Local designer Camila Aguilar launched Slay By Mila Shop in November 2019, offering handmade, up‑cycled jewelry and accessories that have been purchased by more than 500 customers across Hudson County and beyond.
How it Started
Camila, a mother, wife and former makeup‑artist, turned to jewelry after working as a server and bartender in New York City and offering $10 oracle‑card readings on Instagram. She and her mother spent hours in the Garment District sourcing beads and charms before launching the business.
“I would create crystal bracelets that would help people with whichever interest or guidance they wanted from the properties of the crystal,” Camila told HG, noting that intuition‑driven designs helped the shop gain early traction.
Camila credits her mother for planting the initial seed, saying the partnership enabled her to sell over 500 handmade items in the past seven years.
The Magic of Upcycling
Each piece is crafted from second‑hand jewelry, chains, and charms sourced at thrift stores and flea markets, giving discarded items a second life. She frequently acknowledges Hoboken Thrift Box and Cyn City Thrift for their support.
Her range spans rosaries, crystal moons, friendship bracelets, rings, earrings, bags, keychains, phone charms and hair clips. “I love all styles of jewelry! But it has to be handmade or up‑cycled. I’ll try anything once,” she says.
Currently, Camila is especially focused on up‑cycled handbags, mixing reclaimed bags with patches, beads and quirky keychains to create “cohesive work of art.” She adds that custom orders let her “levitate” when clients give her creative freedom.
How to Shop
Slay By Mila Shop’s creations appear at pop‑ups throughout New Jersey and New York City, with updates posted on its Instagram feed. Customers can request custom pieces via a Google Forms questionnaire or a direct Instagram DM.
Camila notes a new website will be finalized next year, which should streamline online purchases and enable collaborations with local shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Slay By Mila Shop founded?
The shop opened in November 2019.
How many customers has the shop served?
Over 500 customers have purchased Camila’s handmade items.
Where can shoppers find the designs?
Designs are sold at pop‑ups across New Jersey and New York City and can be ordered via Instagram, a custom Google Forms link, or soon through the shop’s upcoming website.
What up‑cycled accessories would you like to see Camila create next?
