Founded in New York, and fabricated in both NYC and LA, Mana Made is a jewelry brand created by Amanda 'Mana' Paulsen. The jewelry is sustainably made, utilizing recycled metals and small-batch production processes. Each piece reflects Mana's love of simplicity, as well as her coastal roots, having grown up on Long Island's East End and later moving to southern CA, fostering her innate connection to nature, the sea, and sand that lines both the coastal and desert lands.
Meet Mana:
A native New Yorker, Mana began making jewelry during her time living in Southern California. Amidst the palm tree lined coast and sun filled days, a passion project was born.
Fast forward a decade, she found herself back in NYC working as a consultant for nonprofit arts organizations, museums, and artist residency programs.
Inspired by both the works of art and artists themselves encountered in this field of work, she set out on her own creative path to explore the art of metalsmithing and design.
After apprenticing under experts in the jewelry industry at several NYC based community metal arts studios, the first collection was made.
Meet 'Bluey'
Bluegrass 'Bluey' specializes in security, delivery services, and provides emotional support during those busy days at the studio.
A rescue from southern CA, this 'lil desert dog loves the sun and warmer climates and loathes cold days in NYC. Currently a centennial (in dog years), she is semi-retired but still enjoys an occasional city stroll to ship orders when the weather suits her.
For the dog lover's out there, you can read more about her life story and adventures in TheDogist, which features Bluegrass styled in a custom Mana Made brass dog tag.
(Photo: Elias Weiss Friedman @TheDogist)