Style Scoop Interview: Maria Ewing

As the owner and designer of Locketship, Merchandise Product Development alumna Maria Ewing (who does double duty as the face the company) is living her dream. We caught up with the Los Angeles resident to talk about her awesome line, which features motifs such as shells, seahorses, anchors, birds, and rosebuds. Maria also designs bracelets, earrings, rings, and a men's collection as well.

Name: Maria Ewing

Major/Grad Year/Campus:  Merchandise Product Development, Class of 2004, Orange County and L.A. Campus.

Hometown:  Torrance, California

What do you love about running Locketship? I love the creative process. I love being able to envision a piece, gather the necessary materials, and work and create until it comes to fruition. I really enjoy being my own boss as well!

When did you launch and why? Locketship launched in January 2008. It's hard to believe it's been almost two years. I started making custom lockets for my family and friends. The pieces started getting a lot of attention and I started getting requests so I decided to turn it into a business and create a jewelry line. Ultimately, I wanted to make beautiful and memorable pieces for people so they could show off the important things in their lives.

What's a typical day like? My day starts with checking emails and prepping and shipping orders. If there is an item that needs to be made, I start the process of making it. Each locket takes two to three days to create. I make time to work on new designs everyday. I also do the web design for Locketship.com, so I make changes and add items as necessary.

Why did lockets inspire you to launch an entire line?  Lockets were originally intended to hide and protect precious items such as a photo or lock of hair. Now, it's all about showing and displaying what's important to you. Lockets are like scrapbook pages in a smaller form that are turned into a necklace. You can put anything into one and be able to wear it and have it with you at any time. And they make great conversation pieces.

What are some of your favorite pieces? I love each piece I've made, but I do have three favorites. I love the way the Half a Penguin locket looks when someone wears it. It looks like a human head on a penguin body. I also love the Lola Calavera and Betty Calavera necklaces because I sketched the faces of Lola and Betty. Lastly, the Soaring Seas necklace is special to me because it features a photograph I took in Nice, France, on my second honeymoon. I'm reminded of that special time and place every time I see and wear that piece.

How did you discover FIDM? Representatives from FIDM came to my high school and did a presentation in my clothing construction class. Our class was able to go to one of the FIDM fashion shows. It was really inspiring! I attended both the Orange County and LA campuses and now I'm running my own line.

What did you love about it? I loved all of the projects we were assigned to do. Projects at FIDM were never "dreaded school projects." They were fun because they required us to be creative and use our talents. I love working hands on because it's the easiest way for me to learn. I even enjoyed all of the papers that we had to write because they were related to the fashion industry. My favorite project was going to the museum and doing a report for my History of Costume class.

Any lessons you learned at FIDM that you still use today? One thing that has really stuck with me from FIDM is the work ethic. FIDM taught me that making it in the fashion industry and creating unique pieces are a lot of work. It's extremely rewarding work, but you still have to dedicate yourself to it. FIDM prepares you very well for that.

Where do you see the future of Locketship? My goal is to work towards opening a Locketship store. My long-term goal is to have Locketship products in stores nationwide.

What advice would you give to other aspiring jewelry designers? My advice would be to remember that starting a line in the fashion industry is a business. There's a lot of hard work that goes into coming up with ideas, creating pieces, running a website, and taking care of customers. Stay focused and always be prepared because anything can happen or change at anytime. Lastly, I would say: design what you love!

Comments

[wholesale blac label]

Hey! this is pretty good stuff. i like the way she dress up! she looks gorgeous in her very own outfits. looks attractive hope to see more of her fashionable outfits. keep it up!

-altheya-

[K Nelson]

I remember when Maria created wonderfully fantastic clothing for Torrance High School's annual fashion show. It's fantastic to see she's continuing with her creativity and succeeding at what she loves!