Open for business: Manikri

By MIKE TRELEVEN
Register Business Editor

Margarita Hernandez, once a stay-at-home-mom, has taken her love of jewelry making and has turned it into a new Napa business.

In November, Hernandez opened the doors of Manikri — a combination of the first names and her daughters Nicole, 18, Kristine, 11 and herself.

The family-operated business, that also includes her husband Tony, offers customers casual, inexpensive  necklaces, earrings, bracelets and handbags.

Prices for the accessories are reasonably priced for the price conscious shopper.

An assortment of purses range in from around $25-$35 for large handbags to small accent purses for a night out on the town.

Hernandez believes that right now, when everything is so expensive for the middle class, it’s important for them to shop somewhere that is less expensive, but also quality.

Shoppers will not see their checkbook balances spiral to zero when buying a necklace made with semi-precious stones or a beaded stretch bracelet at Manikri.

Many of the items featured in the store are geared for businesswoman in the 30-40 age bracket, she added.

The Hernandez family opened the doors of the new business on Nov. 1.

Hernandez described the store as having a boutique look, but without the boutique prices.

Two large, east-facing windows facing Jefferson Street, flood the taupe walls with light. Wood lap boards mounted on the walls, act as a way to display the casual style jewelry.

“We did all the work ourselves. The art on the walls came from our home,” Hernandez said.

What prompted Hernandez to open her own business?

“I was doing hand-made jewelry for the past year and a half for family and friends ... I also did some home parties and that did pretty well ... so we decided to invest in opening a store,” Hernandez said.

“Handmade jewelry is really our specialty ... things such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez’s mantra is to give customers the quality they deserve at a reasonable price. “I’m not interested in having something expensive sit on the store shelves.”

Her favorites items to craft items from are swarovski crystals and sterling silver. “It’s the way they shine. I like the way things sparkle,” Hernandez said, adding that she also enjoys making fresh water pearls into necklaces.

Manikri is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The family business is across the street from Floral Express.

Manikri

2680 Jefferson St., Napa

320-9188

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