Mama Honua is a brand of handmade jewelry, in France, with retro-bohemian accents, based in Normandy.
Honua means “planet”, “earth” in Hawaiian, Lucile chose this name to anchor her desire to be part of an environmentally friendly approach.
The “Mama” came to join Honua for the human and feminine side of the brand.
@mamahonua
1/ When and how did you discover your love for jewelry design?
Coming from a training in lingerie styling, I found my happiness in the meticulousness of this type of work, but not in its concrete realization (= sewing). It was while finding some items to make bracelets and picking up some pliers that it was love at first sight. As I delved deeper into the subject and began to use a bocfil, files and other torches, I knew it was what I needed.
2/ What is the best thing about your job as a jewelry designer?
Freedom : organize my days as I wish, choose my work partners, my artistic direction, the universe and the tone that I wish to give to my brand. Making decisions when you are alone in charge is not always easy, but seeing yourself progress on a daily basis is also very satisfying.
3/ Where do you find your inspiration?
It is often “groping” that my inspiration comes. I start with a crush on a stone that I imagine on a necklace, a ring, a bracelet or earrings. And over the course of the tests, the project is refined.
It can also come from a very precise idea to trace or shape on the metal. One thing is certain, I like lightness and finesse.
4/ What advantages do you get from Makk Design’s jewelry display concept?
I started by using Makk Design displays for the various designer markets in which I participate, then for the boutiques and pop-ups where I display my jewelry.
I often combine them with vintage glass and brass boxes which go very well with them. The wood of the displays underlines the “natural” side that I want to give to my atmosphere and which fits well with my brand identity. I often get compliments on my general presentation, or even customers who want to buy my displays ;) I like to explain to them that it is also part of my approach to source from another French designer.
5/ Where do you see your jewelry brand in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope that Mama Honua will continue to grow, perhaps integrate other people into the adventure (I currently work alone from A to Z), and perhaps add other collections that change jewelry... But shhh! We'll see then!
6/ Do you have any advice to give to people who would like to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure?
Don't neglect your weekends and vacations? Living from your passion is good, but for it to remain a passion you must not let yourself be swallowed up! Make sure you are also well surrounded by people who support you and are there for you. And never say “never”! From there, you can go for it!
7/ And finally, do you have a phrase/quote or mantra that inspires you?
“FIRE NEEDS AIR” a very appropriate quote when creating jewelry and wielding a blowtorch, but which applies to just about anything and everything in life.
For me it's a bit of praising moderation : not seeing everything in black or white, but realizing that for everything there is a multitude of nuances that fit together.