Maemae Jewelry: Empowering Filipino Women Through Handmade Creations

Maemae Jewelry is more than just a store. It's a beacon of empowerment and intention, especially for its co-owner, Amanda Mae, and her Filipino roots. Together with her soul sister and founder, Rheena Mae Hooker, these women have built a unique space filled with love, tradition, and handmade jewelry that touches the soul.

When you step inside Maemae, you’re not just greeted by beautiful jewelry. You hear the calming sound of a singing bowl and the clinking of stones being selected at the Stone Bar, a centerpiece where customers hand-pick gemstones infused with meaning. This energy is what makes Maemae special. It’s a place of connection, where the jewelry tells stories, and every piece holds a deeper meaning.

See: Filipino women make impact through jewelry business – NBC Los Angeles

The Heartbeat of Filipino Culture

Amanda Mae describes Maemae as an extension of her Filipino heritage—a warm, inviting space that feels like home. As natural nurturers, the Filipino spirit is embedded in every detail of the store, creating a sense of belonging for anyone who steps inside. For the owners, it's not just about selling jewelry; it's about sharing a part of themselves, their culture, and their vision with the world.

Rheena explains, “I want little girls, especially Filipino girls, to know that they can build a life being exactly who they are.”

How Maemae Jewelry Was Born

Rheena Mae Hooker, the founder of Maemae Jewelry, began her journey in 2011. What started as a humble pop-up shop turned into a full-fledged business by 2016, when Maemae opened its brick-and-mortar location in Atwater Village. Rheena’s passion for jewelry-making came during a tough time in her life. Struggling with feelings of loneliness and sadness, she created a necklace called "Trust" to comfort herself.

That necklace sparked a creative fire. From then on, Rheena crafted pieces called "Forgive," "Celebrate," and "Love My Family"—each one representing a moment of healing or hope. Her jewelry wasn’t just about fashion; it was about emotions, transformation, and connection.

Empowerment Through Jewelry

Every piece of jewelry in Maemae has a meaning. From "Rebirth" to "Vulnerability" and "Patience," the store’s jewelry is meant to resonate deeply with the person wearing it. It's not just about style—it's about intention.

Rheena explains, "We want people to leave Maemae feeling more in tune with themselves, feeling empowered, and connected to their personal journey."

A Life-Changing Moment: Maemae on the Today Show

In March of this year, Maemae Jewelry was featured on the Today Show—a milestone moment that brought tears to Rheena’s eyes. "I get really emotional about it because sometimes I feel like Maemae isn’t seen," she shares. "But being on the Today Show was confirmation that people get it—they see the love, the intention, the care we put into everything we do."

This exposure allowed Maemae to reach a wider audience and gave the team a sense of how much their work was impacting people. "It showed us the scope of how we are able to help people and make a difference. We are more than just a jewelry store."

A Space for All: Building a Community

Maemae isn’t just a store; it’s a community hub for creativity, healing, and empowerment. The founders often speak about the importance of being true to your vision and building something authentic. In a bustling city like Los Angeles, they encourage other entrepreneurs to embrace their passion and seek out their community.

Behind the Meaningful Designs: A Look at the Jewelry

At Maemae, every piece tells a story. Whether you’re drawn to a necklace representing "Strength" or a bracelet symbolizing "Resilience," these handmade pieces serve as reminders of the wearer's journey.

Major Collections:

• Rebirth Collection: A line dedicated to new beginnings and transformations.
• Vulnerability Collection: Crafted to encourage openness and emotional honesty.
• Patience Collection: Symbolizing trust in the process and the beauty of timing.

The Stone Bar: Choose Your Own Journey

One of the store's most unique features is the Stone Bar, where customers can pick their own gemstones. Each stone carries its own energy and meaning, allowing customers to personalize their jewelry pieces in a way that reflects their personal path.

Celebrating Filipino Heritage

Through their work at Maemae, Amanda and Rheena celebrate the rich traditions of their Filipino heritage. From their childhood nickname "Mae Mae," which inspired the store's name, to their commitment to community and empowerment, these women are proud to represent their culture in the business world.

Maemae Jewelry: More Than Just Accessories

At Maemae, jewelry is a tool for self-expression, healing, and empowerment. Whether you’re picking out a necklace for yourself or as a gift, each piece is filled with intention. When you wear Maemae Jewelry, you carry a little bit of that warm, inviting energy with you wherever you go.