Jaimi Vitucci at a market stall selling Mina J products. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Who are you and what is your business?
Jaimi Vitucci. I’m a hairdresser by trade but now my daughter and I also made Mina J, which is a beaded jewellery business. MINA is an acronym of the first letter of all my family’s names – M is for Michael, I is my daughter Indiana, N is my son Nixon and A is my baby Arlo. Indiana and I make the products.
How and where did you begin?
We started as a hobby in 2021 when the COVID outbreak and lockdown hit for the second time in NSW. I was pregnant with my third child, Arlo, and my daughter Indi was doing schooling from home. A few complications during the last trimester of my pregnancy limited my mobility, and Indi and I started to make beaded jewels to help pass the time.
We started giving them to our friends to try and we found some suppliers. We then collaborated with some influencers, like Elly Miles [star of the TV show The Bachelorette]. I hooked up with her through social media and we made the Elly collection, which is freshwater pearls … which comes in a necklace, bracelet and anklet.
Jaimi Vitucci and daughter Indi. Photo: Supplied.
What do you produce?
I make bracelets, necklaces, chokers and anklets. In the past I’ve done some phone charms for wristlets and also sunglasses.
Where can we buy your products?
Online on my website Mina J. I also have a Facebook and Instagram page. I’m also at the monthly Saturday Griffith Central Markets and other markets around the place.
What’s something you make that would be the perfect gift for a girl?
My pearls are very popular. I try to do quality products at affordable prices. My Elly range is probably my most popular.
If you could make anything in the world, what would you make?
I would love to be able to collaborate with more influencers. Elly has been an amazing support and I’m working with some other influencers too, like Belinda Guerra, the wife of former rugby league star Aidan Guerra. Belinda and I have done a collection and it’s coming out on my website soon.
Elly Miles has been a big help for Mina J. Photo: Facebook.
How would you promote the Riverina?
I love the sense of community and the people here. I love how Griffith is like a little city, its fashion and culture and multicultural aspects. Everyone is their own unique person and you meet so many people doing markets, it’s really nice. We also have awesome local produce.
Coolest local thing you’ve ever bought?
Local wine. I love them all, we are lucky with the range we have here.
What’s your favourite coffee spot?
My friends all have children, so it would have to be takeaway coffee at the park.
Who is another local producer/business you admire?
Rachael Huntley of Sacred Space Candles. We bounce our ideas off each other really well and help each other out.
You can learn more about Mina J here.
Region Riverina is committed to celebrating our local producers and creatives and encourages everyone to buy locally.
If you’re aware of someone who’s making something amazing, let us know!
Loading ...
