Howzit from the Founder

Howzit kakou! My name is Jamie (@jamiepabro), & I’m excited to share a little bit about myself & my journey with you. I was born in Las Vegas, NV, but raised in the beautiful Puna district on the Big Island of Hawai’i. I’m currently 20 years old & pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration in Phoenix, Arizona.

The inspiration behind this brand comes from my desire to connect people from Hawai’i, no matter where life takes us. After moving to Arizona for school, I always felt a special sense of comfort whenever I met someone from Hawai’i. There was something so welcoming about seeing Hawaiian jewelry, and it often sparked a conversation like, “Omg, are you from Hawai’i?! What island are you from?” That simple exchange, often sparked by a piece of jewelry, led to lasting friendships. I hope to create pieces that foster those same connections & help build relationships rooted in love.

In the short months since I began creating this business, I have been so blessed to experience both the trials and the growth that have come with it. While challenging at times, each step has taught me so much, & I’m excited for everything this journey will bring. I look forward to this new chapter with the same aloha that led me here, & I’m grateful for the lessons along the way.

I also wanted to create this business as a personal challenge. As someone who can be shy & introverted at times, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone & explore my creativity while also gaining confidence. There are moments when I struggle to express myself artistically, but starting this brand was an opportunity to prove to myself what I’m capable of. I want to connect with others through my creations & show that, even in my introversion, there’s room to grow and share.

The name "Makamae" came from my deep appreciation for the beauty of Hawaiian jewelry & the way it made me feel. When I saw it, I thought it was so fitting — darling, precious, and full of value. I wanted to capture that feeling & bring it to life. In Hawaiian, Makamae translates to “my precious one” or something that is highly prized, valuable, & darling. My goal is for everyone who wears my jewelry to feel this meaning — whether you’re an aunty, sistah, or keiki. Everyone is precious & deserves to feel valued.

Some fun facts!
1. I love persimmons!

2. I have almost a full sleeve of tattoo's!

3. I have changed my major 6 times!

4. I order a blended Caramelizer with soft top from Dutch Bro's!

5. I love sunrises > sunsets!

Mahalo nui loa for staying here & learning about me :)