Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Merino Franco.
Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Laura Merino-Franco remembers the first time she saw snow. She was 18 years old and had just flown to Minneapolis from South America. “It was March, and it was very late at night so I had to wait until the next morning. I ran outside and there was this little patch, all dirty and icy, but I was so excited!”
It took another five years before Merino-Franco got used to winter in her new home in the Twin Cities. But along with the frigid temperatures came abundant access to the great outdoors. It was a vast change from the concrete-walled city life of her native Cali, Colombia. “I grew up with no parks, no lakes,” she said. “Here, outside, it’s gorgeous.”
Her love for nature and her creative spirit led her to founding Primitiva Jewelry. Born and raised in Colombia, Laura grew up watching artisans work with the ancient art of filigree and knew in her heart that one day she would share this beauty with the world.
Primitiva was founded to create tangible reminders to live purposefully. These amulets combine meaningful symbols with healing gemstones
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It took 2 years of developing before Laura was ready to launch Primitiva Jewelry. A creative endeavor can be extremely difficult especially under a global pandemic. ” I wanted to make sure every aspect was thought out and intentionally executed. It was crucial that my values aligned to those of my business”
One of the aspects that excite Laura the most is to be able to give back. In addition to empowering women artisan in her home country, she is committed to donating part of the sales to non profit organizations such as One Tree Planted to aid in reforestation efforts around the globe. In their first year, Primitiva donated over 200 trees!
Primitiva also seeks to reduce its footprint in the world by only using recycled/compostable packaging and making sure all its shipments are carbon neutral.
The time spent preparing has proven worth it. Laura has created Primitiva, a brand from the heart that reflects beauty and positivity to those who see.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Filigree is an ancient adornment technique dating back to Mesopotamia and the first evidence of humans creating jewelry. The delicate lace-like wire threads of gold or silver require an intricate and sophisticated process of concentration, patience, dexterity—as well as a genuine and deeply felt love for the technique.
Laura firmly believes in the power of symbolisms and affirmations, thus every piece is intentionally designed with a specific message in mind. Whenever you wear one of these amulets, you are invited to channel the energetic vibration and mantra that come with it. Her amulets draw inspiration from astrology, spirituality and mother Earth. She believes that the combination of healing crystals and symbols are conduits for manifesting one’s desires.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@primitivajewelry.com
- Website: primitivajewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primitiva_jewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimitivaJewelry1
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/primitiva_jewelry/_created/
