Meet Maddie Rigatti | Business Owner & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddie Rigatti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My passion for creating art started when I was a child. My high school offered a jewelry making elective and once I realized that I could sell things I made with my own two hands, I was hooked. I spent every free minute I could in the jewelry studio. I would take a tupperware container of jewelry I had made around to all of my classes to sell to teachers. It’s hard to say when I officially started my business, but my general through process was that if I could spend my time doing something I loved, bring joy to others, AND make money, why wouldn’t I? Jewelry making has allowed me to exercise my creativity while generating income. Every business decision I make is based upon the through process that I am extremely privileged to have a gift that connects me with others, and starting my business is based upon that premise.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create one of a kind and small batch jewelry and sun catchers. What sets me apart is that I very rarely have a game plan for my creations. When I sit down to create, I just go where my mind takes me. Rarely are my designs premeditated. I got where I am today with a lot of tenacity and grit. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been fun. I started doing craft shows and markets in college. From that point I slowly but steadily scaled my business and I now own a storefront that highlights my art along with a handful of other local Pittsburgh makers and vendors. I’ve learned that it always pays off to be true to yourself and only create when I have the energy and desire to do so. I make sure my headspace is good before I make anything – I firmly believe that the good energy will shine through my pieces if I follow this process. I want the world to know that my jewelry is made with love and joy! Making jewelry is a mindfulness practice for me, and I’m so grateful that others value what I make. My brand is extremely personal – I find great satisfaction in knowing that my jewelry only exists because I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Having grown up in Pittsburgh, I have a ton of suggestions. Starting the day at Cafe Moulin in Shadyside for crepes is a must, followed by a stroll in the Strip District and an incline ride up to Mt. Washington. My favorite thing to do in the city is to bike along the Great Allegheny Passage and Riverfront Trails. The museums are phenomenal, too. There are too many restaurant to name, you really can’t go wrong.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my high school jewelry teacher, Mr. Frank. He encouraged my creativity and allowed me extra time and space to create freely. He recently came to visit my storefront which meant the world to me and felt like my creative journey as a designer came full circle.

Website: https://www.blakleyjean.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdesigns.handmade/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-rigatti-msw-32ab2953/

Image Credits
Eva Lin Douglass and Mark Cunzolo