One jewelry designer's love of exotic beads has become an international enterprise that is known and worn by celebrities and the toast of the fashion community. Miami's Musa Jewelry is an example of taking one's creative passion and making a successful business from it. The brand puts both gemstones and beads into the forms of both necklaces and bracelets largely worn for their bold looks as well as spiritually mending properties.
Owner and former wardrobe stylist of 15 years Bobbie Van Der Vlugt works in her home studio in Coconut Grove. Her business, Musa Jewelry, was initially started as a form of occupational therapy for her mother with Alzheimer's.
“I wanted to make her feel useful. We started to
During her travels, Van Der Vlugt has found all sorts of exotic beads to turn into pieces for her collection.
“I’ve always loved jewelry, so I would collect pieces from Morocco, African pieces, I had Aboriginal beads, I had beads from everywhere,” said Van Der Vlugt.
Her past work with celebrities includes creating Musa Jewelry for Lenny Kravitz, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Uma Thurman.
“It’s so so cool, but what I love is it’s always someone that I love and admire and respect. So, I feel like there’s no one that I like don’t like that where’s my jewelry, so it’s like the best brand ambassadors,” said Van Der Vlugt.
“I look at a stone-like turquoise which I actually love for right now. From the Native Americans to the Shamans, the Tibetans, I think how did all these cultures without being able to communicate with each other decide that turquoise is a master healer? SoI feel like a conduit. It’s not really me. It’s the energy of the stones they have a vibration much like we do,” Van Der Vlugt said regarding the meaning of each of her stones and more.
Information originally sourced from CBS Miami.
