WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Mafia, I’m a fashion and graphic designer. I was born and raised in Wilmington, DE and lived in the DMV area for over 15 yrs before moving to Augusta in 2020 to be closer to family.

I make one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, embellished eyewear with more than 200 gems and embellishments on each pair.

My mission is to make “wearable art”, pieces that last for generations and can inspire my customers to celebrate their uniqueness everyday!

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
Sometimes I see art, colors, an outfit, that inspires me and then I source a pair of shades or blue light glasses that I want like “glimmer” to bring my vision to life. Then I buff and prep the shades, choose the color and size rhinestones and application method. Most of the time I choose the corner pieces and apply them first and then after they set, I go in an hand place each and every rhinestone.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Since I was a child I had a passion for to re-constructing clothing and accessories to make it my own. My love for color combined with my obsession with 1950’s fashion and Tokyo street style. I feel like statement pieces can bring the entire look together. So my unique, vibrant and fun designs reflect that.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
’m a foodie and I’m obsessed with K-Dramas, Hello Kitty and Aggretsuko.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
My favorite thing about downtown is the murals and the riverwalk. Being surrounded by water, nature and art is amazing! The combination of serenity and vibrance gives the city an energy of “the best of both worlds” that makes it feel like home.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
It brings me joy. Seeing my ideas go from thought to realization is magical. It is a form of self discovery. Every time I create, I grow and learn new skills that I didn’t have before I started and that makes me happy.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Believe in yourself. Always choose happiness and never stop creating.

I’m really excited to be a part of this event and I cannot wait to meet the other vendors and shoppers!