Meet Heather Matjasic of O.H.M. Jewelry in Naples

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Matjasic.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Heather. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In my previous career, I worked in operations for college football teams, NFL teams and with ESPN/ABC Sports. There was a period of transition where I was in and out of the sports industry, consulting, taking care of family members that passed away, navigating my role in sports and the desire to do something “more” with the skill sets and talents I had developed in my 15+ yr career. This transition was actually a time of heartbreak for me – personally, professionally – but looking back, my heart didn’t break into pieces. It broke open and in 2015, O.H.M.

Jewelry was launched. Prior to the initial launch, I had been working on a website for a Native American jewelry gallery and started to have an understanding of the different tribes & techniques, stones, the history and craft that has been passed down for lineages. Some of these families still very much live off the grid and only know how to provide for their families via their craftsmanship. When O.H.M. Jewelry was created, my intention was to preserve culture and craftsmanship around the world and to support these families in any small way that I could. I source handmade materials from small businesses, families and suppliers from all different cultures and blend these handcrafted pieces in my one-of-a-kind designs.

Currently, I sell online at ohmjewelryshop.com, @ohmjewelryshop on Instagram and at various events and through various community partnerships around the country. In Naples, FL specifically, Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery & Practice Yoga (studio) are my most favorite places to sell. However, I will begin to host trunk shows at The Ritz Carlton Resort in Naples this spring!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh my, this has been such a journey! I got into “big business” very young, I had just turned 20 when I got my first internship in the NFL. Always being business-minded, O.H.M. Jewelry was actually not planned or strategized! It came from the heart, knowing I wanted to navigate the social enterprise space (for profit companies with some sort of social or environmental impact). However, I didn’t know how to do this in a small town like Naples, FL, where the company was founded, so I just started. After I created some designs and sold a bunch of jewelry – someone said, “well, now you have to have a website.” I’m like oh gosh, now I need to build a website too!

I am the sole employee at O.H.M. Jewelry and currently do everything myself, from the (novice) website build to sourcing, designing, hand-crafting, photography, social media, marketing & branding events, partnerships, packaging, customer service, financials – every aspect have the business has been a learning curve for me. There have been absolute moments of frustration or not enough sales or deals that have fallen through – but the experience itself is invaluable. It’s been a great and humble experience to counter the well-oiled, funded and talented teams I worked within the NFL & at ESPN/ABC Sports. This is small business around the world. I have such a firm understanding of what small business owners go through now.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about O.H.M. Jewelry – what should we know?
THE BIZ. O.H.M. Jewelry was established in 2015 as an ecommerce business selling handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry using ethically-sourced, globally mined gems, crystals and handmade materials from other artists around the world. In addition to ohmjewelryshop.com, the jewelry can be purchased through shopping apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Etsy (limited selection).

THE VIBE. O.H.M. Jewelry was inspired by the beautiful, marvelous, sometimes chaotic life we all experience. O.H.M. Jewelry is worn by mothers and fathers, business owners, entrepreneurs, community volunteers, activists, athletes, yogis, students, family and friends around the world. Wherever you are, whatever challenges you may be facing, whatever dreams you want to achieve in this lifetime. We got you.

O.H.M. Jewelry has been seen on NFL QB, Tyrod Taylor throughout the year and at the 2016 Pro Bowl and during Superbowl 50 week. The jewelry has been seen on one of the (Bob) Marley sons and has been purchased by Kate Hudson’s styling team. O.H.M. Jewelry was featured at the 2016 Doug Flutie Foundation’s A Night to Shine Gala Event at Gillette Stadium and at Breast Cancer Research Foundation events at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC honoring Tory Burch. O.H.M. Jewelry’s The Queen’s Collection was also featured alongside designers such as Chanel and Hermes at BCRF’s 2016 The Hot Pink Party, where Elton John performed. In 2017, NBA Cleveland Cavaliers player, Channing Frye, gifted our men’s onyx & Tibetan bracelet to his teammates for Christmas, including Dwayne Wade and Lebron James.

THE PARTNERSHIPS. O.H.M Jewelry has a passion for philanthropy. Through partnerships with Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other nonprofits, a percentage of sales are given back to these global organizations.

In 2016, Hudson Jeans collaborated with Founder, Heather Matjasic, by providing their product for a social media collaboration featuring Hudson Jeans + O.H.M. Jewelry. Additionally, O.H.M. Jewelry has been working with M.I.T. Media Lab creating 3-D models and prototypes of the O.H.M. Jewelry logo to sell at various price-points in mixed materials, sterling silver, gold, rose gold, platinum and diamond settings.

THE VISION. O.H.M. Jewelry was created with the vision and intention of becoming a social global initiative to employ artists in the USA and in emerging markets. O.H.M. Jewelry wishes to provide employment opportunities and to assist in development of business acumen for these artists around the globe. O.H.M. Jewelry aspires to keep the timeless craft of handmade jewelry alive for jewelry designers around the world with handmade specialties indigenous to their lands, their communities, and to which has been passed down for generations.

O.H.M. Jewelry believes in empowering these artists as businesswomen and businessmen and aims to increase the economic impact their craft can have throughout their communities. O.H.M. Jewelry will instill fair pricing and payment structures, long-term partnerships, ensure good working conditions, use ethically sourced materials, collaborate on designs and provide business development training.

THE HEART. Throughout my career in the highly competitive sports industry, I developed dynamic skill-sets and strategic, critical thinking processes for college football programs, the NFL in football operations and ESPN in remote TV operations. From a technical perspective, I have gained extensive experience in complex decision analysis, operational modeling, work-flow optimization and software development. More importantly, I developed strong interpersonal skills from working closely with people from many different backgrounds throughout my experience in this field. My 15 year+ experience in the sports industry, experience as a consultant and as a social entrepreneur has prepared me to grow O.H.M. Jewelry as a social enterprise.

Furthermore, I’m a daughter, a sister, a yogi and a friend. I’ve faced adversity in my life. I’ve lost loved ones. I’ve been at the top and the bottom. I’ve made very difficult choices and have taken on tremendous responsibilities. I’ve been heartbroken and betrayed. I’ve tried and failed. However, through it all I’ve never given up. I’ve been loving and kind, honest and sincere, loyal and trustworthy. I continue to strive for greatness and believe in empowering others along the way. I am all heart.

THE FUTURE. A Home. Food on the table. Clothes for the kids. Education. Empowerment. Community. Success. These are just some experiences we can create together for artists and their families around the world. Your support and purchases will make an immediate difference, beginning this moment. Please join me in creating a better world today and a much better world tomorrow. WE are BETTER TOGETHER.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m completely humbled by the support of my family and friends, other small businesses like Kunjani Cafe, Practice Yoga, Myra Biblowit and Leonard Lauder from BCRF, athletes and celebrities. As I navigate a new craft and industry for myself – I am truly thankful to so very many that have supported me along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ohmjewelryshop.com
• Email: heather@ohmjewelryshop.com

Image Credit:
1) IMG_1709 – A 2017 event I hosted at Sails Restaurant on 5th Ave in Naples highlighting female entrepreneurs – the women pictured are business owners I had speak at the event. I am wearing my OHM Jewelry, Cleopatra Necklaces
2) IMG_3501 – A 2017 social media partnership with Hudson Jeans – I am photographed wearing Hudson Jeans and my Princess Lariat from my Queen’s Collection
3) IMG_3779 – At 2018 PACE Girls Event at Ritz Carlton in Naples – wearing Amazonite / Tibetan Necklace
4) IMG_4368 – I am a board member of Mahaan Aasha (Great Hope) Foundation – pictured at one of their 2019 events wearing the Imperial Crown Head Piece
5) IMG_6468 – Pictured with Jamie Foxx from this past 2020 Super Bowl in Miami – at Ray Lewis’s Ray of Hope Foundation/Haute Living event at the Hard Rock (new guitar) Hotel – wearing my Princess Lariat
6) IMG_6614 – In honor of my mother’s survival of a rare breast cancer, OHM Jewelry has been partnered with Breast Cancer Research Foundation – founded by Evelyn Lauder of Estee Lauder since 2015. 15% of sales from my Princess Lariat/Queen’s Collection is donated to BCRF. I am pictured with Leonard Lauder wearing (2) Princess Lariats at their 2019 Hot Pink Luncheon at The Breakers in Palm Beach.
7) IMG_7697 – Pictured with Mahaan Asha Founder & Eva’s Closet Founders at a Naples community event.
8) ohm-260 – Another photo from Hudson Jeans partnership – wearing HJ and holding my Princess Lariats. This photo would not upload for some reason, but Erika does have it !

Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.