Michelle Pajak-Reynolds brings Wonder Woman to Nolcha Shows

The following interview was originally published on Demur Magazine on July 11, 2016

Michelle Pajak Reynolds is on a mission to dress us up in her jewellery of armour, so that we too can change the world. This comes from Michelle’s childhood, as she sat and played with her pop-beads and jelly bracelets, Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman was showing in the background on the television. “Wonder Woman’s jewellery gave her super powers, confidence and enabled her to change the world. My passion for making jewellery is to help my clients feel extraordinary and as though they can conquer anything.” Being exposed to such a strong character has now worked wonders for Michelle who will be showing at Nolcha Shows in September during fashion week.

A few words to describe the collection that you will be showing at Nolcha this season.

I’ll be showing new designs for my Undina Collection. This collection is inspired by water goddesses and handcrafted in recycled sterling silver, gemstones and pearls.

You say your work is influenced by your travels. Out of all the places you have visited, which place has given you the most inspiration?

It’s impossible to pick just one place as all the cities I’ve visited in the US and abroad have had their influence on my work.  My biggest trip so far was for a study abroad in Curitiba, Brazil in 2011 and it was a magical experience.  I had the privilege of staying with a wonderful host family, who are now my extended family. I also found many stunning gemstones for my collections.

What country or place would you use to describe the Michelle Pajak-Reynolds brand?

Instead of a physical place, my brand is aligned with the mindset of extraordinary women.  These are confident, charismatic women who pursue their own joy wherever it may lead. They balance many roles but are always true to themselves: independent spirits forging their own path and inspiring others to do the same.

We know you were or still are a big fan of Wonder Woman. Which celebrity dead or alive would you choose to be your Wonder Woman muse and why?

As a child I was a big fan of the Wonder Woman TV series with actress Lynda Carter. Wonder Woman’s jewelry especially her bracelets gave her super powers and inspired me to become a jeweler.

I consider any woman who is confident in pursuing her passions and encouraging other to do the same to be a Wonder Woman.  There are many women, celebrity and not, around the world that fit that description and all of them are sources of inspiration.

How can we keep up to date with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds?

michellepajakreynolds.com

Instagram @michellepajakreynolds

Facebook michellepajakreynoldsjewelry

Twitter @mpajakreynolds

Photo credits: Julie Stanley/JuleImages LLC

 

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds began designing jewelry at 5 years old after being inspired by the power bracelets and tiara worn by actress Lynda Carter in the Wonder Woman television series. And her history with jewelry goes back even further as her parents met and fell in love across a jewelry case; Michelle's mom was a jewelry department manager and her dad was a police officer.

As a young child, Michelle used her babysitting money to teach herself basic beading and wire-wrapping techniques with supplies from her local craft supply store. Her formal jewelry and metalsmithing training began in a high-school jewelry class and she went on to perfect her artistic and business skills via a BFA in Jewelry from Kent State University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Baldwin-Wallace University.

Michelle founded her eponymous jewelry company in 2001 and specializes in small collections of one-of-a-kind designs. Handcrafted in gemstones, pearls and ethically sourced precious metals in her Ohio studio, Michelle’s creations are elegant and ethereal art to wear that stirs the soul. In addition to designing her signature collections, Michelle works one-on-one with collectors to create breathtaking custom designs.

michellepajakreynolds.com
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Jewelry Designer Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Features Undina

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Designer Interview with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds