#MAKEITHAPPEN

Why borrow mom's jewelry when you can have your own? This was the big idea that launched Super Smalls, the children's brand founded by Maria Dueñas Jacobs. The former Elle accessories director has always been drawn to the world of fine jewelry, so it's no surprise that she passed down her love of sparkle to her three young daughters, too. Combining their shared passion with fun, whimsical, kid-proof designs—plus a little help from her eldest, the company's kid-in-chief, Luna—Jacobs launched Super Smalls in 2019, a feel-good site filled with maximalist, fine-jewelry-inspired accessories for your little ones. Here, we chat with Maria on what got her started, her family's favorite activity and her best styling tips.

My hustle...
I love what I do. I’m always thinking Super Smalls, which is no big feat since I’m surrounded by girls who love sparkle.

What got me started...
I blended so many of the things I love, so even though I’m working all day, it simultaneously doesn’t feel like work! Kids + accessories + smiles = happy me. :)

What clears my head…
A massage! I also love HGTV decorating shows like Love it or List it. They are fluffy, and friendly, and help me get out of my head.

When in doubt, I…
Talk to my level-headed BFF sister and/or create a pros and cons list. 

Greatest challenge—and how I overcame it…
Starting my own business was and continues to be a huge challenge. Luckily, I’m motivated by challenge!

3 morning musts…
Chai with almond milk, face moisturizer or face oil, triple-kid group hug

3 life hacks…
1. I repeat outfits and save them in my phone as go-tos.
2. Always add jewelry!
3. Freeze healthy smoothies into ice pops—they’re a perfect snack for kids and adults.

3 secret work weapons...
1. Tailored blazers—they pair with anything, even sneakers.
2. My 13” inch MacBook Air—it fits in my purse and doesn’t break my back.
3. Google Calendar! If it’s not in my Google Calendar, I will forget. I’m highly scheduled. :)

Personal talisman…
My Monica Rich Kosann locket. It’s engraved, and I love carrying around family pictures of my girls and husband.

Best advice received…
Done is better than perfect. Meaning: Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

Favorite wardrobe hacks...
Cinch the waist! I love adding a belt to create a high-waisted look, or even tying a sweater around a slip dress. It’s small thing that can make a big difference and pull a look together. I also buy jeans that are classic straight leg, but NOT tapered. This way you can wear them the old school classic way, or you can roll them up tightly for a whole different look and adjust for your shoes. They really work two ways.

Wardrobe MVP...
Jumpsuits. I have so many and love their versatility and the ease of one full look.

What I would tell my younger self about getting dressed...
I would tell myself to invest in classic styles and spend less on trendy pieces that will go out of style. I still have clothes from college that I love because they are well made and timeless!

Wearing Veronica Beard makes me feel...
I love the fit and tailoring of Veronica Beard pieces. When I wear VB, I feel feminine and put together without feeling fussy or like I’m trying too hard.

What I'm reading/listening to/binging…
I love listening to podcasts in the car and as I walk around NYC. They range from news-centric to anecdotal. I love stories as much as I love hard facts. Some of my favorites include How I Built This, The Daily, The Prof G Pod, After Hours, and Second Life.

Beauty/self-care must-haves…
LOTS of moisturizer. I love Rodin’s moisturizer and oil, and was so sad that the brand shuttered. I also use Goop, Fortuna Skin, and Chanel moisturizers and oils daily. I recently discovered a new mascara that I’m super into called Lune+Aster Eclipse. It comes out in “tubes,” which I really like.

Favorite thing to do…
It’s obvious, but… crafting. My whole family loves the arts, and we have been making things big and small since I can remember. My girls have the same bug, and we can turn an ordinary chore or moment into a slightly more magical one with a little glue and some make-believe. My home is like a crafting laboratory for Super Smalls. We are always trying new things and then talking through if and how we can make a new crafting product for the brand!

Favorite thing to make…
Gifts and accessories for kids, of course! The creation process is so rewarding and exciting. I love going from ideation → sampling → production and finally getting a product into kids’ hands. Seeing their reactions and smiles shared via social and in-person is thrilling.

One mover and shaker I admire…
There are many, but one that is at the top of my mind is Beth Bugdaycay. She co-founded and was the CEO of Rebecca Taylor and then pursued her passion for jewelry and storytelling when she founded her incredible jewelry line, Foundrae. She is elegant, cool, smart and was one of the first people to believe in me when I launched Super Smalls. I admire her for her courage, taste and heart!