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Blue Buddha Boutique, a diverse line of chainmaille supplies and finished jewelry, was launched by self-taught artist Rebeca Mojica in 2003. First operated out of Rebeca's spare bedroom as a one-woman business, Blue Buddha has grown to a staff of six full- and part-time employees, with interns and guest contributors helping the company thrive. Originally handling only local orders, the company now has customers in all 50 states and 20+ countries. Blue Buddha prides itself on outstanding customer service, fast turnaround and of course, amazing chainmaille designs. Good employees and excellent leadership are crucial for any successful business. Blue Buddha is proud to have a very dedicated and talented team. Take a moment and get to know more about each employee below. Rebeca Mojica Artist, Instructor, and Owner Rebeca is responsible for updating the website, developing new kits & instructions, writing the newsletter, and designing jewelry. Not to mention bookeeping, managing employees, researching vendors, and all the other nuances of being a small business-owner. Being right- and left-brained, she loves it all!
A graduate from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Rebeca worked in media relations and nonprofit development for seven years. She managed several of the most successful PR campaigns ever for various businesses and nonprofits. Additionally, she authored annual reports and newsletters, secured large grants, created community workshop programs, and increased corporate sponsorship for an established local fundraiser by 42% in a single year. Though her successes made her happy, in the back of her head was a nagging feeling that she wanted to do "something with her hands." So she quit her job, spent a summer working at Interlochen Arts Camp, and then backpacked through a dozen European countries. After six months of travel and working odd jobs for room and board, she settled down and lived for a year as an au pair in Germany. While at a Renaissance Faire in Germany, Rebeca saw several people wearing chainmaille belts. She couldn't find any place to buy them, so she decided to make one herself, thus awakening her passion. Today she knows 70 weaves (100+ if you include variations) and has a diverse portfolio of both upscale and accessible jewelry. By using colored rings and combining classic weaves in new ways, she erases preconceived notions of this ancient craft. Her designs span from fun and funky to high-end and sophisticated, from earrings and necklaces to curtains and pull-chains for light fixtures. Rebeca constantly strives to take this medium to a new level; her mini-sculptures and colorful juggling cubes are definitely not typical maille fare! In a very short time, Rebeca also emerged as the pre-eminent chainmaille instructor in the Midwest. Students travel from several neighboring states, including Wisconsin, Indiana and Missouri, to attend her classes. In addition to teaching regularly at Caravan Beads and Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, Briolette Beads in Forest Park, and Ayla's Originals in Evanston, she has taught at the Bead&Button Show and has been a guest instructor for the Fashion Department at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Rebeca is a member of the Chicago Craft Mafia and Chicago Metal Arts Guild. Her projects have been published in Chain Mail Jewelry, an instructional book by Lark Publishing, and Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine. Her work has appeared on CLTV and in The Chicago Tribune and The New York Times. When she is not weaving maille, Rebeca enjoys cooking (especially baking bread Contact Rebeca at rebeca@bluebuddhaboutique.com.
Read Rebeca's Artist Statement
"One must be a work of art, or wear a work of art." Philanthropy The Blue Buddha Boutique is committed to making the world a better place, particularly through education. The company has supported the following organizations:
Testimonials Feedback about Blue Buddha Boutique is scattered throughout the site, but mainly found in our Guestbook. If you would like to submit a testimonial, please do so using the Guestbook. Thanks so much for your patience and the wonderful instructions. I really, really, really enjoyed your class. — Mary O., Oak Park, IL What a GREAT CLASS! ... You really are a great teacher, and when I get to be more of a linking machine with these two weaves, I'd be delighted to be your student again in Chain Mail II. Thanks! — Pat D., Chicago IL Your instructions are awesome! I like the use of the colored rings. I work in a bead store, and I think your instructions are the best out of any I have seen. They are super clear. — P. Ramos, Hayward CA I ordered a sterling Celtic Visions bracelet and Bulls-Eye earrings, and they arrived within 3 business days. What amazing service! For some reason I was expecting the pieces to be delicate. Well, I'm pleased to report that I am now wearing one of the most luxurious and beautiful bracelets I have ever seen, and the earrings have a delightful weight to them. Wonderful products! The instructions were easy to follow, too. Thanks so much! — S. Lederle, Ontario, Canada Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Your instructions were so visually excellent and so easy to follow. Haven't been able to follow anyone else. I wore the Japanese Lace Bracelet today at the market, and got lots of very positive comments. Mine is three rows and really looks fantastic. I can't thank you enough. — DJ, Melbourne, Australia Thank you so much for the bracelet. I have received compliments from strangers! Your work is amazing—there is a nice energy to the piece. Thank you, again. — Deborah T, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA I've received the earrings! Oh my, I can't find enough adjectives to tell you how gorgeous I think they are. :-) Thank you so much for making them! I love them. — Christina H, Gothenburg, Sweden Just wanted to say a couple of quick comments: 1. Fabulous designs! 2. Delightfully clean, navigable website!!! 3. VERY helpful charts and FAQ—hopefully will keep me in the proper gauges and sizes! Keep up the fab work, it is GREATLY admired and appreciated. — Michelle M, Kansas City, MO |