Meet the woman behind the perfectly playful luxury Maya Grisham brand
Quickly becoming known for her handcrafted and crystal-embellished accessories, Kimberly Tinotenda Mushayabasa’s brand—Maya Grisham—is adored for its playful charm that’s rooted in Irish identity.
Maya Grisham is a luxury accessories brand centred around crystal craftsmanship and sculptural design. Each piece is created as a collectable object, something that sits at the intersection of fashion, art and cultural storytelling.
Maya Grisham is a contemporary luxury accessories house specialising in handcrafted, crystal-embellished minaudières and bespoke novelty pieces that merge artistry, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, primarily stocking crystal-embellished handbags and accessories, alongside bespoke one-off pieces and brand collaborations.
The mission
Irish identity and cultural symbols are deeply embedded in my work. They represent the essence of what I grew up with and the experiences that shaped my childhood. I was born in Zimbabwe, and I moved to Ireland at the age of three, so my upbringing has been profoundly rooted in Irish culture. It’s something I feel intrinsically connected to, and that connection naturally finds its way into my designs.
At the same time, I continue to embrace my Zimbabwean heritage, and that duality subtly allows me to reinterpret Irish cultural symbols in a way that feels both personal and contemporary.
My mission is to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. I’m interested in creating pieces that spark emotion, that feel nostalgic, playful and luxurious all at once.
I didn’t necessarily always know I wanted to be a designer, but I’ve always been creative but stuck on the path of sciences and healthcare. This path evolved quite naturally once I started making pieces and realised the potential they had.
The logistics
I funded the business myself in the early stages, using my own savings and, at one point, even selling pieces from my own wardrobe to finance my first designs.
I was doing everything I could to make it work. I’ve always been someone who can sell anything, and it became a bit of a running joke. Platforms like Depop and Adverts were a big part of that journey in the beginning.
It was very much about being resourceful and backing my vision, even before anyone else did.
The best business advice I’ve gotten has been to trust your vision and not dilute it to fit expectations. The most useful learning since setting up the business has been the importance of boundaries, knowing your value and protecting your time and creativity.
The brands to know
I’m really drawn to Jonathan Anderson’s current work with Dior. The sunglasses featuring the four-leaf clover detail on the temples are firmly on my wishlist at the moment.
Closer to home, I’ve been loving Adorned Couture. I wore a beautiful bronze dress from them during Paris Fashion Week at the Irish Embassy, which was a really special moment. There’s so much incredible talent in Ireland right now, especially brands that are pushing boundaries creatively. I love Begley and Bowie, Rodanthe Jewels and Paul Costelloe.
On Instagram, I love following @cerealartist, @hypebae and WWD. My best fashion purchase has to be my sparkly crystal-encrusted Louboutins.
The legacy
My proudest moment so far has to be seeing my pieces worn and recognised on a larger stage. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch something that started so small grow into something impactful. Working with amazing brands such as Jameson and Brennan’s Bread has created truly memorable moments and milestones on my journey.
It’s been surreal seeing such big-name celebrities wear my designs. Seeing people connect with the pieces at that level is both exciting and validating. It’s proof that the work resonates beyond just the object itself.
I want my brand to be remembered for creating pieces that feel iconic, objects that people remember and associate with a moment, a feeling, or a story.
If I could have anyone wear my designs, it would be someone who embodies confidence and individuality, someone who isn’t afraid to wear something bold and expressive. Paris Hilton would be at the top of my list.
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