By Kat Fragoso

“Words have power! When you say them out loud, your dreams come true!”

These words are from NY Handmade Collective member Satoko Mackler of Satokomatsu. Satoko, who was born and raised in Japan and working for a leading jewelry designer, had a dream to “challenge the world in New York”. After moving to New York in 2013, Satoko began making her own jewelry in 2015. Read more about how her dream is manifesting into reality!

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NYHC: Tell us about what you make.

Satoko Mackler: I make "word picture" jewelry with a concept "Jewelry can connect people." My major materials are silver or brass sheets. I hand cut each piece of jewelry using a hand saw.

NYHC: Where do you live?

SM: I live in Riverdale, Bronx. It's a bit hilly but a very quiet, nice area.

NYHC: What is unique or different about your process and/or designs?

SM: I call my jewelry "word picture jewelry". Each item is handmade by forming pictures with different combinations of letters. Using Arabic and Japanese letters that are curvy and elegant for the designs makes each piece special and unique because each piece has its own personal meaning.

NYHC: Do you have any favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

SM: My favorite piece is a dove motif pendant named "Peace". I believe language is a communication tool. The “Peace” pendant is embedded with the Arabic word for peace so my jewlery can start a conversation because it is so unique. This is the original role of language: making human relationships and that, I believe, might be the first step toward PEACE.

NYHC: What is your favorite tool or supply?

SM: My favorite tool is a jewelers hand saw. When I started jewelry making, I broke saw blades many times and even cut my fingers. Now, after years of cutting out shapes, especially for custom orders, my cutting skills have improved greatly.

NYHC: Is there a new piece/opportunity/change that you're excited about?

SM: I will be launching custom, made to order mask holders. In 2021, we'll still need a mask. When you take your mask off, you may have to look for a pocket or place to put it. If you have a mask holder, it will prevent you from losing your mask, which can help the environment. My mask holders can also double as a glasses holder.

NYHC: What advice or tips can you share with other makers?

SM: Words have power. When you say it out loud, dreams come true someday. When I was in my early 20's, I said "someday I want to challenge the world in NY". At that time I was in Japan, working for a company as a jewelry designer. My road was not straight but now I'm here, in New York. If you want to achieve something, tell other people about it.

NYHC: Share an important lesson you've learned from running your business.

SM: How you wrap your items is important. When a customer receives the item they ordered, their first impression is the moment they unwrap it. I don't think a fancy box or ribbon are necessary, I use a cotton pad for each item set in a clear sleeve with a handwritten memo. Wrap your item carefully because you made a great effort to create it. That makes customers more excited.