Meet Marina Borovaia | Seed bead jewelry creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marina Borovaia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My decision to start my own business came from my deep love for beading. I could easily spend 24 hours beading—it’s something I’m truly passionate about. That passion naturally grew into creating entire collections of beaded jewelry. I’ve always been a crafty person who loves trying different hobbies and working with my hands, making something tangible that I can share with others. Each piece I create is a reflection of that joy and creativity, and I take pride in the fact that my jewelry isn’t mass-produced. Every item is thoughtfully crafted with care, making it unique for those who value handmade pieces.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What truly sets my jewelry apart is the use of sparkling and metal-plated seed beads, giving each piece a unique shine and elegance. My finished designs always attract attention to the person wearing them, and for those who love hearing compliments and feeling confident when they look in the mirror, my jewelry is designed to do just that.

Unlike mass-produced jewelry, seed bead work cannot be rushed—it requires time, patience, and dedication. Each of my pieces usually takes between one to five hours to complete, ensuring that every item is a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creation. This attention to detail is what I take the most pride in.

Building my business wasn’t always easy, though. As someone who enjoys experimenting with different hobbies, transitioning from passion projects to a full-fledged business came with challenges. I had to learn how to manage the business side of things—marketing, pricing, and time management—without losing my creativity. One of the biggest challenges was finding a way to stand out in a world of mass-produced goods, but I held onto the belief that there are people who value handmade, artisan jewelry and that gave me the strength to continue.

Through this journey, I’ve learned to stay patient, to never stop learning, and to always trust my instincts. If there’s one message I want to share with the world, it’s that my jewelry reflects a love for craftsmanship and the beauty of the handmade process. I hope that every piece brings joy to its wearer, knowing it was made with passion, care, and individuality.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting LA for a week, I’d make sure to show them the perfect mix of nature, culture, and local spots. We’d start with some of LA’s best hiking trails, beginning at Griffith Observatory and hiking to the Hollywood sign for stunning views of the city. Another great spot is Will Rogers State Park, perfect for a scenic hike with ocean views.

Next, we’d head to the coast and spend a day near the ocean. After checking out the Santa Monica Pier, we could walk along the beach to Venice, where there’s always something fun going on, from street performers to unique shops. One evening, we’d visit The Grove, an open-air shopping center with great dining options and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

No trip to LA would be complete without diving into its vibrant arts and culture scene. We’d make sure to visit The Broad Museum, which offers a fascinating collection of modern art, including some truly unique and thought-provoking exhibits. Afterward, we could explore the nearby Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, and perhaps catch a live performance or simply admire the stunning architecture.

To immerse ourselves even further in LA’s cultural offerings, we’d spend our Saturday morning at Runway in Playa Vista. It’s a charming blend of a farmers market and a makers market, where we can enjoy fresh produce and find beautifully crafted artisanal goods. It’s the perfect spot to experience the local creativity that’s such a big part of LA’s appeal.

Of course, we’d fit in some fantastic food spots too. LA’s food scene is incredibly diverse, with everything from trendy brunch cafes to mouthwatering food trucks. We’d definitely explore different neighborhoods to find the best eats. Whether we’re craving Thai food, Korean BBQ, or cuisine from any corner of the world, LA has something for every taste.

With a mix of outdoor activities, great food, and unique local markets, I’m sure my friend would leave LA feeling like they’ve seen the best the city has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my grandmother, who was always knitting, doing embroidery, weaving, and creating beautiful things with her hands. Watching her work as a child was fascinating and definitely sparked my own love for crafting and creativity. Her passion for making things by hand inspired me to pursue my own journey in beading and jewelry design. I also want to give a big shoutout to my boyfriend, who has been incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout every step of this journey. His belief in me has given me the confidence to turn my passion into a business, and I’m so grateful for his love and support.

Website: https://nejnobeads.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nejnobeads/

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/nejnobeads/

Image Credits
Shot by Marina Borovaia