Welcome to my blog!
No more procraftinating and waiting for the "perfect" moment, I'm finally launching my blog!
I suppose it is somewhat of a perfect moment, since today marks 21 years since I officially founded Blue Buddha Boutique. (Fun fact: I did not want chainmaille in my business name, because I thought I'd branch out to do other forms of jewelry. Spoiler alert: that didn't happen!)
After Blue Buddha Boutique (B3) grew and became known as a chainmaille supplies company, I separated my finished jewelry brand into "Rebeca Mojica Jewelry" in 2012.
Both businesses—and I—have had countless ups and downs over the years, and way too many stories for a single blog post. We've come a long way since my first show (2003?) shown in the cover banner above, and B3's first website (2004) which didn't even have a photo on the homepage! I've been fortunate enough to have met thousands (!) of wonderful students and customers, and to have had the best employees a person could hope for.
Last year, health challenges and personal struggles put the brakes on celebrating B3's 20th anniversary. This year, I'm determined to celebrate! It's probably odd that my way of doing that is: "Oooo, let me finally start my blog and thereby add one more thing to my to-do list!" But hey, that's how I roll! This platform allows me to reconnect with you all through the power of words, something I've deeply missed.
Expect an eclectic mix of content. I'll share behind-the-scenes glimpses into my work, business insights, explorations of identity, book discussions and personal reflections.
As a creative, kinesthetic, highly-sensitive person, I spend a lot of time thinking about how to best navigate this beautiful and undeniably messy world. I grapple with the complexities of running a product-based business within a capitalist system that often seems to encourage excess consumption over human connection. I know I'm not alone and am curious to discover how how we can all build connections, lift each other up and create a more compassionate world.
(If you're a chainmaille enthusiast, I haven't forgotten about you! Once the new B3 website launches, you'll find dedicated tutorials and information there. Everything else, you'll find here.)
I hope you'll join me for the ride! I'm looking forward to connecting and hearing your stories. Share your favorite B3/RMJ memories or simply say hello in the comments below!
9 comments
Congratulations on your anniversary, and thank you for all the fun I’ve had over the years, working on your kits and projects from your book! After all this time I’ve still never seen directions explained so beautifully and well. Here’s to many more years of creativity and joy 🍾
Rebeca! Congratulations!!! 21 years! I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished ! To think I knew you as a student, as a working professional, as someone with the courage to take a year off, and as the astonishing chainmaille artist, instructor, best-selling author and founder of an international supplies business. Let’s catch up sometime this spring.
First and foremost Happy Anniversary! I date back to those days in Chicago. I was a subscriber to your Chainmaille of the month, and loved having so many options. Best wishes and health. Hopefully many more to come.
Congratulations on 21 years. Thank you for getting me started on chainmaille!
I have so enjoyed looking at the beautiful chain maille creations you have made over the years. I still miss going to Blue Buddha and had some great classes. Over the years, I made some quite difficult pieces and I could always follow your great patterns. Everyone I love has multiple bracelets, necklaces and earrings! I appreciate your lgbtq colors! Best of luck to you and hope you are healthy and happy!
Happy anniversary! and thank you for starting me on my chainmaille and jewelry making journey. I’ll never forget the many, many, MANY classes I took at Blue Buddha over the years. Can’t wait to hear what the future brings for you.
Happy Anniversary!! I’m excited to see what the future holds for you. You’ve encouraged me to put color back in my chainmaille…thanks.
I’ve been a fan since my first chainmaille class with you at Caravan Beads in Chicago!! I especially liked seeing you in Milwaukee at the Bead & Button Show 😊. Congrats on 21 years!!
Congratulations on your anniversary! Twenty-one years is quite an achievement!