Anyone that knows me, knows that I am inspired by nature because it has such a peaceful ring to it. So when I met Ileana Rojas, creator of Maleku Jewelry, I was immediately excited about doing a story on her.
Maleku, which means "Indian in Love", derives from an Indian tribe based in a rainforest which surrounds their culture with beautiful art. But the sad truth is, their tribe is slowly disappearing. Ileana uses her work to help preserve the tribe by donating some of the proceeds from her sales to sustain their culture.

Ileana is truly passionate about her craft and each of her pieces tells a story as well. If you look at her line of jewelry, most are named after people of significant place in history, most especially strong women. For example, the black onyx w/ gold collection she calls the "Michelle Obama/First Lady Collection" since she is our country's first First Lady of color. The Black Onyx symbolizes success. In the Maasai tribes of Kenya and Tanzania, the color black is associated with storm clouds, a symbol of life and prosperity. The gold represents wealth, power and status.
Her work consists of beautiful, one of a kind pieces made for you, which is true beauty for a cause.

Photographer Marlin Woodruff
Models Zephorah Nuré and Melissa
Hair Cassi
Makeup Rachel Rodriguez
Shoes The John Ashford Collection

We did a short fashion story with Maleku Jewelry, featuring Jonathan Martin dresses and The John Ashford Collection. We presented her jewelry with the dresses and shoes to showcase how well her pieces flow with other clothing items. Notice the beautiful pieces adorning the necks and wrists. See Melissa (model in red dress) wearing the Michele Obama piece, one of Ileana's personal favorites!

What are the latest pieces? She is expanding her bridal collection. Not only does she create stunning necklaces for the bride, but also creates matching pieces for the mother as well as the bridesmaids. Her bridal line also carry names of women in power.

Her pieces are quickly gaining popularity. Singer, Mya, is wearing one of her pieces for the Escada TV commercial and you also saw April Woodard wearing her chocolate piece to this year's Academy Awards which aired on March 7th.

For more info on Maleku Jewelry, visit www.malekujewelry.com!