Maureen Wellens – An inspiring jewelry creator

Maureen, has a very inquisitive nature, a very curious and wondrous mind, and an unwavering desire to challenge accepted norms and pursues a fresh impulse to haute jewelry. A dynamic and ambitious business woman, mother of five children, she always aims for the top and does not discount her goals. The daughter of the famous Dutch astrophysicist at NASA, Theodore Wellens, was born in Amsterdam and visited Greece in her early youth, fell in love with our country and put down roots. At that time she was an executive at BBDO, specialized in branding, and her career was evolving in advertising. Today, she is a famous jewelry designer that works with precious stones.

She feels completely Greek and as she says a “Greek mother”. Like all dynamic women, she is able to inspire change and influence to the course of her own life and the lives of others.  She is passionate about women’s emancipation, loves children and wants to inspire all women to dream and achieve their goals, without fear. Her jewelry are bold and extremely feminine and are marketed under the brand MAUREEN WELLENS, a dynamically growing brand in Greece and abroad. Influenced by techniques from the 18th century, her designs are first constructed as wax prototypes, before they are actually created, using gold and precious stones.

“All my designs start with this great idea of capturing nature in its best forms”, she says. Her philosophy is that “every day we should wear a fantastic piece just for ourselves, for our own pleasure, either with a pair of jeans during the day or a cocktail dress at night… creating our own little sphere of happiness”.

How did you start to work in jewelry? What inspired you?
One of my role models in life was my grandma. She was an amazing, strong woman, running two factories for leather goods, during the war. So, from my early childhood, I had close to me an incredible woman that was a catalyst, influencing who I am and where I am today. Ιn all times, we can see strong, smart women with courage expressing their initiatives and I defend them in life. These women are my muses. I create jewels for them, like a poet write an ode, for their strength and attitude in life. I want to empower women to find themselves and stand with a heart who loves tenderly and at the same time lead bravely.

You were born in Holland, the international trade capital for diamonds. Who did that influence your decision to study gemology?
I grew up in the Diamond District of Amsterdam. With my father we discussed a lot about gems along with a lot of other things about geology. I still remember how impressed I was.  Gemology came later, when I wanted to know from “a to z”, everything related to my jewels. I use only fine precious stones, so it’s extremely important to know what to buy.

What were the obstacles  that you faced so far?
Obstacles motivate me. I feed on them, and that’s how all women who are in business should see them. Now in particular, I faced the obstacles that any business venture faces, bureaucracy and high taxes, which are probably the biggest problems. For many years, Greece has not been a friendly country for investment and new beginnings, and in the last ten years things have become even more difficult due to the economic crisis. The rapid increase in taxes, as well as the lack of funding from the banks made things even worse. But now I think we are in a different position, as we are finished with memoranda and with a government that is business-friendly, something that’s already apparent. The other obstacles I faced on a personal level are not worth mentioning.

What is it that brings you the most happiness in your work?
Creation on its own, is happiness. From the conception of each piece of jewelry to its creation and the moment it ends up in the hand or neck of my customers, are all the unique moments that only a creator can understand.

Can you imagine what your life would be like today, if you hadn’t made the career choice you made?
Τhe only thing I know is that I am ambitious. In whatever I do I want to be the best.

You travel a lot and your jewelry have been loved by the wealthiest women in the world. How does that make you feel?
My jewelry is loved by the best, not only the wealthiest. They are women leaders, who choose what to wear. I’m very proud to call princesses and royalty from the Middle East, amongst my international clientele. Further accompanied by successful business women, senators from the US, shipping magnates, oligarchs lawyers and doctors from all over the world, the best thing here being the fact that those incredible ladies themselves purchase their treasures.

What is the strongest moment of your life?
I consider the strongest moment for every mother, the moment she gives birth to her child. It’s a unique feeling that cannot be described in words and I wish every woman experiences it.

You are a mother of five children, raising them on your own. How do you manage everything? Where do you get your energy from?
My children are my source of inspiration and strength and everything that I do, I do for them. Their daily schedule is difficult and demanding with school, reading, activities, extracurricular obligations and at the same time my professional obligations are just as demanding, with my travels and meetings. You understand that 24 hours are not enough to do everything, without sacrifices. However, with zest and love, I manage. This may sound cliché, but I really believe that most of the problems we face in our lives, are manageable when there is love for life, for our family, and for what we do professionally.

You’ve lived in Athens for the last 20 years. What have you loved most and bothers the most in this city?
I love Athens, its culture, the color, the walks in the center, the restaurants and taverns, the hustle and bustle, the incredible light that makes winter, sweet! There is not much that bothers me in Athens… the traffic and maybe the many protests that make difficult the daily life of the people we work in the center.

What does our society respect less and what more?
I don’t think that Greeks are characterized by lack of respect. They are proud people with a huge history and culture, that had a difficult ten years with the financial crisis, by their own wrong choices, causing psychological fatigue and anger. However, the majority of Greeks are respectful and roll up their sleeves in difficult situations, as they did now with the COVID-19 crisis. The majority immediately adopted the “measures”, even though there were a few rebellious exceptions that did not affect the big picture.