Mimpi Murni: Jewelry for dreamers (WIN MM necklace inside)

By: karenmarie
April 27th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Murni Roslim, 28 year old online shop entrepreneur designs jewelry and sells them online. And yes, this is her full time job, people. Murni has been in the jewelry crafting business for almost 6 years and only recently took the plunge in August last year. She quit her day job and became a full time jewelry designer and dreamer. Now that is something.

Murni started making jewelry when she was studying overseas. She walked pass a beads store and it was love at first sight. She loves pretty, sparkly things and soon she made it into a hobby and now a full time businesswoman.

Emmagem asked her a few questions on Mimpi Murni , what were her inspirations and her interests. Read on! :)

How did Mimpi Murni come along?

Mimpi at first started out as a little blog that earned me a little side income but when orders started pouring in after a stint at Bijou Bazaar, I decided to take a leap of faith & embarked into it full time. I’m proud to say that Mimpi has been going strong since August 2008!

How would you describe your personal style?

Timeless simplicity & elegance… with a little bit of whimsy for good measure. I definitely don’t try to follow the current fads or trends… I just want to make beautiful pieces that anyone of any age or background would love & hopefully treasure.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up right here in Kuala Lumpur but I get to travel a lot & have done so ever since I was a kid. I guess I can safely say that my travels have directly influenced my designs as I pick up the bits & pieces you see used in my designs during my globetrotting over the years & I draw inspiration from my materials more than anything else.
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What are your inspirations? Designers / artists you admire most?
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Like I said, I draw inspiration from my materials but there are heaps of designers & artisans that I admire. To name a few:

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What sorts of things fascinate you?

Oh, A LOT of things fascinate me, like for example, the ability for someone to come up with a totally new way to use something common & everyday to make something totally new & unpredictable. Or how memories that have laid dormant for years can be brought back to life with a simple song, a smell or an image. Here’s a great quote from Albert Einstein I live by: “There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Simply put, everything in this world is fascinating as long as you keep your eyes & heart open to the possibilities.
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Did you anticipate your jewelry becoming so popular?

Well, I wouldn’t say that my jewelry is SO popular. I have wonderful supporters but I know I need to reach out to more people to be truly regarded as popular. Right now though I feel very blessed that Mimpi is getting some attention, so YAY!

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What is your design process?

Usually I sit down at my workbench with a cup of hot honey lemon tea, pull out a random charm or cabochon & work my way from there by laying out different combination on a design board (like how this video explains). The whole process can take between 10 minutes to a couple of hours till I come up with a design I love & would wear myself. Sometimes it’s like I have OCD the way I keep reworking a piece until it’s just right, but hey, it works for me! Hahaha
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Do you go by “collections” or by whenever you’re free to make any jewelry?

I don’t come up with specific collections. I continually make new pieces & at least once a month I’ll upload it all onto the blog shop with no rhyme & reason. Perhaps I should come up with a cohesive collection? Thanks for the idea!

Which of your creations/collections are you the most proud of and love? why?

Haha. I get asked this a lot & I can honestly answer time & time again that I love every single piece I make & I’m proud of it all. I guess it’s simply because each piece has a story to tell & is very personal to me: from how I picked up the charm to the events of the day when I made it into a complete piece. My memory is usually pretty bad but I can tell you who or at least describe the person who bought any particular piece of my jewelry. I’m that attached to my designs. I also love to hear the delight & pleasure that my jewelry gives to my customers & that never fails to make my day!

How do you come about naming your jewelry?

Good question! On any given day I would make at least 1 – 3 pieces of jewelry. Once I finish making my new pieces, I will usually sketch the finished designs onto my little notebook with the measurements & price for reference & it’s usually then that a name will pop into my head. It’s really random I must say as some pieces are named after my childhood friends, then some pieces were named after a mood I was feeling at the moment. But here’s a secret… I sometimes also crack open my old copy of Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka & simply flip the pages until I find a word I like!

You seem to promote indie selling of items/jewelry, what advice would you give someone who wants to start selling his or her own creations?
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Indie rocks! But yeah, firstly, whatever you do, do it with passion. This always shine through & people always gravitate towards those who live life passionately & create from the heart. Secondly, don’t try to imitate others or to be something/someone you’re not. Originality is key & honesty should be your cornerstone.

Random things about Murni:

What are your other interests and hobbies?

I just picked up scuba diving for my birthday last year & I love it! I never fail to feel like a Navy Seal babe when I’m ready to take that plunge into the deep blue sea all geared up with my scuba equipment. In fact, I’m going on an awesome dive trip to Sipadan in July & I can’t wait! I also enjoy making cards for loved ones, sewing stuffies, embroidery & “experimenting” in the kitchen (I make awesome Oreo truffles & body scrubs… the body scrubs not meant for consumption though!). I’m also obsessed with surfing the net. That’s why part of Mimpi is also sharing my online finds like art, designs, crafts & freebies. I totally believe that sharing is caring! Oh, and I feel very strongly in protecting animal rights & trying to live a greener lifestyle.

Which websites do you go to on a daily basis, like your MUST visit sites?

I have tonnes but these 3 blogs I check in daily as they are constantly updated: Design*Sponge, Creature Comforts & Oh Joy.
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Murni is a craft making-jeweller-scuba diving-body scrub making-online entrepreneur who just loves to dream. Read her blog to get to know her. Her online shop, Mimpi Murni is open 24-7, online. Mimpi Murni ships internationally too.
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mimpi murni+emmagem.com GIVEAWAY!

Mimpi Murni will be giving away Kemungkinan necklace (in brass) to one lucky reader!

All you have to do is go to Mimpi Murni’s website and browse her lovely creations. Then, comment below and tell us which Mimpi Murni piece is your favourite and we will randomly pick a winner from the list :)

Terms& Conditions:

  • Comment on this post, please.
  • Winner will receive a Kemungkinan necklace which will be posted by Mimpi Murni.
  • As usual, please join the mailing list first before joining this giveaway :) Click here to join emmagem’s mailing list.
  • Contest ends Monday, 4th May 2009, 2359 hours. Winner will be notified via email. Make sure you sign up with a proper email.

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THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED : )

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There Are 17 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Gabriena
    9:21 am on April 27th, 2009 :

    I love ‘sangkar hitam’, cos it’s so quirky. :) )

  2. Comment by Mint
    2:39 pm on April 27th, 2009 :

    My favourite is Putik Jambu coz its just totally gorgeous :)

  3. Comment by Sberry
    7:59 pm on April 27th, 2009 :

    My fave is definately the “Kirimkan Kasihku”..
    I just love and adore charm necklace especially those with notes in it..
    Just like “Kirimkan Kasihku”..
    It’s just spell the word LOVELY (n_n)

  4. Comment by Amber
    8:26 pm on April 27th, 2009 :

    I love ‘Korina’ the most, because it’s simple and elegant; just my style. :)

  5. Comment by Faith
    9:19 pm on April 27th, 2009 :

    the “tersirat” necklace catches my eyes ;X
    i just love lockets ;3 and the design is so vintage.

  6. Comment by Naddy
    9:57 pm on April 27th, 2009 :

    I definitely love ESOKNYA because it is romantic and nostalgic for two reasons:
    (a) JE T’AIME PLUS QU’HIER ET MOINS QUE DEMAIN is the classic romantic sentiment.
    (b) the copper charm has this old world feeling

  7. Comment by Sunny Toh
    11:06 am on April 28th, 2009 :

    i love ‘kirim salam sayang’.it was sth like wat we did while we were young, at school, writing love letter to someone we adore, telling them how we feel, & hopefully they have the same feeling as we have…it’s just so sweet, & so far now & then…
    think, today i’ll go back & write some love notes for my bb ^^

  8. Comment by Lyrical Lemongrass
    4:34 pm on April 28th, 2009 :

    BARANGKALI for a sense of nostalgia. But honestly, ALL the pieces are gorgeous.

  9. Comment by shelbybaby
    6:19 pm on April 28th, 2009 :

    Musim Bunga: it’s so joie de vivre and simply Shelbulous!

  10. Comment by Michelle Tan
    6:46 pm on April 30th, 2009 :

    I’ve always had a penchant for necklaces, the quirkier the better!

    I personally love ‘Dian’, the necklace with the Russian Matryoshka doll and the Swarovski crystal heart. It’s uniquely whimsical with a sense of humour added to it, and stands out without being too in-your-face.

    I’m quite into Matryoshka dolls because they’re awesomely cute and are usually hand-drawn, which makes ‘Dian’ special to me because I like my necklaces to be statement pieces to complement my clothing.

    If you ask me I think it would look awesome with a plain tank top, a puffy skirt and comfy black ballerina flats. Nothing too flashy, but definitely a statement.

    :)

  11. Comment by shingyee
    10:43 pm on April 30th, 2009 :

    I adore Mesti. Keep your loved one next to your heart always even when you are flying high.
    =)

  12. Comment by Jean
    12:37 am on May 1st, 2009 :

    Owh, my heart definitely goes to Liliana, something that looks so victorian, vintage and not to mention an angelic feeling to it! Loooooovvvee it!

  13. Comment by Beth
    10:09 pm on May 1st, 2009 :

    This one’s a tough one.
    But my favorite has to be Lemah Lembut.
    It’s gentle and demure like a summer’s breeze.
    But at the same time oh-so-captivating.

  14. Comment by christina.s
    12:34 am on May 3rd, 2009 :

    i love kirimkan kasih ku. simple and direct

  15. Comment by Sya
    1:42 pm on May 3rd, 2009 :

    I love Riang. Reminds me of my wonderful childhood, when everything and everyone seemed happy, including myself. :)

  16. Comment by ADORA
    12:59 am on May 4th, 2009 :

    I’m torn between Kirimkan Kasihku, Sangkar Hitam, Kembara and of course Kemungkinan. I think it somehow reflects me.

  17. Comment by May
    11:08 pm on May 4th, 2009 :

    I just can’t pick my favourite one between these three: Dikunci, Sangkar Putih and Danisa.
    Dikunci – it’s so charming, which must be why it’s one of Murni’s ‘most requested designs’. I heart.
    Sangkar Putih – I’ve always had a thing for birdcage-/carousel-pendant necklaces, hehheh.
    Danisa – even though it’s not what I typically wear, it’s so cutesy I simply can’t not pick it!
    Murni, why do you make so many fabulous accessories!!