Me&Ro

	Designer Robin Renzi began pursuing her love of art by making jewelry. All of the people at Me&Ro also share in this same passion: to express oneself and communicate through the jewelry they adorn. The employees here at Me&Ro are our greatest assets and we deeply value their unique talents and dedication to the company. Each person is vital to the growth and success of Me&Ro and we're pleased to introduce you to a few of them.


	Robin Renzi, Designer & CEO


	What's in heavy rotation on your iPod? My latest mix is Lauren Hill, Fiona Apple, Sade, James Brown, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Ellis Regina, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and the soundtrack to Almost Famous. What is your favorite movie of all time (and why)? I don't have one favorite, there are so many good movies, so I will just tell you a few: Days of Heaven, La Strada, Juliet of the Spirits, The Rapture... What did you have for breakfast this morning? Two scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast with butter and a fresh banana/raspberry juice. What is your favorite getaway spot? I love India, because it's the opposite of here, it is just so different that every part of you is forced to look and feel things differently – everything. It is not an easy place to travel, you either find yourself or lose yourself. Who do you admire (personally or professionally)? Dr. Paul Farmer [the anthropologist/physician who co-founded Partners in Health] because he is healing the world and just doesn't take no for an answer. I also love that he is a bit subversive in the way he gets things done-he just ploughs through things and is so intelligent, with a huge heart. Do you have any hidden or unusual talents? I love to cook! I play guitar and sing just for myself and my honey and he thinks I'm good (though he's biased). If you weren't designing jewelry, what other career would you like to attempt? I would pursue a photojournalist career. I love traveling and shooting pictures of people and places. What freaks you out? The state of the world and, in a more personal sense, people who just don't get it! Sometimes it's just us and them - stupidity, selfishness, greed. Beverage of choice? I love fresh juices. I also like a nice glass of wine and water. What is your all-time favorite piece of jewelry? That is tough. I am very sentimental about jewelry, so there are a few pieces and it has to do with the story and the design. One is a piece of Chrysophase that I bought in India at Chandi Chowk, which is the people's market in Delhi. It's this beautiful thick round deep green uncut stone - very smooth. I held onto it for about nine years until the Tibet Fund called for an auction piece. I used the Chrysophase for the donation, had the stone engraved with an Om in the front, and set it in 22kt gold with the front and the back exposed, with Indian rose cut diamonds all around the side. The piece was won in a raffle, but then put on line in an auction, and I bid and won! Also, I was given this walrus tooth (in ivory, which I love but can't use), from this old man in his shop outside of Glacier National Park in Montana that I set in gold and put a flat diamond in. And I have a few beautiful rose cut diamonds, one 3 carat pear-shaped and another odd shaped one with very few facets - gorgeous! They are my weakness. When are you happiest? Many things make me happy. I love making things; it's a very solitary and internal process that is sort of like a journey. I love being home and just hanging out listening to music, being with friends, cooking for people (food is love). Being in nature makes me really happy, as does traveling and experiencing new cultures. Combining efforts with others to do good in the world - and seeing other people do good in the world - makes me really happy! And last but not least, being with my man, because he makes me feel love! Exerpted from a November 2007 interview published by The Fashion Informer.



	Laura Wagner, Assistant Website Manager


	How long have you worked at Me&Ro? Just under a year. How did you end up at Me&Ro? I recently moved to New York City from Boulder, CO. I have always loved creativity and design, and when the opportunity arose at Me&Ro, I was thrilled to join the company. What do you like best about working at Me&Ro? I love that Me&Ro has such a strong concern for the environment and supports so many charities. I like best that I can feel good working for them and that my position gives me the opportunity to help people. What is your favorite piece of Me&Ro jewelry and why? There are so many amazing pieces that choosing one is difficult. Both the 18K Gold Sanskrit Pear Ring with Ruby and the 18K Gold Moonshell Pendant with Diamonds are irresistible. I love the ring because of its traditional feel, yet the Sanskrit engraving around the edge makes it very unique. I am especially drawn to Me&Ro's use of languages and symbolism. Its engraving reads Fearlessness and Ahimsa (non-injury non-violence) which are great traits with which to approach life. I also like the Moonshell Pendant because it reminds me of the ocean. I have always been in love with the ocean and its creatures. Where is your favorite place to go for lunch? Le Pain Quotidien What's the best advice you've been given? Not to stress out about finding your place in life, if you pursue things you love and are patient, it will all come together. What's your favorite thing to do on a Saturday afternoon? I run to the beach at any opportunity, but if it is cold out or bad weather, I like to read a good book or go to the Met for a symphony or the opera. What's currently playing on your iPod? Imogen Heap, Pink Floyd, John Lennon, Pink Martini and Cat Power. What was the most interesting trip you have ever taken? My first trip out of the country. I grew up on a farm near a very small town and had never left the States before. I went to Barcelona to work and live for a few months. It meant the most to me because I traveled alone. It was a great learning experience and is a place with such vibrant culture. I was told before arriving that the city felt as if it grasped for an identity of its own. I found instead that its unique character seemed to grow organically.