EP 75: Maggi Simpkins, Jewelry Designer

Claima Stories with Bimma

Growing up art wasn't just art, it was a way of life in the home Maggi grew up in. She loved to make things from candles to her own pants. Looking to escape Portland, Maggi enrolled in college in LA but dropped out shortly after. She started to work for a woman who had her own jewelry line. It was an eye opening experience for Maggi. Both good and bad. She was immediately promoted to designer, but maintained the same pay. And while she was still struggling financially, her designs would end up in Nordstrom. Recognizing how few Black women were represented in the jeweler space, Maggi took a leap of faith and launched her own business. Through workshops and trunk shows, she was able to build her network and land her first engagement ring commission. Today, Maggi Simpkins' jewelry is known for narrative-driven engagement rings and future family heirlooms. In 2021, she designed a bespoke ring valued at a million dollars for the Brillant & Black exhibition for Sotheby's auction house.
Co-Founder of Claima and Former Nike Marketer, Bimma Williams interviews leading and emerging creatives and entrepreneurs of color about how they were able to build their own tables by turning their hobbies, side hustles, and ideas into thriving small businesses.
From these stories, listeners will learn how to claim their dream careers by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Featuring Melody Ehsani, Jeff Staple, James Whitner and more.
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