Meet Maggie Van Zandt | Owner & Designer – Jamasoba jewelry brand.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maggie Van Zandt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maggie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I don’t think I pursued the creative/artistic career path. I truly believe I was led down this path starting from the day I was born. God chose the creative path for me. I never realized it until I was in my late 40’s. I started spending a lot of time alone thinking, reflecting and listening to the inner voice of my soul. I started putting all the pieces together from different moments in my life and realized that there was a plan for me, as a creative, all along.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Jamasoba is a name that my family decided on to use for our team name when we were out playing team trivia in a restaurant. My husband came up with it actually. The name Jamasoba is comprised of the first 2 letters of my husband’s name, my name and our two daughters’ names. Jack, Maggie, Sophia & Bailey. I have never been one to follow the crowd and I want my jewelry designs to stand out from other brands. The designs I come up with are eclectic and not made for everyone, and that is ok. My jewelry creations are for the women who know who they are and who choose jewelry that reflects their personalities My jewelry is for women who do not follow the crowd. The methodology behind the JAMASOBA logo derived from a quote by Monique Duval. “She decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language. And birds fluttered around her, writing “yes” in the sky.” Freedom to be one’s self is a powerful thing. The bravery to stand out from the crowd is something that can be expressed through your outward appearance. The mark expresses the freedom of individuality and the unique qualities that make you, you. The icon is that of bird wings fluttering in flight as it lifts off to navigate through the world. I am most proud that I have always stayed true to myself. Also, I am proud that I make small goals for myself and continue to reach these goals at my own pace and use my gift of intuition to help guide me to make the right decisions for new opportunities for the Jamasoba jewelry brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my friend for a hike at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield. After that we would head to the Marietta Square Farmers Market and Artisan Market for some shopping. Next up would be some lunch at the Marietta Square to support local small businesses. So many restaurants to choose there. For dinner I would love to take my friend to Canoe restaurant situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. I haven’t been there yet, but it has been on my list of restaurants to visit. I love dining out in nature. Other fun things to see and do would be The Rock Garden in Calhoun GA, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gibbs Gardens and Stone Mountain Park. And for a cool treat in the Atlanta heat, a trip to the Frozen Cow in Kennesaw. The best local ice cream around. If we had a little extra time, we would drive to the North Georgia mountains and rent a cabin in the woods somewhere and just take time to relax.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, my husband of almost 18 years. He is always loving and accepting of my unique personality and passions. Also, the love and support of my friend Barb Thomas. She has supported me from day one and always encourages me with her kind words and friendship and constant prayers. Next, Brook Bock who is also a creative and gifted artist. We became online friends through several different magazines that we were both published in. Her work inspired me to pursue jewelry design. Also, the fabulous team at id8, which is a branding & marketing agency in Marietta. The creatives there brought my ideas together when I decided to re-brand and take a monetary risk.

Website: https://jamasoba.com/

Instagram: @jamasoba