MAGGI SIMPKINS

Have you ever looked into someone’s eyes and had the feeling that you could tell them your entire life story? Maggi Simpkins is in the business of capturing these narratives and infusing them into heirloom works of art that whisper of sacred moments past. Since her early years, Maggi has been enamored by jewelry, but it would be a mistake to lock her in the jewelry box. Above all, she is a storyteller, and whether she speaks through the glitter of an engagement ring or the sanctuary of her own home, we’re avid listeners. Join us for a glimpse of Maggi’s carefree approach to cozy-chic style, her California oasis, and her thoughts on choosing love.

Staff writer Anna Kadinoff.

Maggi’s Story

I love the term “experience artist.” I think the more I talk about it, and the more I begin to understand it, most simply, it is my way of storytelling. Storytelling through creative expression— whether it is a piece of jewelry or a room in my home— is to evoke a specific feeling.

Precious Heirlooms

My favorite thing about jewelry is: jewelry allows us to wear our talismans and keep them close to us at all times. Two particular talismans of mine are my mother’s wedding band, and a bracelet I gave to my late father that he wore every day. I wear both of these pieces everyday. I love the simple idea that it was something that was touching their skin, that is now touching mine.

Home

My home is located on a little hill in Northeast L.A., right on the border of Highland Park and Eagle Rock. I've been in L.A. for 15 years—originally from Portland OR—and it has taken me a while to find a place in L.A. that felt like home. I have been in this house for almost 2 years now, and what I love about it is how it feels completely removed from the City. It is quiet, surrounded by nature, and is the perfect place for me to rest and rejuvenate from all things "hustle and bustle." This concept of my home being a place to rejuvenate is not new, but I think that this past year just deepened my appreciation for the sanctuary that I have begun building for myself.

Sacred Spaces

In the winter time, my favorite place in the house would probably be the living room (where I just installed a huge window wall) curled up next to the wood burning stone. In the summertime, it would probably be the porch that I converted into a sunroom—it's full of light and in the summertime it has a view of the most magical sunsets.

Tell us a love story...

2020 was an incredibly busy year for me workwise. I think that shutting down really forced people to face and come to terms with a lot of truth in their lives—a major truth being close interpersonal relationships. A lot of my clients approached me with the attitude of "We aren't sure what's going on in the world, but we are sure about THIS". I was really inspired watching so many people choose love in such an uncertain, fearful time.

Personal Style

If I could have a uniform that I wear every single day, I would. I have so much going on in my brain at any given second, the last thing I want to think about is my outfit. My number one priority is being comfortable, and I think because of that my style ends up being very casual.

Spring ’21: KAMILLE and SEIGEL

One of the reasons I was drawn to these two styles in particular is that they are comfortable, and they help elevate my more "casual" outfits.

Bonus: Tell us about your life as a dog mama!

Bella is the best. She is a character for sure. I've had her for 10 years this year. I had a second dog, Blu, who passed a couple of years ago. He was older than her, and she never knew life without him— she was obsessed with him. Since he has been gone it has been really fun to watch her come out of her shell as an "only dog." She has turned into the biggest cuddle bug. I would say her funniest/cutest traits would be how she howls at sirens, and the little tip of her tongue that sticks out of her mouth 80% of the time.