Waxing Poetic

New Jersey natives and sisters Patti and Lizanne Pagliei have a shared love of their tightly knit Italian American family. Their mother, who is a saver of all things, enriched their lives from an early age not only with stories (immigrations, births, successes, marriages, superstitions, loves) but with the time-worn trinkets and mementos that had been passed along.

As fate would have it, an “ah-ha” moment brought the sisters even closer together in a venture that has now become a thriving business. Patti, an artist and designer, had an idea for a line of timeless insignia jewelry, that came to her swiftly when she was looking at old envelopes for a project she was working on. It was only natural for Patti to join forces with her sister Lizanne, a born salesperson with industry experience and know-how, to bring the idea to life and the product to market. Together, the duo introduced Waxing Poetic jewelry in 2002 with just two styles, pulling their inspiration from the personal tradition of wax seals.

The sandblasted insignia charm line was the first of its kind and an instant success, establishing a look that has been imitated but never duplicated with the same hand feel, care and integrity. The sisters have been nurturing the business since then, selling to select retailers and slowly adding designs that have both a history and a new, handmade aesthetic. Today, the recognizable Waxing Poetic line has grown to become a mainstay in over 450 specialty stores, where devoted customers’ recognize their own family and friends in these personal designs.

Always on the hunt for new ideas, The Pagliei sisters are constantly curious - traveling, listening to stories and observing traditions gives them a fresh take on the modern heirlooms they create. And it's no surprise that they reach back into their happy childhoods for inspiration as well – to recall the stories behind their favorite objects, and create new, modern keepsakes that will be enjoyed now, and handed down for generations to come.

Patti Pagliei Simpson, CEO and Designer: Patti has a BFA in Painting, and has been designing jewelry, accessories and objects for as long as she can remember. An avid vintage treasure seeker, she is inspired by art and letters, typography, storytelling, engravings, and artisanal items. She credits her mother with her love of antiques, and teaching her how to know a good thing when she sees it. Patti resides in the Santa Ynez, Ca. wine country with her husband, John Simpson, who is co-founder of Trikke Tech. Inc. and the The Green Lane organization.

Lizanne Pagliei, Vice President: Lizanne is a natural born sales and product development dynamo with a degree in Advertising Design. Her love of family and those dear to her are what's important; having a warm and inviting home, she enjoys cooking and entertaining friends. She is true shopper, always watching trends and looking for holes in the market. From early on, her mother instilled in her the passion to always be on the hunt for old pieces and new ideas. Lizanne heads up east coast operations while residing in a Philadelphia suburb with her fiancé.