Me&Ro's Robin Renzi Celebrates 25 Years of Glamorous, Bohemian Jewelry

Robin Renzi has had many career milestones since launching her jewelry line, Me&Ro, 25 years ago. She counts Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and designer Alber Elbaz as fans; has met the Dalai Lama; outfitted celebrities for number of films and television shows; and has given back to countless charities, including The Joyful Heart Foundation. Indeed, if the success of a brand is measured by cachet, visibility, and, most importantly, longevity, Me&Ro could be the standard to which all aspire. Staying in commerce for a quarter of a century is no simple task by any means, which is why Renzis astounding achievement deserves commemoration. And what better way to do this than with jewelry?To celebrate Me&Ros 25th anniversary, Renzi has created a new capsule line comprised of 25 pieces, ranging from bangles and bracelets to earrings and rings. It is bold, luxurious, meaningful, and heavily influenced by Eastern culturesattributes that are apparent in all of Renzis designs, but are justifiably taken up a notch for the brands silver jubilee. Check out what Renzi has to say about her new collection, how the jewelry business has evolved, and how Julia Roberts naturally became a fan.What is your professional background?Before Me&Ro, I was a dancer. I danced in videos such as the Steve Winwood "Higher Love" video, but mostly, I performed in smaller dance-slash-performance companies and spaces in New York Citylike the Kitchen, Cuando and White Dog Studio in downtown Manhattan.How would you describe the aesthetic of Me&Ro?I think the aesthetic is bohemian and naturally glamorous, with luxurious materials made mostly by hand in a long thoughtful design process where everything is taken into consideration: how it looks, how it feels, and how it wears. I am very inspired by jewelry, and the place it has always held in our culture since the beginning of timemost specifically, talismans or charms that ward off evil, bring good luck, and create feelings of well-being and faith. I find inspiration in nature, and I like to borrow ideas from the past to create fresh and modern jewelry. I love antique jewelry from all cultures. I have coveted it since I was young. I had a very keen eye to what people were wearing, how they stacked rings, and the many charms, symbols, and meaningful pieces of jewelry that they would wear all together on one chain.How has your business grown since you launched in 1991?It grew rapidly, and I have reeled it in over the years. Presently, most of my sales are directly to clients via my store on Elizabeth Streetwhich is in its 17th yearand my websitewhich we are continuously updating. There were about 100 employees, and now we are under 20. I am happier with a smaller businessthe larger the business grew; the more time I spent managing the business and the less time designing. Now, I spend most of my day designing. After 25 years, I feel like I deserve that.What set your brand apart at the time, and how did you expand on that in the past 25 years?I think its the style of the jewelry, and the look and the feel. Staying true to the aesthetic and evolving with the times, and within our own creative ideas is how we've expanded.What were some of the early challenges you faced in growing your business?Rapid growth. We grew like wildfire, which is very exciting, but hard to manage since it was all new, and we didnt really know what to expect or what came next. There is so much excitement in building a brand, and it happens so quickly. I didnt know things could move that fast. I dont think anyone thinks they are creating the DNA of anything. It was very organic; it just evolved. There was no business plan or strategyit was very live or die, or, to put less dramatically, instinctual.How has the jewelry business changed in last 20 years?There are so many more jewelry companies now. In the early 90s, there were so few, and, of course, the Internet has changed everything. We used to have a large wholesale business, selling mostly to department stores and hundreds of specialty stores. Now, the largest portion of our business is online and direct to consumer. Also, the way people purchase has changed. Women now buy jewelry for themselves. Gift giving has also grown, and now includes men, children and teenagers. Everyone is wearing jewelry. All has discovered the idea of sentimental attachment, and showing off personal style. As it should be, jewelry is a great way to express oneself.Why did you decide to make and design all your jewelry in New York?It is my home and my community, and I believe in supporting my local economy. Creating jobs is huge for me! New York offers the best of everything, from people to production. There is no reason to go anywhere else. Plus, 47th Street is world-renowned! I wish the banks and the government were more supportive of small businesses, as we are the bread and butter of the economy.What are some of the brands milestones?Meeting the Dalai Lama, and attempting to give him a gift of a 22K gold Om Mani Padme Hung Pendant (the mantra of the Tibetan People) that we created for The Tibet Fund. It was the first charity, of many, that we supported in the past 25 years. Goldie Hawn was seated next to him, and exclaimed after the third time he handed it back to us, Its yours. Hes Buddhist and doesnt accept gifts. The pendant is now framed in my office.What are you known for?Were known for personal and symbolic pieces, layered necklaces and chains, hoops, stackable rings and corded bracelets and pendants. The Fearlessness Necklace, originally written in Sanskrit, was redesigned in English for Mariska Hargitays character, Olivia Benson, on her television show, Law & Order: SVU. All of the net proceeds from the sale of the pendantwhich weve sold for over 10 yearsgo to her charity, The Joyful Heart Foundation, and its transformative work to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.What are your most popular pieces?Our popular pieces are the Corded Bracelets in silver and 18K gold; personal, symbolic pieces; brown and black diamond chains, hoops and bracelets; one-of-a-kind, limited edition diamonds; and bridal.Me&Ro has made pieces for a number of movies, and is worn by A-list celebrities. Why is catering to Hollywood so important to fashion and jewelry brands?Its a huge coup to have actresses that are in the press wearing your pieces. There is a huge pressure for actresses, singers, and performers to look good and stylish on the red carpet, and everywhere they go. Its a very nice relationship that exists between performers and designers! We were very lucky that Julia Roberts naturally found the Me&Ro studio on Lafayette Street, which was our location before our store on Elizabeth Street opened. It was a pretty magical coincidence because she stopped by on a Saturday, when the office was usually closed. We just happened to be there, doing some office renovations. She went on to personally borrow all the jewelry she wore in the film Notting Hill, and then went on to win her first Oscar wearing Me&Ro.How would you describe your 25th anniversary collection?It's vintage ebony inlaid with 18K gold flowers in different sizes scattered across bangles and discs, with rose-cut brown diamonds and rivets of goldlike a flower constellation in the sky. They are limited edition pieces, as they are labor intensive to make. Along with the ebony, there is a collection of sequin squares that are textured so as to reflect the light. These are hand woven on a light cord to create a feeling of second skin. We also have long-tiered earrings, and necklaces where gold squares are sewn and crocheted on a fine silk cord.How are you looking to expand Me&Ro in the next 10 years?I am doing a few collaborations, and discussing design projects with other companies. I have spent the last eight years restructuring, and I want to enjoy where I am at the moment and keep making beautiful things.Me&Ros 25th Anniversary Collection ranges from $450 to $30,000, and is available on Meandrojewelry.com