From fashion designer to handcrafted storyteller: the rise of ‘Marie and Me’
Fashion Designer and Handicraft maker, Kim Boodhan
Fashion Designer and Handicraft maker, Kim Boodhan

WHAT began as quiet moments of creativity at home has grown into one of Guyana’s most distinctive handmade jewellery brands. At the centre of it all is Kim Boodhan, the founder and designer behind “Marie and Me”, a creative venture that turns polymer clay, gold accents, and vibrant Caribbean colour into wearable art.
Boodhan does not describe herself simply as a jewellery maker. Instead, she sees her work as storytelling without words. Each piece is shaped with intention, drawing on memory, culture, and the expressive energy of Caribbean life to create designs that celebrate individuality, womanhood, and self-expression.
Based on William Street in Kitty, the brand has steadily carved out a space in Guyana’s growing creative industry. What started as a personal craft has evolved into a business that now connects a wide cross-section of clients, from mothers and daughters to couples, tourists, and professionals, through shared experiences of creativity and design.
Beyond finished pieces, Marie and Me also offers interactive experiences such as the “Earring Bar”, an event where customers are invited to design and create their own jewellery. The concept has become a popular feature, blending artistry with hands-on participation and giving clients a direct role in the creative process.
For Boodhan, however, the brand is only one part of a broader artistic journey. She has also made her mark in Guyana’s fashion space, becoming the first handmade jewellery designer to showcase her work on the runway alongside designer Keisha Edwards of Moonlight Stories. Her pieces have since featured in several notable fashion productions, further cementing her presence in the local industry.
Her creative portfolio is matched by an academic background that reflects versatility. Boodhan holds an Associate Degree in Food and Beverage Management from Cornell University, a qualification that speaks to her broader interest in discipline, structure, and excellence across different fields.
Despite her professional range, her artistic inspiration remains deeply rooted in home. Raised on the Essequibo Coast before moving to the city in search of opportunity, Boodhan continues to draw heavily from her early surroundings — village landscapes, tropical textures, Caribbean sunrise colours, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.
These influences are most visible in her signature polymer clay floral designs, which she says were inspired by the fresh flowers and natural scenery of village life. The result is jewellery that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, blending personal memory with modern design.

Models wearing some of the hand-made earrings derived from polymer clay

At the heart of her work is a clear philosophy: Guyanese and Caribbean creativity deserves space on the global stage. Boodhan believes that small creators from small countries often go unseen, even though their work carries strong cultural identity and originality.
To her, Guyanese design is not about imitation but authenticity — raw, organic, and rooted in lived experience rather than passing trends. It is, she argues, a form of expression that challenges traditional ideas of where fashion and luxury are supposed to come from.
Her designs are also shaped by a practical understanding of the Caribbean lifestyle. Lightweight, colourful, and versatile, the pieces are created to suit both everyday wear and special occasions. Whether for work, social gatherings, or festive celebrations, the jewellery is intended to make the wearer feel confident, expressive, and effortlessly stylish.
Seasonal collections, particularly her holiday-themed pieces, have become a standout feature of the brand. Rich reds, gold tones, and bold shapes define these designs, which often sell quickly once released. Boodhan describes them as some of her favourite creations — even though, she admits, she is usually tempted to keep them for herself.
As her brand continues to grow, she is also preparing new collections for Origins: Guyana’s Fashion Festival. This year, she is working on a collection of 10 to 12 pieces, alongside two additional collections currently in development.
For young creatives hoping to follow a similar path, Boodhan’s message is simple and direct: start where you are. “Your creativity doesn’t need permission. It just needs consistency,” she said, encouraging emerging designers to avoid comparison and focus on developing their own voice.
Her journey, from a young creator shaped by village life to an established handmade jewellery designer, reflects a broader story of persistence, identity, and artistic confidence. And through Marie and Me, she continues to turn everyday inspiration into pieces that carry both personal meaning and cultural pride.

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