Our Personal Story: Kim & Karjan
Welcome to our world, where creativity, passion, and partnership intertwine to bring MAQE to life. Our journey began long before MAQE was a dream, and every step we’ve taken together has shaped who we are and what we create.
How We Met
Our story begins on the beautiful island of Ibiza, where life brought us together. Our boys were in the same class, over a coffee after school drop-off we realized how much we had in common. Both of us shared a passion for traveling, nature, food, and beautiful things—especially jewelry. We both love understated yet special pieces that tell a story. That conversation sparked not just a friendship but a partnership that would lead to MAQE.
Kim
Growing up in Switzerland, I was surrounded by natural beauty and a culture of craftsmanship. From a young age, I was drawn to the artistry of jewelry, fascinated by the stories behind each piece. A year in Bali deepened my love for simplicity and connection to nature. My travels across the globe inspire my work to this day. When I met Karjan, I found someone who shared this passion and enriched my journey with her worldly perspective. Founding MAQE allowed me to channel this into something tangible, something people could wear as a reminder of their own stories.
Karjan
My journey into MAQE came from a life of exploration. I traveled the world from a young age, spending time on every continent, driving through 10 African countries, and living in cities like Sydney, Tokyo, and London. These experiences shaped my view on design and culture. Meeting Kim in Ibiza was transformative—her creative spirit and love for simplicity resonated deeply. Together, we realized we could create something special by blending our unique journeys into a shared vision.
The Power of Partnership
We’re both down-to-earth girls from Amsterdam who love jumping on our bikes in jeans and heading wherever life takes us. That mindset influences everything we do at MAQE. We wanted to create jewelry that fits into every part of life—pieces you don’t take off, whether you’re at hot yoga or a fancy dinner.
Fun and laughter have been our secret sauce. From cracking up on long-haul flights to turning sales parties into storytelling nights, these joyful moments make our partnership full of energy and life.
Building MAQE Together
Every collection we design tells a story—not just of the materials but of the shared experiences and dreams behind it. From sourcing ethically to crafting each piece with care, every step reflects our commitment to authenticity and the people who wear our jewelry.
MAQE isn’t just a brand; it’s a reflection of us—our values, our journey, and our love for what we do. We’re so grateful to share this adventure with all of you and hope our pieces inspire you to celebrate your own stories.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
With love,
Kim & Karjan
