"I'm going to make jewelry": the story behind Maélia Atelier

“I’m going to make jewelry!” – these five words marked the starting point of the Maélia Atelier adventure.

To inaugurate Le Carnet de Maélia, I wanted to tell you the story behind my Montreal-based jewelry brand.

My lifelong love for jewelry

Even before uttering those five little words that would steer me toward creating Maélia, I already had an unconditional passion for jewelry and everything that sparkles. I have always loved wearing it. As a child, I collected pieces: layered necklaces around my neck, wrists loaded with bracelets, fingers adorned with rings, not to mention my many pairs of earrings. I didn’t care about harmony: I just wanted to wear it all.

Looking back, I realize how much jewelry has always been a part of my life. From the markets I wandered with my mother, from which I never returned without a small ring, to that childish declaration I made to my parents: “When I grow up, I’ll marry a thief, that way he’ll steal lots of jewelry for me!”.

Over the years, my visits to museums and exhibitions dedicated to jewelry further nurtured my fascination. I have a particularly fond memory of the gemstone section at the Museum of Natural History in New York. Jewelry, gems, gold, silver… so many elements that continue to fascinate me.

Ultimately, it is not so surprising that today I choose to bring my own creations to life.

A desire for something new and to create with my hands

A bit clichéd, perhaps, but so true: I had my little mid-life crisis. A sudden soul-searching moment, accompanied by a desire to do something creative. The urge to step away from the screen, to design with my hands, and to bring something radiant to life.

Without leaving my job in digital marketing, I started creating jewelry for myself. Exploring my knowledge, developing my artistic flair. Then I wanted to go further and took evening classes at the École de Joaillerie de Montréal to learn the basics of the trade.

Gradually, my project took shape. A brand name—the secret of which I will share with you further down. A logo. A visual identity. An Instagram account. Then a website. Packaging. And, above all, the first creations.

Of course, all of this didn’t happen in a few weeks. Between evenings and weekends, it took me 18 months of work to finally launch my e-commerce site. March 8, 2025!

What shapes the Maélia jewelry brand

Behind every piece of Maélia jewelry lie values, those pillars that give the brand all its meaning.

1. Handmade : Every Maélia creation is conceived and made by hand in my Montreal studio. Some pieces may be manufactured elsewhere, only when they require techniques that I cannot perform myself, but always with respect for the Maélia spirit.
2. Limited series : Each piece of jewelry is designed in small batches, which gives it a more personal and unique touch. Wearing Maélia jewelry means having the certainty of wearing a piece crafted with care, far from mass production.
3. Responsible manufacturing : I adopt a reasoned approach to material consumption and refuse overproduction by voluntarily limiting my inventory. Each piece is made in small batches to avoid waste and add value to every resource.
4. Local suppliers : I work primarily with suppliers based in Canada. This allows not only for reducing the environmental impact related to transportation, but also for supporting the local economy and championing local businesses.
5. Versatile jewelry : Fine and delicate pieces, designed to accompany every moment. They can be worn daily with simplicity, while also enhancing more exceptional occasions.
6. Long-lasting jewelry : I carefully select quality materials so that each piece of jewelry retains its shine over time. My goal is for your Maélia jewelry to accompany you for a long time, safely and elegantly.

Why the name Maélia?

A question I am often asked. Why Maélia? This name is very meaningful to me. It is composed of at least three letters from the first names of each member of my family.

I wanted to incorporate them discreetly into my project as a way to keep their presence with me. I drew a silent strength and quiet confidence from it.

It was quite simply by writing the first names of my loved ones on a blank sheet of paper and playing with the letters that the name Maélia appeared.

You now know a little more about the story of Maélia and the fact that my jewelry is the expression of a journey, values, and a deep passion. Each creation is designed to last, to be worn daily, and to travel through time by your side.

More than a brand, Maélia is a creative adventure that I am happy to share with you.

✨ Haven’t discovered all our sparkling creations yet? Browse them now!