In episode #121, I share an interview with Ama McKinley, founder of Ilium Wing. Ama began making waist jewelry in 2010 after creating her first strands for herself and a few friends. Inspired by the sacred, powerful and divine symbology of waist jewelry to uphold femininity, fertility, protection, and spirituality, Ama followed her calling to reawaken the energy of this centuries-old tradition of adornment and healing. Her use of natural materials such as bone, beads, precious metals and gemstones preserves the origins of this ancient talisman, while her designs add a modern, elevated perspective. She founded Ilium Wing in 2019.

In this episode, I talk to Ama about topics like branding and setting your jewelry brand apart in a crowded marketplace, marketing with a focus on genuine engagement and community building, the power of emerging platforms like Clubhouse, and tips for executing an on-brand lifestyle photoshoot for your jewelry brand. It was so fun to talk to Ama, and I really hope you enjoy this conversation.