Meet Our Founder

 

Our Story

Born from unbridled creativity and unapologetic self-expression, Saharas Essentials is a powerful testament to the inherent power and beauty that lies within every woman. My name is Shamika, and as the founder of Saharas Essentials, I am thrilled to share my bespoke, handmade jewelry range that seamlessly blends both femininity and elegance with bold empowerment.

From Passion to Purpose

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with jewelry. From visiting a local costume shop to finding unique earrings and playing with different accessories as a little girl, I found my joy and fulfillment in jewelry. As an innately creative individual, I expressed myself through art and was a dancer in my formative years, eventually graduating from the renowned Fame High School in New York City.

While pursing my degree in Business, I started my career in the Utilities industry. I decided to seek into my inner artist talents by investing in my first jewelry-making kit. I had officially embarked on a self-taught journey of artistic exploration. My initial intention was to craft jewelry for myself. I wanted to make pieces with the qualities I struggled to find in the market - superbly crafted, uniquely designed, and, of course, reasonably priced.

I spent many late nights in my New York City apartment refining my craft and nurturing my inner artist. I created pieces that reflected my passion and personality. Eventually, my one-of-a-kind jewelry caught my friends and family’s attention. They too wanted jewelry that echoed their essence. I decided then and there that there was a real gap in the market for inspiring, imaginative jewelry – one I could fill. So, I transformed my clandestine passion into a thriving new business… and I've never looked back.

Reflecting Bold, Beautiful Beings

Over the years, I have remained true to my original purpose: to empower women to be their most authentic selves. I aim to provide a platform for women to embrace their fierce femininity and express their individuality.

My Caribbean-Belizean heritage-inspired colors bring a sense of playfulness to my collections so that the wearer can find genuine joy in my pieces. My bold constructions are infused with feminine strength allowing the wearer to feel like her most powerful self with a sense of both comfort and confidence.

What fuels my passion is the desire for every woman to find pieces that resonate with her unique style. Whether you're elevating a professional work outfit or putting together a show-stopping look for an event, I envision Saharas Essentials jewelry as a source of self-expression for women from all walks of life.

Where Exceptional Craftsmanship Meets Functional Comfort

I carefully select materials such as gold-plated brass and natural resin, ensuring that our collections are simultaneously eye-catching, lightweight, and hypoallergenic so you get the quality you deserve with the comfort you crave.

Saharas Essentials is about so much more than my story - it’s a legacy in the making. My two daughters eagerly assist with packaging orders, ensuring that each piece is lovingly prepared for its journey to its new owner. My husband plays a crucial role too, personally handling all of the package drop-offs at the Post Office and supporting me in every step of my entrepreneurial journey. When you receive your Saharas Essentials jewelry, you’re getting a package filled with purpose, passion, and pure love for the craft.

Express, Empower, Elevate.

As I look to our future, I hope to see Saharas Essentials sparking a thriving global community of powerful, self-assured women adorned with premium-quality, cost-effective jewelry that resonates with their diverse characters and tastes.

Whether your style is bold, minimalist, elegant, or eclectic, I invite you to explore, experiment, and express your personality with confidence.

My wish for you is that Saharas Essentials jewelry is the vibrant palette with which you paint the masterpiece of your true self.

Express your inner beauty with the Saharas Essentials range today!

Questions ? We have answers.

When will my order arrive?

All jewelry is handmade and typically takes 3-5 business days to ship

Do you accept returns?

Returns and exchanges are not accepted but contact us if there is any issue with your order

Do you accept international orders?

We currently ship to the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico

What are shipping frees?

Shipping fees are calculated at checkout

How do I care for my jewelry?

Caring for gold-plated brass jewelry requires a gentle touch to ensure the gold plating remains intact and the brass underneath stays in good condition. Here are some steps to effectively care for your gold-plated brass jewelry:

Avoid Direct Contact with Water and Moisture:
Water, sweat, and moisture can cause the gold plating to wear off more quickly and might tarnish the brass underneath. Remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or participating in activities that might make you sweat.

Apply Perfume, Lotions, and Cosmetics First:
Put on your jewelry after applying perfume, lotions, and cosmetics. The chemicals in these products can react with the metal and cause tarnishing or fading of the gold plating.

Store Properly:
Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. Consider using a jewelry box with separate compartments or soft pouches to prevent scratching and tangling.

Clean Gently:
To clean your gold-plated brass jewelry, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dirt and oil after each wear. Avoid using abrasive or harsh materials that could scratch the plating.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Avoid exposing your jewelry to household cleaning products, bleach, or other chemicals. These substances can erode the gold plating and damage the brass.

Use Mild Soapy Water:
If your jewelry becomes dirty or needs more thorough cleaning, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a soft cloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush into the soapy water and gently clean the jewelry. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid Polishing Compounds:
While it might be tempting to use metal polishes, these can strip away the gold plating. Stick to the mild soapy water method mentioned above.

Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners:
Ultrasonic cleaners can be too harsh for gold-plated jewelry and might cause the plating to peel or fade.

Professional Cleaning:
If your jewelry becomes heavily tarnished or the gold plating is noticeably fading, consider taking it to a professional jeweler for cleaning and restoration.

Wear Carefully:
Be mindful of how you wear your jewelry. Avoid wearing it during activities that might cause excessive friction, such as intense physical activity or carrying heavy bags, as this can cause the gold plating to wear off more quickly.

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