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For this article, we interviewed Fathimath Naishan Ali (Nai), founder of the brand.

The Brand: Telling a Story Through Jewellery

Mermaidstains strives to tell a story of womanhood. “Mermaid” means “women of the sea” which the brand refers to the women of Maldives. “Stains” refers to the burden women often carry and the plights of womanhood that are experienced by women all over the world.

Most of all, Mermaidstains stands as a brand by women for women.

When asked about their creative process, Nai illuminates that a new design comes to life when there is an idea their team would like to express artistically, sometimes vice versa!

“Most of the time, we have the story first, then design the pieces to tie the story together.”

The Bestseller: Kalbim

Scrolling among their jewellery collections, one collection stands out among everything else: a collection of necklaces with pendant hearts of three different colours.

Kalbim is an ode to love, to affection, to adoration.

“We wanted to create a unique design that could express exactly how you feel in love…” told Nai. “What is the deepest declaration of love if not the act of literally gifting your heart to another?”

Nai attributes the popularity of this collection to its transcendence, the act of ‘giving your heart’ to someone special in your life when words fail you.

When asked about its origin, Nai shared how Kalbim was inspired by Turkish teachers who instilled ethics and beauty in their artistry. She explained how it made sense to tribute their first piece to those who helped explore their differences and find their strengths.

Looking forward, the brand also acknowledged while the fan-favourite Kalbim is a standalone design with different versions, they are excited to launch a very special version of it this year.

The Flora Collection

Keeping with the storytelling theme through jewellery, the brand’s series Flora reads like a really good book. The pieces of this story are letters from one friend to another and are launched as chapters. Coyingly, these chapters are launched backwards, with Chapter 3 already published, awaiting its prequel Chapter 2 to be launched next.

The Flora collection holds the most meaning for the team of Mermaidstains, and the design of its spider hibiscus necklace has the most interesting roots.

Nai illuminated that inspiration struck after spotting Spider Hibiscus amongst the more commonly found Hibiscus Rosa. Nai explained that this inspired “the idea of how being different can be beautiful.”

The brand’s “simple beautiful” VVS earrings embody the simplicity of child’s drawing of a flower in its simplicity.

Behind the Brand

The brand’s founder and Managing Director, Nai, started as a henna artist and often paints with acrylic. Joining her are two equally passionate partners. Aishath Shayan Asheeth handles the finances and logistics of the brand and treats the brand as a passion project. The third partner, Fathimath Aala Ibrahim, who oversees the brand's sales and marketing, completes the dynamic trio.

Nai describes both her partners in business as great friends for 10+ years, “we all just have fun with it!”

It is often apparent when young, driven women are behind well-received brands such as Mermaidstains. Femininity runs throughout all of its artistic pieces, evoking a sort of creativity that is unparalleled.

When asked about the advice they would give to those looking to start their own small businesses, Nai implored, “Don’t wait for the perfect timing, it is never going to come to you.” She advises not to sit on an idea but to simply do it, as one can never fully prepare for the obstacles or make the perfect plan.

Where You Can Get It

Send them a DM on Instagram. It’s that simple.

Excitingly, the brand also has a partnership with Authentic Maldives. Their products are easily available from the Thoddoo and CROSSROADS outlets, which is soon to be announced.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidstains/