If the name Marisa Hordern rings a bell, there’s a good reason. The spirited, London-based businesswoman is the founder and creative director of
Missoma
—the demi-fine accessories brand beloved by celebrities, fashion editors, and a global clientele alike. “We’ve been so lucky with how many people have worn and supported the brand,” Hordern tells us from her Notting Hill office. That list includes
Meghan Markle
,
Cindy Crawford
, and
Margot Robbie
, who have donned Missoma everywhere from red carpets to grocery store runs—a testament to the brand’s versatile, everyday appeal, and also it’s quality. “Craftsmanship has always been very important to us,” Hordern adds, noting Missoma’s innovative production of gold vermeil pieces and sourcing of gemstones in Jaipur.
Chain necklaces, coin pendants, and earrings that can be mixed and matched for the perfect stack are among designs solidifying Missoma’s place among today’s most buzzed about brands. And how did Hordern get there? As she puts it, through perseverance, a commitment to responsible business practices, and “a lot of coffee!”
More on Hordern’s career, business philosophies, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, ahead.
Where are you from originally?
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Lucy Williams Gold T Bar Chunky Chain Necklace
Gold Mini Star Moon Charm Hoops
Gold Ode to Rome Necklace Set
How did the idea for Missoma come about?
What does the name Missoma mean?
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Silver Axiom Chain Necklace
Lucy Williams Malachite Gold Chandelier Hoops
Silver Paragon Cuff
What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned?
Your team has grown to over 60 in the past few years. What do you look for in new employees?
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Gold Medium Molten Hoops
Silver Infini Ring
Gold Bismuth Acre Terra Cuff
And what’s your coffee order?
As you’ve built the brand over the years, what are some highlights that stand out?
“The highlights are honestly about the customer. Someone once proposed with one of our rings. It’s not the permanent ring, but he knew Missoma was her favorite brand, and it was the ring saying, ‘we’ll go choose a diamond together, but I wanted to give you this in the meantime.’ That was wonderful. And just the other day, an actress told us that a piece of our jewelry was the first thing she bought with her first paycheck. We love that. We heard from one of our customers that her boyfriend calls her [Missoma pieces] her ‘successories,’ and we love that terminology. The jewelry is affordable, but it’s still something you think about and save up for, and that makes it even more meaningful.”
What advice would you give to aspiring jewelry designers?
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Gold Interstellar Bracelet
Rhodochrosite Gold Lena Charm Necklace
