along. Keep going—persistence truly pays off.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’m actually learning an important lesson right now about the need to pivot. As a bit of a perfectionist, I thought that posting polished, beautifully edited photos of my jewelry on Instagram would automatically attract attention and likes. But I’m beginning to see that what my audience really wants is a personal connection, which is an area I’m still navigating.
Being in the spotlight has never come naturally to me, but I’m realizing that if I don’t step forward and show the real person behind the brand, no one else will. It’s a hurdle that’s pushing me out of my comfort zone, but it’s also a necessary step in my growth as an entrepreneur. Learning to embrace this part of the journey is an ongoing challenge, but one I’m committed to overcoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maidesiree.com
- Instagram: @maidesireejewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaiDesireeJewelry
Image Credits
photo credit: Tina Mai