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        1. Le Scoop
        2. Lifestyle
        3. Style & Beauty
        Maria's daughter Luna posing outside wearing Super Smalls jewelry

        Behind the Brand

        Super Smalls

        In creating Super Smalls, fashion-industry veteran and accessories maven Maria Dueñas Jacobs set out to bring the “wow factor” of bold and bright accessories to kids and playtime. The result: Glitzy, sparkly, special pieces that spark little ones’ imaginations. We chatted with the mom of three about making the switch from fashion editorial to entrepreneur, mommy & me fall dressing, and looking ahead to the holidays.
        Interview By
        Marnie Schwartz

        You worked in fashion for years—for brands like Elle and Glamour as well as Stitch Fix—before launching Super Smalls. What made you take the leap into being an entrepreneur?

        I've always been a dreamer, and since childhood have loved inventing odd objects and creative solutions. Both of my parents are enterprising and worked for themselves, and I always watched them take chances. I got my fashion education at some of the best publications out there (Elle, Glamour, and interning at Vogue) and I'm so grateful; those experiences really developed my eye and informed my style. But it wasn't until I had children that the idea to merge that tool and competency with my newfound kid-obsession surfaced.

        The pieces are so fun and happy. Can you share a little bit about your inspiration for them? 

        I know firsthand what it's like to be wowed by design, jewelry and great packaging. As an accessories editor I spent a lot of time recognizing the difference between high concept with good execution, and the opposite. My inspiration came from that wow sensation. I wanted to give that to my daughters too, with something they could receive that would make their eyes go big. That's why the box and the brand is so deliberate and important, we wanted the kids to feel like they were getting a luxury item and experience even though it is fully made for play! I always ask myself, "If this were a little more real, would I wear it?" And if the answer is yes, then I produce it.

        You have three daughters. How have their opinions and tastes influenced Super Smalls? What are their favorite pieces?

        Luna, my oldest, likes to say she is my co-founder because she spent so much time curating the line with me. She has a great eye but more importantly, she has a child's eye, and we care about that! All of my girls gravitate towards sparkle, and if it's multicolored, all the better. Just recently Luna started loving the BFF necklace set, because it includes a booklet about facets of a friendship that ties back to the stones on the pendant. She loves the sharing element and the layer of consideration about each stone and color. Also I think she really had been missing her friends, so this was a nice way to celebrate friendship.

        Tell us a little bit about your style inspiration this fall, for you and for the girls. What pieces from Super Smalls are you most excited about for fall?

        Coming off of lots of cozy sweats during lockdown I think my fall transition will stay practical and comfortable. But I'm excited to care a bit more and accessorize again! We are launching hats and gloves full of sparkle which I'm super excited about. My girls and I did some manicure sessions during lockdown which inspired our new nail stickers that will be launching this fall. They are an easy, cheerful reminder to go wash those hands!

        Maria and her daughter, Luna, standing outside in matching Maison Me dressesMaria and her daughter, Luna, standing outside in matching Maison Me dresses

        What do you look for when it comes to Mommy & Me dressing?

        Anything I wear or create has to be authentic to my style and pragmatic to my lifestyle. I love jewelry because you can wear it with sneakers. That's the combo approach I take with mommy and me too. I love it when it's real to both of us. Like we both wear jeans and t-shirts with the Fashion Week Headband. It's really, really cute to match with her, but it can't be forced.

        Looking ahead to the holidays… How is your family planning on celebrating? Are there any things you're planning on doing to make the season special this year?

        We love the holidays and I will try to bring a lot of the outside activities into our home. Most likely there won't be a school fair or community activities, so I'm planning on re-creating some of that with simpler versions at home. Whether it's going to our building's rooftop for a scavenger hunt or making "weekend cookies" a tradition, I'm game to make it fun.  We also get a few mini holiday trees that we decorate with Super Smalls rings, and that's really fun for the girls.

        What are some things you're excited about gifting this year?

        We are launching hats and gloves, which are so, so cute. That's a new category for Super Smalls and we are really psyched. I also love, love, love the new bundles we are doing. I am a "total look" person so I love the idea of piling things on and getting it all together—rings, necklace, headband, stickers, all of it!

        Maria and her daughter, Luna, standing outside in matching dressesMaria and her daughter, Luna, standing outside in matching dresses