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This unique handcrafted jewelry shop in South Pasadena is just getting ready to have a grand opening in May, but they’re now making waves online, with consistent posts on social media showing photos of what customers might expect to see when they actually open, and creating anticipation for the live events that will be part of the grand event and will also be featured regularly in the venue.
The shop, called Jeweled Universe, a woman-owned and operated business, has actually started selling stuff, said Diana March, herself a jewelry artisan and the co-owner. They’ve been doing this since last December.
“We do have ongoing sales. But mostly people come in for the one-of-a-kind merchandise, and we know they’ll be coming in for the live entertainment,” March said.
For the entertainment, March and Malerie Wilkins, the store manager, are currently recruiting artists, singers, musicians, even open mic performers, to come perform on their “magical stage.”
Classical musicians, musical theater, cabaret acts, opera singers and poets are most welcome, says March.
“And we’re asking that people call for booking and for more information,” she said. “So we’re starting to promote that; what kept us from doing it was COVID. And now that we’re allowed to have people inside the space sitting, we could start bringing in the live entertainment that we were planning from the beginning. So we’re really excited about that.”
Asked what the store’s major highlight will be, March said it is “to bring art, entertainment, and knowledge of Earth, Sea, and Space to the community while supporting artists to thrive in a magical theatrical boutique setting.”
Right now, March and Wilkins are focused on posting updates online, as well as photos of March’s jewelry line.
“Because of the whole pandemic, I feel like we were forced to just do everything online. We had one successful show of mine, and then after that, it was challenging,” says Wilkins. “And then we tried out different outlets, like this event website where other artists were able to have their booths online.”
“Plus the things that we have are so one-of-a-kind and special,” March adds. “I think it’s really so much nicer to have a store so that people could come in and actually touch things and feel things and see them in person. It’s very visceral. But people do have a reaction to when they see it in person.”
Wilkins said they’re doing a lot of posts on their website and their Facebook and Instagram accounts, so people can go ahead and visit, and buy things online.
“A lot of the people from the shows that are having these virtual booths know her (March’s) work,” Wilkins said. “That’s why when they see it, they’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I know that’s gonna be beautiful in person.’ It’s just a work in progress with that, but we’re actively working on it.”
In case you’re interested to perform at Jeweled Universe’s grand opening and onwards, you can call Diana March at (818) 421-1993.
And if you’re simply excited about the grand opening, mark your calendar: that event will be on Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2, 12 to 5 p.m. on both days.
For more updates, visit www.jeweleduniverse.com or follow them on facebook and Instagram, @jeweleduniverse.
