Our Story.

Beetle & Magnolia was inspired by my lifelong love for creating meaningful, handcrafted items that celebrate the bonds of friendship and love. It all began during my childhood summers on the beach, where I would craft shell necklaces and paint rocks to give to those who made my days special. Seeing the joy these small tokens brought to others ignited a passion that stayed with me.

Years later, living in New York and working in the fast-paced world of fashion, I found solace in a little bead shop near my subway stop. Amid the stress of long hours at Bloomingdale’s and Anne Klein, I would scoop colorful beads and create jewelry to add a personal touch to my all-black wardrobe. It was my way of expressing individuality and finding balance in the chaos.

After moving back to Boston and becoming a teacher, I continued this tradition with my students, incorporating bead-making into children's yoga classes. The kids would create bracelets or necklaces with their intentions or mantras, and seeing them proudly wear their creations outside of class brought me immense happiness. It was a simple but powerful reminder of how a small gesture could have a lasting impact.

The name Beetle & Magnolia has a deep significance rooted in a story from my family. My grandmother lived next door to her best friend, Mimi, in Great Neck, New York. Between their homes stood a magnolia tree, a symbol of their enduring friendship. When my grandmother passed away, Mimi brought magnolia blossoms from that very tree to her gravesite, a touching and simple gesture of love and friendship, that left a profound impression on me.

In researching magnolias, I discovered that millions of years ago, long before bees were pollinators, it was beetles that pollinated these ancient trees. Despite the arrival of bees, the magnolia chose to stay loyal to its beetle pollinators—a beautiful symbol of steadfast friendship and loyalty. This story became the foundation for Beetle & Magnolia.

What began as a way to create simple, heartfelt gifts for friends has grown into a brand that embodies the spirit of thoughtful giving. At Beetle & Magnolia, we believe in the power of small gestures to show love and appreciation. We’re dedicated to crafting unique, personalized items that carry the same warmth and meaning that inspired their creation.