Making a statement with Mona Palette’s handcrafted earrings
DANGLING beautifully from Noun Molyna’s ears, the locally handmade earrings from polymer clay has won a heart of local and international clients who prefers arty accessories that make a statement.
Whether they’re flags, flowers or geometric shape, Molyna has put her heart and soul to every detail in the earring making process which she started from scratch.
In fact, the 33-year-old crafter had never thought of turning her earring making hobby into a business until she was struck by an inspiring encouragement from her friend.
“I initially was talking to a dear friend and he asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I’ve always wanted to create some jewellery that is fashionable and enable the wearer to express Cambodian identity. My friend then motivated me to try and start doing it.”
Molyna, a Master’s Degree graduate in International Trade from a university in Seoul, South Korea, is always passionate about designing sophisticated yet rebellious woman earrings that standout.
“That’s when I did some research and found out that polymer clay jewellery is very beautiful and you can create anything out of it including incorporating Khmer identity into design. I was excited!” Molyna says.
The self-taught crafter learned the skill mainly from YouTube and other jewellery makers online.
Her journey of putting the handmade earrings into business was started in April during the time of pandemic.
There might be polymer clay earrings on the market, but Molyna’s handmade pairs are unique in term of design and colour palettes she personally uses.
“Most importantly colour palette choices that I used in each design made my earrings one of a kind. I got many compliment from customers for the beautiful color of the earrings.” Molyna says.
From the start, she has made every pairs all by herself. Recently, she has a freelance assistance to help with the colouring and assembling process due to the high demand across the country.
Though she tried to source local supplies of material, Molyna still has to imported polymer clay from the US and some shiny metal parts from China.
“The polymer clay I used is from the US. Unlike the other type of the clay it is not easy to break after going through the oven. Gold accessories are from China. Packaging and box are from Cambodia.”
The design of each earring is the inspiration of everything surrounds her. Mainly she loves the beautiful architecture and simple home decor. One of her all time favourite is Terrazzo colour abstract.
Playing with clay is the most challenging part in the polymer earring making. Sometimes it is too sticky or too resulting in the difficulty and time consuming to get it smooth. Each pair of earrings could take up to 3 hours to complete.
A 3D flower pair of earrings would be started by choosing the design and shape of the earrings and then she select the colour for flower and leaves.
Then she mixes the clay into the colour she desires. This process could take a lot of time because she has to roll the clay 30-50 times for a shade of colour.
Then, she flattens the clay and handcutting each flower petal. They’re put on the clay then cut into shape. After that, the half-finished clay is baked in the oven.
After it’s done, she needs to sand the edges to make them smooth and drill a hole to assemble the metal piece or earring findings together.
Molyna names the earrings based on the personality of the persons who are dear to her. They have influenced or inspired her in some way. For example, earrings ‘Kathiya’ takes the name of her lovely 2 years old niece.
“She has a very beautiful smile and really smart! Kathiya in Khmer means a Queen! This style is indeed will be a great reminder of the queen spirit inside of you.”
“It is not only beautiful and can go with many face shapes but also perfect size for a go-to-earrings that you can easily put on either for an out
door trip or a romantic date night, it will truly make you feel amazing!”
Another pair is named ‘Pisey’, a common name in Cambodia. But not when you have a special Pisey in your life!
“My Pisey is the most caring friend I know. The friend who let you choose is the friend who loves you most. Don’t ever lose that friend,
“She is real sweet and caring Cambodian woman that anyone would be lucky to have her in their life. Therefore, I made this little Angkor Wat to express her pride and dedication to our country and name this design after her.”
The top three favourite among customers are ‘Sorphea’ design since it is small and sophisticated with the 3D flower.
‘Mary’ design is well praised from the western customers and lastly, Angkor flag colour design are all time bestselling and many have bought them as a gift to their friends.
For Sorphea design Molyna has explained that “Sorphea means beautiful in Khmer. I named this after many young beautiful women adore this design when it was launched,
“They are talented professionals and artists who love to support local handmade products and at the same time want to rock this design at their workplaces. As a thank you for their love, I named this design as a reminder ‘You are beautiful!’”
The customers are diverse. They are from probably 15 to 50+ of ages. Some are Cambodians and some are local expats here.
The price ranges from 9-15$.
They can wear in all kind of occasions according to each design. Some are wearing the earrings to work, to hang out, or for a trip, especially to Siem Reap.
There are so many amazing feedbacks Molyna had got so far. Some even got her eyes teary.
One would be “I don’t normally wear large earrings, but I love your design” and another one is “You made me as a Cambodian very proud of you; I hope this will be an inspiration to other women.”
“I am grateful that a lot of happy customers love the earrings, the colour and the design and they looking forward to buy more and they did,
“I even have one Cambodian customer who book and buy several new pairs every month as part of her collection and support to local business. I am forever grateful!!”
In the future Molyna reveals that she is considering making some necklaces as well and she would love to do some improvements on taking better photography of the earrings and show to customer different way they can style the earrings with their outfit.
She started this journey and loves every step of it. She says she feels more alive than many years she has lived because she gets to see what she
wanted to create for so long become a reality.
She has these words to young Cambodians that “Sometimes all you need is a little courage to step out of your comfort zone, remove that fear and start to believe you can do it.
“Takes time to ask yourself “What is something I’ve been wanting to do?” If you have an answer, then you can find a way around that idea, do what you can do first, and start small, better than never starts at all,” she says.
“You just need one hour a day to follow that dream of yours. Then, do it consistently and you will see thing will fall into place, and you will know what’s next. But never ever let your fear stronger than your faith.”
Mona Palette’s polymer clay earrings are available both ordering online and at the Chit Chat Cafe Tuol Tompoung, Phnom Penh corner Street 450 and Street 135.
For more information Mona Palette can be contacted via Instagram and Facebook page Mona Palette.