Las Malcrías Making a BANG! with Eclectic Ceramic Jewelry in Puerto Rico

isabellariv
Mar 30, 2019
3 min read

After Hurricane María, this duo blazed through the islands local talent to showcase their badass handmade art.

Their unique name, Las Malcrías rooting from the Spanish word malcriada meaning "bad girl" syncs well into the attitude they portray as a duo and group of strong independent women working together in both business and art. As business women they are known to hustle and high demands on a daily basis. Both born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, together Angelique Rodríguez and Kiara Meléndez are the depth and breath of Las Malcrías.

Three years ago, their main goal was to create original pieces within an economic and accesible standpoint to the general public. Now, they continue to educate themselves in each artists specialty while also working their day-to-day jobs to pay the bills. Angelique continues to share her story on how for some time now, they have been non-stop with their ceramic technique in hand building as well as in lathe.

"We are emerging artists that have fought and worked hard to maintain this project, and continue to sustain this business as we know it."

About us and our work

Although many don't know that ceramic is a pricey material for artists, they wanted to find solutions and sell their individualistic artworks through this medium. Kiara was mainly inspired by feelings and colors, while Angelique was more interested in symmetry by designing geometrical and monochromatic pieces. Their business has unraveled island-wide because they were determined to make ceramic jewelry (which is not very common) to be accessible as well as affordable. Las Malcrías, as described by Miss Angelique, is an ever evolving source that is still learning and growing their (business/artistic) vision.

After Hurricane María, the duo faced devastation and hardship much like many others on the island. Dedication, perseverance, and respect are just a few to mention how this duo have made it through. For a moment they thought this natural disaster was going to be their end, both disrupting their personal lives and the islands inability to provide the basic resources like drinkable water.

Without electricity, they had to take a step back because they needed power for the kilns to make the jewelry and without stores opened, their material and products were no longer accessible to the artists themselves. Nevertheless, that same year they were able to participate in Las Malcrías' first Timbiriche Design at -El Museo de Arte Contemporáneo- in San Juan (MAPR) where they have had their best sales yet. Las Malcrías comment how grateful it was to be part of a movement that promotes and makes aware of local art production and Puerto Rican talent in favor and in benefit to the artists.

Kiara actually has her own collection solely inspired by the hurricane event; you can find her best seller known as "hojas de plátano" earrings on their social media (follow Las Malcrías, links below) These best sellers influenced her in desolation as she experienced the lack of plantain around the island as well that made her feel sad from all the destroyed plantain fields.

Who to Thank?

What started as a project and blossomed into an incredible business journey would not have been possible if not for the collaboration of Claudia Torres and Taharis Irrizarry. During their time with Las Malcrías, they helped transform the essence and artistic form that is this vocation. Most of all we thank all of our clients and friends who have grown with us as a brand and as an individual.

What's coming soon!

Angelique and Kiara are excited to announce their followers and supporters that they will once again be part of "Cinco Días con Nuestra Tierra" this year in Mayagüez from April 9th -13th. Their recent efforts are going into providing their jewelry so you can find them available on Etsy by the end of next month!