Get to Know the Designer: A Meashell Q&A
- Michelle Sauzier
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Meashell began quietly at home, with a glass of wine and a desire to create something that lasted. Rooted in quality, inspired by travel, and designed for everyday wear, this is the story behind the brand, the process, and the person building it.
The Origin Story
Q: If Meashell were born over a glass of wine, where would it be, and what would we be drinking?
A: I would definitely be drinking a really good Zinfandel. Honestly, I think I was at home drinking a glass of Zinfandel when I started experimenting with bracelets. I used to buy jewelry similar to what I am currently designing. The issue was that they kept breaking, and I had purchased pieces that were not made with real gold, which made them not long-lasting. I decided to try making one myself as a way to unwind.
"What started as a way
to unwind slowly became something I wanted to build with intention."
Q: Was there a single moment when Meashell went from an 'idea' to 'this is happening'? A: There was no single moment. I simply enjoyed the craftsmanship. Designing and creating felt relaxing and completely different from my professional background. But when people consistently asked where my bracelets were from, I knew I had to give it a real try. And once I set my mind to something, I go all in.
From Growth to Gold
Q: You spent years building growth engines for other brands. Why jewelry, and why now?
A: Creating a jewelry company was never something I planned. I thought I would spend my career in corporate leadership. But over time, I realized I wanted to build something of my own, something where I could apply everything I had learned about growth, quality, and long-term value. That led me to Marketup360, where I help companies scale by improving their operations and go-to-market strategies. At the same time, I have always loved fashion and how thoughtful details can elevate something simple. Jewelry, in particular, adds personality and meaning to what you wear. Now felt like the right time to bring those worlds together. Meashell is where strategy meets creativity. My bracelets are built intentionally with quality at the center.
Q: What did corporate America teach you that you are intentionally not repeating with Meashell?
A: That bigger is not always better. Speed without intention creates noise. With Meashell, I am choosing thoughtfulness over urgency and meaning over mass production.
"Bigger is not always better. Speed without intention creates noise."
Q: How does a growth marketer think differently about building a jewelry brand, especially one rooted in emotion, not funnels?
A: Data is important when explaining why a purchase is a smart choice, especially when it comes to longevity and value. Emotional data matters too. Most people buy jewelry for emotional reasons, engagements, anniversaries, or simply on a whim. My goal is not to sell quickly, but to be remembered for the quality and how each piece makes someone feel when they wear Meashell.
Q: What surprised you most about launching a physical luxury product after years in digital-first businesses?
A: It is a completely different playing field. Jewelry is personal. Every handcrafted piece is designed with the customer in mind and how they feel wearing it. When someone buys a Meashell piece, they are inviting it into their daily life. That carries weight, and it matters to me.
Love, Architecture & a French Influence Q: Your husband is French, an architect, and unapologetically obsessed with jewelry. How did that combination change the way you see design? A: I love designing with my husband. He is incredibly creative, and seeing him excited about what I am building means a lot to me. His support reassures me that I am on the right path. We do not always agree on every design, but we are aligned more often than not. He sees beauty in proportion, balance, and negative space, and that influence shows up in Meashell pieces. They feel refined without being loud.
"Jewelry adds personality to anything you wear."
Q: What have you borrowed from architecture when designing Meashell pieces?
A: Structure first, ornament second. Every detail has a purpose. Nothing is accidental.
Q: Paris, Morocco, Spain, how do travel and place show up in your designs?
A: Morocco and Spain inspired bold, vibrant color choices and gemstone combinations. Paris brings restraint, romance, and simplicity. Together, they influence a lot of what was created.
Style, Fashion & the Shift to Jewelry
Q: You always loved fashion. What was it about jewelry that made you fall hard, and stay?
A: I have always loved the fashion and beauty industry, but it was not until I met my husband that I truly fell in love with jewelry. We love looking at gemstones, both precious and semi-precious, and appreciating both minimal and more eccentric designs. Even when something feels familiar, we try to find what makes it unique. That curiosity makes the process fun and meaningful.
Q: How would you describe your personal style, and how does that translate into Meashell?
A: Simple. Elegant. Chic. Meashell in two words: casual luxury.
Q: What is the difference between wearing jewelry and collecting it?
A: Wearing jewelry is about the moment. Collecting jewelry is about memory. Meashell is both.
"Wearing jewelry is about the moment. Collecting jewelry is about the memory."
Motherhood & Building Something on Your Own
Q: What do you hope your daughter learns from watching you build Meashell?
A: Do something you love. Believe in yourself. Discipline and passion can coexist. And hopefully, she learns to love jewelry, since she will end up with a lot of it.
Q: Has motherhood changed how you think about success, luxury, or legacy?
A: Completely. Success now includes presence, balance, and pride in what I am building, not just outcomes.
The Pieces Themselves Q: Why bracelets first, and why this mix of gemstone and gold?
A: I chose bracelets because I LOVE wearing them. They are expressive and personal, whether stacked with fine jewelry or worn on their own. Gold elevates the design, and sourcing high-quality gemstones is essential to me. I want every customer to feel the piece was worth the investment.
Q: What makes Meashell "casual luxury"?
A: Meashell pieces are designed to be worn every day, day or night, stacked or solo. They are thoughtful, intentional, and never intimidating.
"Luxury should feel effortless, not pretentious."
Q: Is there a piece you reach for without thinking?
A: No, every piece is special to me, each for a different reason.
What's Next Q: What are you most excited to build next? A: New designs, expanded collections, partnerships, and events. Most of all, sharing my passion with others?
Q: What do you hope someone feels before clicking 'add to cart'?
A: The same excitement you feel after making a meaningful purchase, the anticipation of experiencing it for yourself.
One Last thing Meashell is for women who love casual luxury, value simplicity, and appreciate effortless design. And so, Meashell will not be just for women...boyfriend bracelets are coming.
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