Meet Claudia Machado | Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudia Machado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always wanted to work with accessories. I started selling jewelry made by me when I was in middle school. I was always aware about the trends and news to be able to deliver it to my customers. I always thought I could help women to feel prettier and

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started selling Jewelry and accessories when I was in middle school. I used to create my own design, manufacture and sell them. I used to spend many hours creating my own designs. Nowadays, I import them from Brazil and sell in the USA. My favorite part of my job is curating the products to bring the most unique pieces, trying to combine quality and more affordable prices. It is never easy to start a business in a different country with a different culture, but when you love what you do, you can always be persistent. I started Dona Trend focusing in more colorful and fashionable jewelry, made out of acrylic, resin, and so on. But then, I started going to pop up markets in order to evaluate general customer behavior when looking for new accessories. I keep the same eye on the trend, but I’m focusing on bringing materials such as stainless steel and gold plated to better serve the culture and new customer behaviors I have been observing. Challenges will always exist in any business, but our persistence to overcome them needs to be bigger, and of course, the love for what you do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would highly recomend a brunch at Nikki Beach – South Beach. After that, we could go for an evening walk through South Point Pier – Miami Beach, to relax a little with an amazing view. At night, we could go somewhere nice to have some drinks and dance a little, like La Victoria Social Club. The next day, I would invite them to have lunch at Louis Bossi in Las Olas – Fort Lauderdale, with a different environment and things to see. We could go walking though las Olas all the way to The wharf to hang out a little and have some fun.
The following day, I would take them to buy some things at Sawgrass Mills; my favorite outlet, and then have an amazing dinner in one of the restaurants in the area, before they leave.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my parents for always motivating and supporting me in my journey and to my boyfriend, Ryan Serna, for being an amazing partner and to be with me in all my events and pop up shops that I participate with my brand; Dona Trend. Last but not least, my son Artur for understanding when I need to be working and for being my fuel to grow each day.

Instagram: @donatrend

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donatrend

Other: Developing the new website: www.donatrend.com (soon)