Michelle Pajak-Reynolds has a busy summer ahead of her, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Cleveland jewelry designer, originating from Mentor, is recognized nationally, as well as internationally, for her intricate, beautiful designs. Not to mention her fast-talking, passionate, perfectionist style.
On June 20th, Pajak-Reynolds competed against five other Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs at an arts-business competition sponsored by COSE (Council of Smaller Enterprises). She was awarded second place and won a $1,000 cash prize, 1 year COSE membership, a feature article in COSE magazine, and additional promotional and marketing support.
Pajak-Reynolds is also no stranger at the infamous New York Fashion Week: several designers highlighted her pieces in February, her big, chunky designs supporting the beautiful clothing down the runway.
On September 15th, however, Pajak-Reynolds is heading back to Fashion Week. This time she’s not just a supporting act; she’s a headliner. Her brand new collection will be sent down the runway on 15 models, dressed in all black dresses and suits.
Her new collection is all about stones, her inspiration coming from the organic materials she is known for. However, despite her national and international exposure, Pajak-Reynolds’ main concern still lies with the women who wear her pieces. Her customers range in age, and taste, and even location, with collectors across the ocean in Saudi Arabia. These women all have one thing in common: their own unique style.
“They know who they are and where they are going in life. I help to manifest their vision of themselves,” Pajak-Reynolds says.
Most of the women are career women with husbands and families, who maintain a trendy, fashion-forward style.
“I don’t know how they do it,” Pajak-Reynolds exclaims, an exasperated laugh escaping with her words.
Her new collection is all about these loyal customers, the beautiful stones inspired by their incredible undertakings.
“I design for monumental women who are moving mountains,” she says. A feat she knows well.
After about 30 years of designing jewelry, Pajak-Reynolds has moved plenty of mountains of her own. Female super-heroes who used jewelry with their super powers, such as Wonder Woman, inspired her earliest jewelry pieces.
She started her business in 1999, but thanks to her big marketing push this year, she will not be slowing down anytime soon. The accomplished designer has pieces featured in magazines such as Los Angeles Magazine, LA Brides, Malibu Monthly, and Cleveland Magazine. Her work has also been a highlight in the La Vida Rose fashion show and Project Ladybug.
Pajak-Reynolds does not just design jewelry, she designs pieces of art.
“It’s an honor to know my customers have special displays in their homes for my pieces,” she says.
Each piece she designs is unique and one of a kind, and she cannot duplicate any of her pieces.
Her customers have come to expect perfection, and so does she. Pajak-Reynolds crafts heirlooms. One reason she loves jewelry so much is because it is timeless. If done right, it is something that will last forever.
“Jewelry always fits, a pair of earrings isn’t going to make your butt look big,” she jokes. “My friends might try to prove me wrong on that one though.”
As her business keeps growing, Reynolds recognizes that she will have to build a small team. For now, she is a one-woman show.
Pajak-Reynolds does not understand how her customers do it: balancing a career, family, and other successes, but these customers must wonder the exact same thing about her.
She truly is the Wonder Woman of the jewelry world.
Check out photos of Pajak-Reynolds' jewelry, taken by Mike Cuscire:
