Meet Melissa Kolos | Jewelry Creator and Owner

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

Hi Melissa, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea for my business when I combined my love of seashells with jewelry making. Growing up in South Florida, I found myself collecting seashells at a young age. After realizing my shell collection had grown over the years, I decided to turn them into jewelry. I started making hair clips with sea glass and shells and expanded my product line to necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. What began as a creative outlet/hobby during high school and college has turned into a business. After obtaining my masters in Product Development, I have taken on this business full time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mermaid and Me is known for ocean inspired jewelry which allows customers to take a piece of the beach with them wherever they go. I create jewelry with seashells I have found as well as other beach related charms. I try and stay up to date with trending styles while adding a beachy spin to them.

I believe my customer service and jewelry set me apart from others. I pride myself on creating pieces that are not on the market and styles I have never seen before. I like to incorporate shells and beachy designs into trending styles. Custom creations are always welcome in order to make the perfect piece for the customer.

I am most proud of the growth my business has gone through over the years. Looking back, I have completely enhanced my product line and honed my jewelry making skills. I have learned more about the metals, materials, and jewelry making process. I am also pretty proud of myself for figuring this “small business thing” out on my own over the past 6 years.

I have got to where I am today due to my belief in myself and my jewelry along with the connections I have made with my customers. Their support of my business is humbling and gratifying. It brings me joy to meet people who share a love for my jewelry. There is truly no greater honor than when customers tell me they came to a pop up event just to check out Mermaid and Me.

The road has been smooth for the most part. I have learned as I went and have been able to create a business model that works for me. The toughest part has been figuring out every step on my own which at times can be scary. There is no instruction manual for running a small business but “trial and error” has worked so far!

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?
When friends are visiting, the first place I think to take them is the beach- shocking right? I live for a good boat or beach day accompanied by a Laspada’s Sub for lunch. Sushi for dinner is always a must! Some of my favorite places are Phat Boy and Sushi 1 Take Out (a mom & pop owned restaurant in downtown Fort Lauderdale, thank me later). A trip to Fort Lauderdale wouldn’t be complete without a drive to Las Olas for drinks and dinner at Rocco’s Tacos and Louie Bossi. Mornings would consist of coffee from either Cyth & Co or The Gathering Grounds followed by acai at Tropi Bowls or Vale Food Co. On the weekends, we would stop by a local market to shop small and continue the shopping at some of my favorite local boutiques like The Wandershop and Haute & Honey. If my guests are early risers, I love to catch a sunrise at Lauderdale by the Sea!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has been my biggest supporter throughout this journey. They have been there every step of the way. From my mom who helps me at markets and makes jewelry, to my dad who helps with set up/breakdown, to my brother who runs orders to the post office, they’ve all played an important role. For my first few pop ups, my dad actually built some of my necklace and earring display stands! I owe it all to them for helping me get to where I am today.

I also have to shoutout the local South Florida business community of amazing boss women who support each other in so many ways. Many of them have showed me opportunities and support. I greatly appreciate local businesses opening their doors for me to pop up with my business at their locations.

Marisa Folz, owner of The Wandershop, has been one of my earliest supporters. She hosted me for my first pop up back in 2018. I can’t thank her enough for her ongoing encouragement and friendship.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/mermaidandme

Instagram: @mermaid_and_me

Facebook: Mermaid and Me