Mara is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a designer, Reiki Master, and the founder and creative director behind Mara Scalise Jewelry. She began her career working in fashion in Argentina, later moving to New York City in pursuit of new opportunities, where she gained extensive experience within the industry.

During this time, Mara also explored a deeper spiritual path and became a Reiki Master. Working with cancer patients, yoga teachers, and creatives, she began to merge her two passions - creativity and spirituality - into her work, shaping the foundation of her brand today.

Carolina and I go way back, she is more like a sister than a friend. We met at 19 while working at a very special restaurant in Buenos Aires, and those early years created a bond that has stayed with us ever since.

When I was living in New York, she used to come visit while she was just beginning to build her brand. I've always admired and supported her creativity from the very start. Even then, her pieces had such a distinct point of view, and it's been incredible to watch her vision grow stronger and more refinded over the years.

In 2008, I became fascinated with alchemy and the healing power of metals. Mara Scalise was born with the intent to produce more than just beautiful jewelry, but jewelry infused with reiki energy with the intention of protection and self empowerment.

Mara Scalise includes jewelry, handbags, wallets, belts and home goods all handmade in Los Angeles where I live with my husband and 2 children. I work mostly with ethical, sustainable, small family businesses.  

I design every piece with longevity in mind. For our cast pieces, we use upcycled gold, silver, and brass, working with existing metals to extract the highest quality while helping reduce the need for new mining. We are very intentional about minimizing waste throughout both our materials and production processes. My hope is that these choices, even in a small way, can contribute to protecting the planet for future generations. It's important to remain mindful of where the world stands today, to act with gratitude toward the earth and take responsibility for preserving it.

Community is equally important to me. Since the beginning, I've worked closely with local artisans, keeping production near where I live. I started my business in New York City and later moved production to Los Angeles when I relocated. Producing locally allows us to support skilled, craftspeople within our community while maintaining a close, thoughtful connection to how each piece is made.

As a woman and founder, I also hope my work encourages other women to trust their vision and build something meaningful from their creativity. I believe that when women support and uplift one another, we create stronger communities and more thoughtful businesses. If my journey can inspire even one woman to pursue her ideas with confidence and courage, that would be incredibly meaningful to me.

The person who inspired me the most was, without a doubt, my mother. Some of my earliest memories of her are so vivid, she was always impeccably dressed, wearing elegant suits or vibrant, Pucci-inspired dresses, tailored bell-bottom pants, oversized sunglasses, and beautiful heels.

She had an effortless sense of style that deeply shaped my love for fashion. I remember being about three years old, slipping into her tall heels, layering on her long pearl necklaces, and trying on her dresses - so long I had to hold them up just to walk. Those moments sparked my fascionation with beauty, style, and self-expressiong from a very early age.

Fashion is how I communicate who I am without speaking, it's an expression of confidence, creativity, and energy.

My style is very eclectic. Some days I love to dress up, and other days my uniform is simply a great pair of blue jeans. I dress according to how I feel and the energy I want to bring into the world that day.

Accessories play a central role in that expression. The pieces I wear feel like modern amulets, each carrying intention and meaning. Because I also practice Reiki and work with energy, I'm very mindful of what I wear and how it makes me feel.

When I feel aligned and confident in what I'm wearing, it naturally reflects in how I show up - professionally and personally, with clarity, creativity, and presence.

My favorite thing are the elements that tell the Argentinian story behind Carolina's roots, the color palette and the way she brings it all together are truly unique. She has an incredible ability to combine colors and textures in a way that feels both effortless and distinctive.

I can already see myself walking through the streets of Paris on my upcoming trip, or enjoying a glass of wine with my friends and husband in Ibiza, surrounded by a warm breeze. Summer always finds me in my Carolina K pieces.