Meet the Maker: IJA Designs

Meet maker Erin Hasler of IJA Designs

Modestics: Brief overview of your company?

IJA Designs: Ija is a hand forged jewelry line based out of Bend, Oregon. I started the line in 2007 and since then it has grown to be carried in over 150 boutiques worldwide, including Fred Segal, Free People and Nordstroms. I personally design and make each piece by hand with an emphasis on the quality and character of handcrafted jewelry. It’s also incredibly important to me that Ija is run as environmentally conscious as possible. My studio is run on 100% renewable energy, I recycle all scrap metal and purchase recycled metals.

MO: Where did the name come from?

IJA: The name “Ija” came from the Iron Jawed Angels, who were a group of suffragists that won women the right to vote. I knew that if it wasn’t for the women who came before me, there would be no way that I could run my own business.

MO: When did you feel like you were a “real company”?

IJA: I think my break through moment was when I did my first trade show and saw the overwhelming response to the line. It was fantastic to see a stack of orders that justified the time and energy I’d put into each piece.

MO: What aspect of your job do you love?

IJA: I pretty much love every day at work. Last year my husband built a gorgeous, sunny backyard studio for me to work in. I get to drop my kids off at school and then come home and drink coffee, listen to music and create. It’s a really peaceful environment that I cherish.

MO: Do you, yourself make your products or do you have factories that you work with?

IJA: I personally make every piece that leaves the studio. Quality is everything to me and I feel like if I brought someone else into the process I would have to lose control over the quality piece and that’s just not an option for me.

MO: What is your favorite Made in USA product?

IJA: My favorite Made in the US product would have to be Ceri Hoover handbags out of Nashville, TN. Ceri herself is a phenomenal woman and her bags are stunning. They’re classic, timeless and beautifully crafted in the US. The fashion industry is notorious for having the majority of it’s products made outside of the US, so it’s lovely to see an artist who puts their focus on quality and supporting US artisans.

MO: Favorite place in America?

IJA: My favorite American state would have to be Oregon, it just has everything that I love. We have stunning beaches, gorgeous forests and striking deserts. Oregon will always be home in my heart.

Thanks Erin for taking the time to talk to Modestics, and for making beautiful jewelry in the USA.