One artist’s journey into jewellery design

WHEN the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, forcing routines to collapse and industries to pause, Kim Boodhan faced a crossroad. She had recently left her job as a food and beverage supervisor and had just welcomed her newborn daughter into the world in 2020. In that moment of stillness and seismic change, a short, looping TikTok video shifted her trajectory.

“It all started with a TikTok video,” she shared. “I had just had my daughter, and I was looking for a way to stay home with her while still doing something meaningful.”

That spark grew into Marie and Me, located at 84E William Street, Kitty, Georgetown—a handcrafted jewellery brand that quickly evolved beyond hobby status.

In her living room, with no formal training, Kim began threading together not just beads and metal but an identity. With each piece being carefully crafted, Kim created unique messages and stories waiting to be worn. The early days were mere “beautiful chaos.” Armed with determination and tutorials from YouTube, Kim built her brand one bead at a time.

But like many first-time entrepreneurs, she quickly encountered the business hurdles hidden behind the artistry.

“It was frustrating at times—figuring out pricing, where to get materials, and how to stand out,” she added. “I had to learn fast, and, thankfully, my husband stepped in as my business coach. He sees things strategically. He keeps me grounded and reminds me of the bigger vision—building something that lasts.”

The vision was never just financial. It was about creating a brand that reflected her deepest values: creativity, culture, and connection. For Kim, jewellery isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a form of storytelling, which was featured in recent fashion events like Moonlight Stories, a Guyanese fashion and cultural event showcasing local talent in fashion and art, along with Origins Fashion Festival.

“My designs are inspired by my Guyanese heritage,” she explained. “And I take so much pride in doing it as well—anything that says ‘Guyana’ to it, I’m so humble to make it,” Kim shared. One of her best-selling earrings draws inspiration from a South African visual artist.

“When I saw her art, it just clicked,” Kim recalled. She further added, “There was so much emotion and energy in her work. I wanted to carry that power and expression into something you could wear—something that made people feel bold.”

After receiving such great feedback from the one piece, Kim used the same design concept and created a more three-dimensional (3D) effect—and it was a success. Her work is deeply layered with meaning, much like the women who wear it. Each piece of clay is kneaded and curated with purpose.

As the buzz around Marie and Me grew, so did Kim’s ambitions. She introduced the concept of an “earring bar” at pop-up markets, offering customers the chance to design their own earrings on the spot. The idea was an instant success—blending creativity with interaction.

“People loved the experience,” Kim said. “It wasn’t just about buying jewellery—it was about creating something personal.”

Now, she’s preparing to elevate the concept into a permanent space. “I want to turn the earring bar into a full creative studio,” she explained. “Somewhere people can walk in, learn, make, and leave with something that reflects who they are.”

Despite her successes, Kim has encountered one of the most stubborn obstacles for small businesses: lack of support close to home.

“After years in business, I still struggle with support from my own community.”

But instead of retreating, Kim has become even more vocal in urging other creatives to keep showing up.

“Don’t be afraid to collaborate,” she advised. “Exposure is everything, and you never know who’s watching. You never know how that one post, that one event, will change everything.”

She gave praise to the brands she’s grateful to have worked with, such as Shasha Designs and Matapee Design. One of Kim’s breakthrough moments came when Marie and Me was featured at the Origins Fashion Festival.

“That event really changed things for me. It was the first time I felt like I was standing beside other serious designers—not just showing jewellery, but representing something bigger,” she said.

The heart of Marie and Me lies in its name—a name born from love and layered with meaning. It pays tribute to Kim’s mother, Rose-Marie Shaw, the woman who instilled in her a love for beautiful things and a fierce sense of self.

“I want my mum to be part of my business even when she’s no longer here,” Kim said. “She’s in everything I do.”

But the brand’s future rests with someone even younger—Kim’s daughter, Saiesha Marie.

“She’s my motivation,” Kim shared. “That’s why her name will be on it too. So, she grows up knowing her name has value. I want her to see herself in this brand and know she can create, own, and lead.”

Marie and Me isn’t just about adornment—it’s about identity. Every product Kim creates carries a piece of her story, and by extension, an invitation for others to own and celebrate theirs.

Whether it’s a bold statement earring or a delicate design that whispers elegance, Kim’s pieces say what words often can’t.

In Kim’s world, every earring is more than an accessory—it’s a statement. Of culture. Of perseverance. Of love.

To explore Kim’s handcrafted designs or book an earring bar session, connect with her on WhatsApp at (658) 5193, follow her on Instagram (@marieandme.gy), or find her on Facebook at Marie & Me.