Slowmade Podcast Episode 67: Michelle Pajak-Reynolds - Creating Future Heirlooms, Environmentally Sensitive and Ethical Metalsmithing Practices, & Pricing for Success

Q & A InterviewsJewelry Making
Written By Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

I’m beyond excited to share my recent conversation with Christine Mighion, host of the Slowmade Podcast. We recorded it back in late January, and it’s been so hard to keep it under wraps until today!

In this interview, we dive into so many topics, from the time and thoughtfulness I put into each of my designs, to how I research my inspirations, document my creative process, and carefully source ethically mined stones and precious metals. We also chat about my experience at New York Fashion Week, the rewards of building meaningful client relationships (many of you feel like chosen family to me ❤️), the challenges of balancing motherhood and family life with running a business, and so much more.

Thank you for listening!

--- Michelle

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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Untouched Beauty: Raw Gemstone Jewelry