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Life & Work with Magdalena Hess of Jacksonville, FL

Today we’d like to introduce you to Magdalena Hess.

Magdalena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story has been a creative journey that continues to evolve. I am an award-winning jewelry designer, an author, and someone who truly loves bringing joy to others, whether through my designs or through my charity work. I founded “Come Laugh,” a non-profit focused on spreading happiness, laughter, and small acts of kindness to those who need it most.

I also created The Jose Hess Design Awards, a non-profit dedicated to recognizing and celebrating exceptional talent in the fine jewelry industry.

I love creating, staying busy, and doing what I love, designing jewelry, handbags, and pieces that really mean something to me. Some of my favorite designs are inspired by meaningful moments, including a revival of a hockey pin originally created for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, presented to Captain Mike Eruzione and the team, and brought back to celebrate the recent gold medal wins of both the U.S. women’s and men’s teams. It’s a wonderful way to connect past and present through design.

I’ve also stepped into writing and publishing, which I never expected, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve written two books, including The Attorney and the Saguaro Cactus, a story told with humor, heart, and reflection.

I recently had the joy of doing a book signing at Barnes and Noble, which reminded me how much I love connecting with people.

I always say, if you had told me years ago I’d be signing books, I would have smiled and said, “We’ll see,” and here we are.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I’ve learned to see challenges a little differently over time.

Like many people, I’ve experienced change, loss, and moments where I had to step into the unknown.

What has helped me is maintaining a positive outlook and a sense of humor. I’ve learned that not everything goes as planned, and sometimes that’s exactly when something better shows up.

Every challenge has taught me something, whether it’s resilience, patience, or simply learning to appreciate the present moment more. I focus on what I’ve gained and how it has helped me grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a jewelry designer, author, and creative storyteller, my work is all about creating meaningful, design driven pieces while using creativity to uplift others and bring a little more joy into the world.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Life doesn’t slow down unless you decide it should.

Creating, exploring, and saying yes to what inspires me keeps life exciting.

Whether it’s designing, writing, or connecting with people, being engaged is what makes it all worthwhile.

Staying curious keeps things interesting, and honestly, not everything needs to be perfectly planned; sometimes that’s where the magic is. I always say, stay positive, keep laughing, and say yes to the things that make you smile, it usually leads somewhere good, and life’s a lot more fun that way!

Contact Info:

Gold hockey stick with text about a tribute pin and sports milestone, smaller hockey stick image below, white background.

Sunglasses with dark lenses on a patterned brown case with gold geometric designs, against a white background.

Person holding a book titled 'Attorney and the Saguaro Cactus' outdoors, with a cactus and building in background.

Four people standing together holding awards at an event, with a backdrop displaying logos and text.

Person standing next to a large cactus outdoors, with a building and desert landscape in the background.

Hand holding a black handbag with a tassel and gold logo, against a plain background.

Image Credits
Christina Karst Photography and Melissa Goodin Photography

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