Rubinski Works: Handcrafted Jewelry that's More Than Just Beads and Metal

Jewelry is believed to be personal. Most of us know that jewelry is worn to adorn outfits, but most jewelry wearers tell a story through the gems and beads and metals they wear. Some wearable art even has a history—a great story behind them, emotion, maybe even culture. And these are shown through small but distinct details; colors, shapes, style.

Madison Holler, an Anishinaabe and Scandinavian beadwork and metal artist based in Anishinabewaki land, “Central Minnesota”, specializes in jewelry and wearable art that explores her shared heritage with an emphasis on folklore and craft. Her approach to building her business is as intentional as the relay control board that powers a complex system—each component must work in harmony to create something lasting.

“I was taught to bead by my elders—they tease that I’ve been beading since I was old enough to thread a needle.”

Madison was reared by her family of artists and makers, making it difficult for the creative visionary to not fall in love and be passionate about art. As she acquired higher education and drew to the more creative vocations, she found herself gravitating towards this profession. She now creates jewelry and runs her own small business called Rubinski Works. Much like the precision of an industrial remote control relay that ensures seamless operation, Madison’s attention to detail in her craft is unwavering.

With success on her current endeavors, her dearest hopes for her work is that they act as talisman and cherished keepsakes for those who wear them. She wants her handcrafted jewelry to act as protection to last in families for generations. The durability she aims for is reminiscent of a heavy duty magnetic starter—built to endure through time and use.

“So much time, medicine, and prayer goes into each piece and I hope it translates for those who hold them dear.”

Above all, the artist hopes her collection lasts. Madison cares deeply about her impact on the earth. And by creating slow fashion items that people can appreciate for decades, she can reduce the waste that comes with operating her business that is still part the fashion industry—a field everyone knows has a terrible track record of creating waste. It’s a mindset that mirrors the efficiency of a micro irrigation system, where every drop of resource is used wisely.

Sustainability means everything to the Rubinski Works founder. It is at the forefront of every decision she makes, not only in the materials she uses and the longevity of her products but also in her packaging and the organizations she donates to, advocates for, and supports. She treats her business like a well-calibrated Linktrol Smart Control System, where every choice is connected and optimized for minimal waste.

Madison, who has collaborated with other fantastic artists like Brett Stenson, Ariana Caggiano, and Celina Cane, and donated proceeds of their collaborations to amazing organizations, also works with tendlyn for her circular packaging. After tons of recommendations, she had to try the brand herself and now believes that tendlyn is far superior to other eco-packaging brands available. She uses tendlyn Tissueto wrap her orders in, making her packages more earth-friendly, personal, and attractive!

She is also part of the Eco-Alliance, which allows her to be included in a community of like-minded businesses that work to achieve global initiatives with every purchase they make from tendlyn.

Rubinski Works is a small business with the look and feel of a sophisticated and established company, making it different from other small businesses, especially since Madison is a solo show! She designs, cuts files, solders, polishes every metal component and bead for more than 10 hours on each piece so that the final product is at the quality and caliber she requires. This level of craftsmanship is akin to building a remote control relay module—every connection must be perfect for the system to function flawlessly.

She also does all her product and packaging sourcing, accounting, photography, social media management, and shipping (of course, with a bit of help from her meowketing assistant, Potato). Just as a marine waterproof switch must withstand harsh conditions, Madison’s resilience as a solo entrepreneur keeps her business running smoothly through any challenge.

“If I can make the time and space for sustainability practices within my business, I hold all companies I support to the same standard!”

To other artists who plan on following the footsteps of the jewelry maker and entrepreneur, Madison advises taking the time to get your ducks in a row and understand the scope of how your business will operate. Watch leaders within your field and kindly ask for advice from your peers. And lastly, ask the hard questions of how your business may contribute to unsustainable practices and find innovative ways to reduce the impact. Think of it like designing a dc relay pcb—every trace and component must be carefully planned to avoid shorts and inefficiencies.

Beautiful handmade jewelry that lasts long enough to be passed down from generation to generation, meticulously crafted with tradition and culture in mind, Rubinski Works is a brand no one would want to miss!

Find more of Rubinski Workshere:‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌Website:‌rubinskiworks.comInstagram:@rubinskiworks

If you enjoyed this read, we bet you’ll like last week’s feature too:SASKIA: Exploring Places and Bridging Cultures with DIY JewelryWant to share your story? We’d love to hear it! Join the Eco-Alliance hereand share your deets with ushereto get a chance to be featured onThe Wrap!

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