Our story

---

Established in May, 2014, Marquess Studios is located in historic Stillwater, MN, the birthplace of Minnesota. We started in a basement, quickly moved to a charming, historic building in Stillwater, and then moved to our current office building for more production space.  We started off by repurposing vintage jewelry and custom designs, with a special focus on memorial jewelry. Over the past nine years, we have grown our designs and offer a variety of kits and keepsakes that honor special people, places and moments.  

Since she can remember, Tara has been an art-loving, creative, re-purposing junky! After working as an HR and strategy professional in corporate America for 20 years, she decided to listen to her heart and to those closest to her, and go for it! Tara has a gift for turning unexpected items in to something useful and beautiful, a gift she credits to her uber-creative mom. She also strives to make the process very interactive, whether it is designing a signature piece for a fundraiser or including clients' own pieces in to a new creation. Since first visiting Stillwater in the late 90's, she has always had her eye on this special river town and loves living in the St. Croix Valley with her family. 

All of Marquess Studios' designs are made by our talented team in Stillwater, MN. On the front end, you may find us sorting through vintage treasures and taking them apart, searching the shores of Lake Superior for organic heart stones, or going on buying field-trips to find the most unique and high quality components. Every person on our team brings a unique gift to the design and production process, and taking care of our customers and wholesale clients.

In addition to shopping online, you can also find our creations at local retail locations. 

• Click here for a full list of retail locations
• Interested in becoming a retail partner? Contact us today!

Part of the decision to start Marquess Studios, was a desire to use the company as a method of fundraising and community engagement. Tara has always been involved with fundraising, and wanted to offer unique and practical items to help non-profits raise money to support their mission.  Contact us to learn more! 

# 1 Question

 "So, where do you get all of your materials?" Everywhere! Estate sales, auctions, favorite vendors and a few other favorite spots ​(I can't tell you all of my trade secrets!).

Favorite Quote

"Where I create, there I am true." 

 ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Inspiration: 

Sharing the entrepreneurial process with my children and how to form an idea in to a new product or experience. #grit