Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Griffin and Kelly Jenkins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We’re a family of six artists, who create handmade jewelry, handwoven scarves, and other creative endeavors. Marina, (our mom and head designer), finished raising ten kids and took up weaving and jewelry as her new business.
Five of us siblings work with her, creating the jewelry, marketing, photography, web design, and social media. What started as potholder weaving and taking apart a few vintage necklaces, has grown to a studio of six floor looms, and a beading studio with cases of beads.
In 2013, the six of us were ready for a change and moved from our longtime home in California to an antique house in Peabody. Parts of our 200-year-old house have since been converted in weaving and beading studios, and we create all our products on site.
We have loved our transition to New England – winters included! We showcase and sell our products through our website, bi-yearly open studio events, and wholesaling to local stores. Besides making the jewelry and scarves, we’re all writers or musicians of some kind, so our home and studios also function as our own artist’s residency.
It’s great – we’re either working on the newest scarf and necklace lines, or we’re reading and critiquing each other’s latest writing! (Currently, a couple novels and stage musicals are in process).
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not. In my opinion, nothing meaningful is created without a struggle. The main obstacles we have faced are self-doubt and lack of determination and grit. A business is not a series of sales; it’s a grind. Every day, there is something to do, and you must stay with it, and in it, to be successful.
Also, being a family first, and business second, is difficult. In other words, dividing dirty towels and the website maintenance into separate conversations is a discipline, but absolutely critical to avoid burnout.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Marina Griffin Design – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are local, New England craftsmen (mostly women, actually) who specialize in the creation of handwoven fabrics and vintage beaded jewelry.
We are known for several things: our use of nature-based colors and inspirations; our materials, whether they be the finest silks or vintage trade beads from Africa; and our use of classic patterns and designs that you won’t be ashamed of in ten years, or in a hundred.
We’re most proud of us, as a family, sticking together. We are creating a not only a business but using the business model of the generational makers of antiquity.
What sets us apart is that our products speak for themselves, and when we speak for them, we tell a story. Our story is told in everything we do, whether it be through titles, product descriptions, or photography.
And everyone likes a good story, whether it be the real story of the 10,000 pounds of up-cycled nylon we bought or the slightly fictional story of how your necklace saved Ireland and started a nonprofit that trained rescue dogs to captain naval vessels. We are word people. And it shows.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We have too many plans for the future! It’s a real issue, honing down what we do into a manageable set of products/services for the present.
We look into the future and see up-cycled materials being turned into household linens, handbags, and accessories; baby blankets; artistic installations… the list could go on forever!
Pricing:
- Necklaces: $55-$265
- Scarves: $250-$350
- Cowls: $65
- Bracelets: $35
- Earrings: $35
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marinagriffin.com
- Email: kelly@marinagriffin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina.griffin.design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.griffin.design/
Image Credit:
Joel “JP” Griffin
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
