In this Slowmade Podcast interview, Michelle Pajak-Reynolds dives into so many topics, from the time and thoughtfulness she puts into each of her designs, to how she researches her inspirations, documents her creative process, and carefully source ethically mined stones and precious metals. She also chats about her experience at New York Fashion Week, the rewards of building meaningful client relationships (many of whom feel like chosen family to her ❤️), the challenges of balancing motherhood and family life with running a business, and so much more. Listen on the web, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

From backstage at New York Fashion Week to the Emmy Awards red carpet, follow the journey of the Undina Collection—meticulously handcrafted by designer Michelle Pajak-Reynolds.

I’ve designed jewelry since I was 5 years old so my work has evolved a lot over the decades. My first pieces in the early 1980’s were made with pop-beads and jelly bracelets. As I got older I spent my babysitting money on beads and jewelry supplies from craft stores and taught myself how to make the pieces I wanted to wear.

The following interview by Beth Anderson was originally published on Chic Galleria on August 1, 2016.