Meet Diana March | Store Owner/ Jeweler/ Entertainer

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

Hi Diana, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The Mission of our business is to bring art, entertainment, and knowledge of Earth, Sea, and Space to the community. We are artists supporting artists to thrive in a magical theatrical boutique setting.

Also, since we are a women owned and operated business we’ve been told we inspire other women to go for their dreams.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I just love making people smile! I began as an actress, singer, dancer. I loved being on a stage and having the power to make people smile. I know it seems off topic but I’ve also been intrigued with interesting, shiny stones since I was a kid. About 20 years ago i realized I needed a hobby. The acting business can be very challenging and sometimes stressful. It was by sheer coincidence that a gem and mineral show was going on right next to the theatre I was performing at. One day I snuck over there and happened to meet an elderly woman who was demonstrating the art of setting wondrous rare stones in precious metal wire with just her hands and a few tools. Well she took me under her wing, and I not only found a hobby I loved, I found a second profession, One that also makes people happy! I love to see their faces, young and old, when they see the rare gemstones, meteorites, fossils and crystals I have in the store and use in my work. I find that most people have such a connection to stones and it brings me such joy to be able to make jewelry that incorporates these magical pieces of earth, sea and space for people to treasure forever,

I started selling my jewelry at art shows, science conventions and gem and mineral shows. In 2005 I decided to open a store In Old Pasadena. I wanted to combine my jewelry, love of performing, and helping other artists. It was called The Sisters of Bubik and was an artistic boutique with a cafe and live entertainment. it was wonderful and beloved by many in Pasadena but the rent went up and after two years we couldn’t hold on.

Having to close was heartbreaking. I continued to make jewelry and went back to traveling shows. in 2015 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and a few months later my husband was diagnosed with Kidney cancer. We needed to move somewhere closer to our hospital and that’s when we discovered the quaint town of South Pasadena I still live in the same historic building in an adorable apartment over the retail spaces. I always thought, “If one of those became available, I just might open another store!”

Well, the pandemic hit and my jewelry shows and art shows were all canceled. My artist friends and I had nowhere in person to sell our work. And then a retail space in my building became available! As soon as I saw it I knew it was perfect. So, once again I’m able to combine all the things that make me happy in one place. The new boutique is called Jeweled Universe. Besides my jewelry, we carry an array of unique merchandise and work from many local artists and designers, We also offer an impressive collection of crystals, minerals, meteorites and fossils. And most everything comes with a story!

As far as the entertainment, we have a magical stage with a piano, a guitar and bongos that we encourage musicians to come and play. Our open mic night begins on Thursday June 17th. Other types of performers and acts will be booked for Friday and Saturday nights. We will have musicians and songwriters, all types of singers, poets and even some play readings. The possibilities are endless!

I’m really proud of what we’re doing at Jeweled Universe. Like much of the merchandise, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind place meant to make people smile!

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?
We would want to start local in our little town of South Pasadena. There is so much to do and see in our neighborhood!

Of course, we would have our friend first stop at our store Jeweled Universe to see what we have accomplished since we are so excited and proud of it. Then we would take her next door to one of our favorite restaurants Aro Latin, with Al Fresco Seating. We would make sure to start with one of their famous fresh house made Sangria’s and Mezcal cocktails. Then we would take them a few doors down to our favorite antique shop, Hodgson’s that has been a huge part of south Pasadena for over 40 years. On Thursday evening we would take her to the South Pasadena Farmer’s Market on Meridian and then we would enjoy Live Entertainment with our Open Mic. night at our store. One morning during the week she is here we would take a little hike on the Arroyo Seco trail. We would then take her for a special breakfast at the Langham Hotel followed by a visit to the Huntington Gardens. On the last evening of her trip we would take her to the famous Griffin’s of Kingsale for dinner and a live Celtic band. Oh, so much to do within walking distance of our home and business.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We couldn’t have an art boutique without all you great artists and entertainers who are a huge part of our store!

I also want to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing store manager, Malerie Wilkins. I wouldn’t have been able to open this place without her. Malerie’s dedication to me and to the store has been such a beautiful thing to witness. She greets everyone who visits Jeweled Universe with a smile and a warm genuine welcome. So blessed to have you in my life Mal!

Website: www.jeweleduniverse.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeweledUniverse

Image Credits
PHOTO: Esteban Lopez | SouthPasadenan.com News