What is the The MeLanj (māˈlänj) you ask?
It is derivative of the French word meaning ‘mixture’. I chose this name because my line of handmade jewelry and accessories is a compilation of my personality, upbringing, family values, travels, life experience, and relationships. So I, Gina Marie, am honored to now have you be a part of my mix!!
Born and bred in the city of Baltimore, MD…
I come from a family of modest means and rich in love. My mother was a cosmetologist and seamstress. Her sister, my aunt, was a stylist. So from the age of 2, I was wearing satin head scarves to protect my freshly laid ‘dos, and for every school event I was either wearing a Mama Bivens original or threads handpicked for me by my aunt. For them, waking up was a reason to get dressed up. I grew up surrounded by beauty and sophistication.
What these women taught me is that style is a way of life, not a trend. I am a child of the 80’s and 90’s and my look is a blend of classic, bohemian, and vintage styles, sprinkled with some old school hip-hop flavor. I also love to travel and have visited many countries on 4 of the 7 continents, so my style also has an international edge to it. On any given day you can find me in a LBD with a stone washed jean jacket, neck wrapped in kente cloth, stepping in shell-head adidas. The one stop shop where I find all of these styles is the THRIFT STORE! One person’s clutter is my couture.
However no matter what I am wearing, I never feel fully put together unless I am wearing some sort of accessories. Even on days when I don’t feel so put together, the right pair of earrings can change that! I have my mom to thank (or blame 😂) for this. She had the doctor pierce my ears at a mere 2 months old! Clearly earrings are serious business in my family. So every piece I make is also a piece that I would wear. I will admit, it’s a bit scary entering into what could be called an over saturated market during such uncertain times. But there is a quote that was just the push I needed. It said “If you are your authentic self, you have no competition.”
So my friends welcome to The Melanj experience! The journey of my life interpreted into wearable clay art accessories that will highlight your individual style.
Let’s mix things up shall we?
