Our story
STATE OF SUNSHINE
“MYA” is a tribute to Myriam, the mother of Sophie Johnen, our designer.
“BAY” evokes a love of hidden little coves, sea views, travel, sunshine and golden sand slipping through your fingers.
The result? MYA—BAY, a brand of bold jewelry, hand-drawn by Sophie, an inveterate traveler.
Behind every MYA—BAY piece are Sophie's drawings and her taste for that little touch of madness, that extra something, that “tchiqueboum”.
“For me, jewelry is a signature. It gives an outfit chic and character. 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 in India and spent several months in London before opening a first boutique in the Netherlands. Self-taught, she is passionate about design, travel and jewelry. The pieces she creates for MYA—BAY celebrate the independence, creativity and boldness of women. All women.
Before designing a MYA—BAY collection, Sophie puts together her moodboard. Every reference meets there: a designer's runway show, the colorful looks of Jenna Lyons or Viviana Volpicella, Basquiat's paintings or shows like White Lotus…
A burst of good vibes as the starting point of her creative process, always shaped by her passion for cultures from elsewhere.
Inspired as much by the arabesques of an Indian temple as by the geometry of a New York building, Sophie draws on design, architecture and trends while staying true to MYA—BAY's DNA.
Brass jewelry
From the lucky charm to the choker, every MYA—BAY piece is first imagined and sketched in pencil by Sophie, before being modeled and made in the brand's workshops.
What are they made of? The jewelry is made of brass because, for a designer, brass is a material of choice: it offers endless freedom in shapes, textures and finishes, bringing every imaginable fantasy to life.
The pieces are then plated with 24k fine gold or rhodium-plated silver. The gold and silver are 100% recycled. You'll also find semi-precious stones or enamel.