My Vilnius is a series of interviews that introduce you to people who call Vilnius their home. It’s all about the ordinary lives of extraordinary people and vice versa. Meet Melita, who followed her inner compass and always knew that her path was and is jewelry. Today, she runs a Vilnius-based Mellow Jewellery Creative House, where she creates all of the unique pieces herself.
VP: Could you tell us more about your story?
Melita: Creativity and arts have surrounded me since the early days when I spent time in our house’s garage instead of playing with dolls and stereotypical girlie toys. And so, various tools like screws, nuts, and similar have become my objects of study from the very beginning, which has strongly enhanced my creative stylistics up to this day.
I was born and spent my entire childhood in Šiauliai, up until I started studying. However, I realized very early on that I didn’t like living there—I always longed for something broader, more creative, engaging, and freer. From the start, I had this realization in me that I wanted to not only study the arts but also leave the small town as soon as possible.
Although I felt this magnetic pull towards jewelry, the desire to go to the capital was still stronger. So, when choosing programs, instead of studying jewelry in Telšiai, I chose what was closest to jewelry: studying costume design at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. Yet, even after graduating from it, jewelry remained what attracted me the most, so a year after my studies, I found myself transitioning into jewelry very easily; I simply rented a job in a jeweler’s workshop and became self-taught. Which, seemingly, went really well.
VP: What was the inception of Mellow Jewellery Creative House like?
Melita: While still in high school and not fully comprehending the definition of a brand, I already dreamed of developing one. For this reason, that same month, right after I defended my costume design diploma, I started the Mellow brand, which happened in 2014. In the beginning, while creating a contemporary jewelry brand, I encountered the fact that the Lithuanian market back then was not at all ready for my pioneering ideas because my jewelry was from completely alternative materials, such as construction materials: cables, garden hoses, nuts, bolts, washers, carabiners, and so on.
Since wanting to make a living from my pieces, naturally, I looked for a compromise in terms of materials, proportions, and practicality. So, in 2016, precious metals appeared, and ideas were realized while using the traditional jewelry craft. Even though in 2018, my contemporary jewelry was noticed in one of the largest fashion talent competitions in Europe, and I reached the finals there, I had already fully discovered myself in precious metals and gemstones. Enjoying the process of creation and working in solitude already in 2017, I started dreaming about my own creative space, which led to the goal that once I learn sufficiently about jewelry, I will launch my own workshop.
When the Mellow Jewellery Creative House phase began in 2019, and only after establishing the company did I realize that I was also creating a business. While the whole world did not know what to expect from the global COVID-19 pandemic, I channeled that uncertainty into painting the walls of my new workshop and delved into other independent renovation work.
Being able to grow business indicators even in the face of the pandemic, I felt that the need for progress only increased. So, to this day, Mellow Jewellery Creative House has been operating for a year in new creative spaces in the Markučiai district of Vilnius, where the interior reflects the roots of creativity, and right behind the glass wall, the realization of creativity takes place.
VP: What does Mellow Jewelry specialize in, and how is it distinct?
Melita: Mellow Jewellery specializes in precious metal and gemstone jewelry, creating one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces (engagement and wedding jewelry and rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.), presenting collections, and collaborating interdisciplinaryly with other creators. Mellow is unique in that it offers not only modern, contemporary, and refined style but also practical, everyday jewelry, making it a niche brand.
VP: How and where are the pieces produced?
Melita: Mellow jewelry is designed and handmade at the Mellow Jewellery Creative House in Vilnius, Lithuania.
VP: How would you describe the Lithuanian sense of fashion, particularly regarding accessories?
Melita: It’s tricky to answer because I’m not very interested in trends or tendencies. I don’t apply them in my work either. I can only comment on what I encounter myself: people who buy my work are looking for and want something unique, original, created, and made locally. There are certainly quite a few such consumers, and, of course, the main ones are from the big cities of Lithuania. However, when observing the market, you can also notice another segment: a considerable part of the audience that prefers classic, often repeated styles or jewelry from global luxury brands.
VP: Who is your style icon?
Melita: Oh, to answer it quickly, I’d have to say Rihanna.
VP: Do you have a life philosophy? If so, what is it?
Melita: Like many others, I also have it, but perhaps I can’t wrap it up in a single catchy phrase to describe it. But I follow a few rules in life, business, and creativity: trust your intuition, and don’t do anything if you don’t feel sure about it; respect yourself and others because we are all equally human, regardless of achievements, income, age, or gender, and finally—actions speak louder than words.
VP: What would you recommend for a first-time visitor coming to Vilnius?
Melita: I myself am more of a nature visitor than a city visitor, but I recommend exploring on foot. Vilnius is not big compared to other world capitals; you can reach such districts as the Old Town, Užupis, Paupys, Markučiai, Žverynas, and Naujamiestis by walking. Look for less visited, off-the-radar places to eat, shop, or sight. Of course, we also invite you to visit our creative houses by reserving a time in advance!
VP: Where can we find you in the digital sphere?
Melita: You can find us on social media such as Instagram, TikTok, and our official website: https://mellowwear.lt/en.
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