Our story
STATE OF SUNSHINE
“MYA” is a tribute to Myriam, the mother of Sophie Johnen, our designer.
“BAY” evokes a love for hidden coves, sea views, travel, sunshine, and golden sand slipping through your fingers.
The result? MYA—BAY, a bold jewelry brand designed by Sophie, an inveterate traveler.
Behind every MYA—BAY piece of jewelry are Sophie’s designs and her taste for that little touch of madness, that extra something — what she calls the “tchiqueboum”.
“For me, jewelry is a signature. It brings chic and character to an outfit. Layered necklaces, jingling bracelets, a bold ring — it’s my way of expressing my individuality.” — Sophie
Sophie Johnen has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.
A graduate of HEC, she traveled to India and spent several months in London before opening her first boutique in the Netherlands. A self-taught designer,she is passionate about design, travel, and jewelry. The pieces she creates for MYA—BAY celebrate women’s independence, creativity, and boldness — all women.
Before designing a MYA—BAY collection, Sophie creates her mood board. Every reference crosses paths: a designer's runway, the colorful looks of Jenna Lyons or Viviana Volpicella, Basquiat's paintings, or series like White Lotus...
A concentrate of good vibes as a starting point for her creative process,
always influenced by her passion for cultures from elsewhere.
Inspired by the arabesques of an Indian temple as well as the geometry of a New York building, Sophie draws inspiration from design, architecture and trends while respecting the DNA of MYA—BAY.
Brass jewelry
From lucky charms to chokers, every piece of MYA—BAY jewelry is first thought out and drawn in pencil by Sophie, before being modeled and manufactured in the brand's workshops.
Their composition? The jewelry ismade of brass, because, for a designer, brass is a material of choice: it offers infinite freedom in terms of shapes, textures, and finishes, allowing her to bring every imaginable fantasy to life.
The jewelry is then gilded with 24-carat fine gold or rhodium-plated silver. The gold and silver are 100% recycled. Semi-precious stones and enamel are also included