How Marijo Martini Built a Jewelry Business Over Decades (And Why It Was Worth the Wait)

April 9, 2026

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You know those people who “fell into” their career? Yeah… this isn’t that.

Marijo is the designer and goldsmith behind Martini Metal Craft, a Bellingham-based jewelry brand she’s been building since 2011. Her work is instantly recognizable - clean lines, understated elegance, and pieces that feel delicate but are built to last. The kind you wear every day without overthinking it and still get compliments years later.

She also runs Martini Mercantile, her brick-and-mortar shop tucked into the Sunnyland neighborhood. It’s part retail space, part creative hub, set inside a 1929 Tudor home where art, community, and events naturally spill beyond the walls. It’s less “store” and more “you walk in and want to stay awhile.”

. . .

In this episode, we talk about where it all began, what it really looked like to build a business over decades, and what finally led her to take the leap - and it’s such an honest reminder that not every path is fast, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

Connect with Marijo:

Website: https://martinimetalcraft.com
Instagram: @martinimetalcraft + @martinimercantile

Visit her shop: Martini Mercantile at 2100 Iron Street, Bellingham, WA

From Curiosity to Craft

Like so many creative businesses, Marijo's didn’t begin with a master plan.

It started with curiosity.

After being introduced to jewelry-making years ago, she became completely hooked - teaching herself, taking classes, and eventually even making her own wedding rings.

What began as a creative outlet slowly turned into something more.

Not overnight.
Not with a clear roadmap.

Just through showing up, learning, and continuing to make.

Building a Business Alongside Real Life

One of the most powerful parts of Marijo's story is how long she built her business alongside everything else.

She was working full-time.
Waitressing in the evenings.
Selling at markets on the weekends.

There was never a moment where it was just one thing.

And that’s something I think so many people need to hear - because we often think we’re supposed to go all in right away.

But for Marijo, that season was the foundation.

It’s where she learned how to sell, how to connect with customers, and how to keep going even when it was exhausting.

The Power of Space + Environment

For years, Marijo didn’t have a dedicated space to create.

And when she finally got one, everything shifted.

Her studio wasn’t just a workspace - it became a source of inspiration. It shaped her brand, her aesthetic, and the way she presented her work to the world.

It’s such a good reminder that your environment matters more than we think.

Sometimes growth isn’t just about doing more - it’s about creating the right space to support what you’re building.

The Turning Point

Marijo always knew her heart wasn’t in the traditional path she was on.

But like so many of us, she stayed - for stability, for income, for all the “responsible” reasons.

Until she couldn’t anymore.

After years of working, pushing, and eventually hitting burnout, she realized something had to change.

And even though it wasn’t perfect timing… she took the leap.

It wasn’t easy.
It wasn’t guaranteed.

But it was necessary.

Creating Martini Mercantile

What Marijo has built today is so much more than a jewelry business.

Martini Mercantile is a space that brings together her work and the work of other artists - creating an experience that feels thoughtful, curated, and deeply personal.

It’s not just about selling products.

It’s about creating a place where people can connect with craftsmanship, with stories, and with each other.

And that intention shows in every detail.