Today we’d like to introduce you to Magdalena Hess.
Hi Magdalena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always loved creating designs that tell a story and ones we can connect with. My career began in the jewelry industry; I am a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, an award-winning jewelry designer, a philanthropist, and most recently, an author of my book “The Beauty in All.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you recognize what you love, and what you love finds you, and you add in lots of passion, magic happens. But there are always challenges in life. Most recently, the love of my life passed away – my spouse and creative partner. I began the healing process by focusing on our wonderful journey and all the blessings and remaining grateful. From this place, I completed my first book, based on my husband’s journal; the book is called “The Beauty in All,” which highlights how to see the beauty around us and not take any of it for granted. Most recently, I was inspired by the history and story of the city of Saint Augustine and recently created a brand called Prayer 1565. The inspiration was the history of Saint Augustine, the First City in the USA. In 1565, Pedro Menendez and Fr. Lopez arrived from Spain and met with the natives, the Timucua Indians, and prayed together. The Prayer 1565 collection is about peace, love, and joy. Designs that are meant to inspire and uplift you. I also design fine jewelry for my company, Jose Hess Design, and a collection of handbags and accessories available at Danbury Mint.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love to share, whether it’s information that will help someone or help those in need. I’ve seen the power of laughter. I founded a not-for-profit called “Come Laugh” in 2006, and one of my first events was at the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. I brought in a comedy group and created a trivia game for kids where the winning team would receive gifts, and the kids always won! I loved the sparkle in the eyes of those kids, the joy, and how we all became so connected. There was so much love and hugs, and I received so much gratitude for something so simple. I’ve continued my Come Laugh events in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. However, due to the pandemic, they’re no longer in person, but I still bring gifts to all the kids, seniors, homeless, women’s centers, and volunteers at places of worship. I’ve included essential workers, nurses, and doctors.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success? Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
So much makes me happy. My past and present journeys, my beautiful son Josef, an attorney in Florida, seeing people laughing, designing, and my charity work and the Beach.
Pricing:
- The Jose Hess Design brand of fine Jewelry, our handbag and accessory collection, and The Prayer 1565 collection. Prices range from 15.00 to five figures.
Contact Info:
- Website: maggiehess.com
