Malabella Jewels, a jewelry brand founded in Strasburg, Virginia, is redefining the jewelry industry by offering products that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also imbued with deeper meanings. Encouraging customers to “live intentionally, love beautifully, and chase their dreams,” the company combines nature, healing, and a passion for creativity into every piece.
Owner and founder Hannah Skedsvold, who started the business in 2017, credits her journey to a personal transformation that began in 2013. While studying at James Madison University, Skedsvold faced mental and physical health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. In her quest for healing, she discovered yoga, a practice that would later inspire her to create Mala beads, a form of meditation jewelry.
The Beginnings of Malabella Jewels
Skedsvold’s story of starting Malabella Jewels is one of creativity, personal growth, and entrepreneurial spirit. As she delved deeper into the world of yoga, she became familiar with mala beads, which have a rich history in Buddhism and Hinduism. Traditionally, mala beads are used for meditation, counting mantras, and prayers, but they also serve as beautiful necklaces or bracelets. Inspired by their symbolism, Skedsvold began crafting her own mala beads, combining her love for yoga with her creative instincts.
“I’ve always been very creative and crafty,” said Skedsvold, explaining how she began gathering supplies and teaching herself to design. What started as a personal craft soon evolved into a business. She began selling her creations on Instagram, and to her delight, they sold out within a week. This early success motivated her and her husband to take the next step and officially turn the venture into a business.
From Concept to Business
In 2017, Malabella Jewels was born. The name is a blend of the Sanskrit word “mala,” meaning necklace or garland, and the Italian word “Bella,” meaning beautiful. Skedsvold and her husband, who is of Vietnamese descent, wanted the name to reflect a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, celebrating both cultures and their shared commitment to creating something beautiful and meaningful.
The business grew rapidly, moving from Instagram and Etsy to an international platform. Malabella Jewels quickly gained a loyal following of women seeking more than just a piece of jewelry but a symbol of inspiration, healing, and purpose.
“She loves nature, she loves the stars, mysticism, and setting intentions,” Skedsvold explained, describing her customer base. “She sets affirmations to rewire her brain and achieve her goals.” Malabella Jewels’ customers embrace the idea that jewelry can be an outward expression of inner transformation, a powerful reminder of personal intentions and growth.
A Commitment to the Earth
From the beginning, Malabella Jewels was more than just a jewelry company; it was an extension of Skedsvold’s values. Her connection to nature and desire to give back to the earth led her to partner with Trees for the Future, a nonprofit organization based in the DC/Maryland area. For every piece of jewelry sold, the company plants a tree in rural, developing countries.
Since 2017, the company has planted over 16,000 trees, making a tangible impact on the environment. “Nature is a huge inspiration,” Skedsvold said. “Living in Strasburg, with its beautiful mountain views, I get to design surrounded by nature every day. It’s a privilege to be able to share that with others through my work.”
Expanding the Brand: More Than Just Mala Beads
Malabella Jewels began with a focus on meditation jewelry, but the brand has since expanded to offer a wide range of products, including earrings, necklaces, and chain bracelets, all centered around the concept of healing and personal growth. Skedsvold believes that jewelry should represent not just beauty but also transformation.
“Our philosophy is about healing, acceptance, and evolution,” she explained. “It’s about shedding the layers of who we are to rebuild what we want to become.”
In addition to traditional jewelry, Malabella Jewels introduced a popular new line this year: the Charm Bar. Skedsvold created the Charm Bar as a way to offer personalized, customized pieces that allow customers to tell their unique stories through jewelry.
“I had a collection of charms from years of running my business, and I noticed that millennials were looking for customized pieces,” she said. “It was a great decision.”
The Charm Bar: A New Trend in Custom Jewelry
The Charm Bar, which Skedsvold introduced this summer, has quickly become a hit. Offering a selection of charms like butterflies, pearls, and beetles, the Charm Bar allows customers to create their own jewelry designs, selecting gemstones and charms that hold personal significance.
“It’s exploded,” Skedsvold said with excitement. “I’m the first in the area to offer this trend, and it’s been amazing to see how much people love it.”
For Skedsvold’s customers, the Charm Bar is more than just an opportunity to buy jewelry; it’s a way to connect with their personal journeys. “If someone wants to set an intention, they can add a gemstone that represents what they’re working towards,” she explained. “They can also add charms that represent personal milestones, such as loved ones, places they’ve visited, or experiences they’ve had.”
Strengthening Local Ties: Connecting with the Community
As Malabella Jewels grows, Skedsvold has made it a priority to strengthen her connection with the local community. Monthly Charm Bar pop-up events around the Shenandoah Valley have allowed her to build stronger relationships with customers and local businesses.
“We’ve made an effort to connect with the local community, and it’s been more supportive than I could have ever imagined,” Skedsvold said. “Now, we get so many orders from areas like Winchester, Woodstock, and Front Royal. It’s a dream to be supported by my hometown.”
With the holiday season fast approaching, Skedsvold is planning more Charm Bar pop-up events where customers can create custom jewelry pieces for their loved ones. For more information on these events, customers are encouraged to visit Malabella Jewels’ Facebook page.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Malabella Jewels
Looking toward the future, Skedsvold is excited about the potential for further growth and expansion of Malabella Jewels. Whether through the introduction of new collections, deeper community involvement, or continued dedication to sustainability, the brand is committed to inspiring women to live with intention and purpose.
For Skedsvold, the success of Malabella Jewels is about more than just business; it’s about creating meaningful connections with people and the earth. Through every piece of jewelry, she hopes to inspire her customers to live beautifully, set intentions, and chase their dreams.
With a foundation built on creativity, healing, and a deep connection to nature, Malabella Jewels is not just a jewelry brand; it’s a movement toward more mindful and intentional living.
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