At Malabella our muses are our source of inspiration, a wellspring for us to create a collection that represents and carries the stories and intentions we infuse into the jewels.  Often times we wait to finalize designs until we’ve found our perfect muse and add pieces and edits that we believe our muse would wear during her travels and as a source of growth, meaning, and purpose.

When we met Andi we knew she would be the perfect Muse to bring to life the story of Jungle Moon, a collection that represents leaving her wild, both the feminine essence and mother earth. She is both calming and confident and when you are around her you feel like you belong. She is funny, sarcastic, and is a joy and warmth to work with. Meet our muse, Andi Tolbert….

Malabella: What do you love to do for fun?

Andi: I LOVE to be outside. I like to go on hikes with my dog. I’m a bigger fan of the mountains and woods than the beach, but I do enjoy the ocean. During the quarantine I’m finding things I love to do alone – I like to read books, paint, and do puzzles. When I can see my friends we just enjoy each other’s company, we go on walks, play board games, and bond.

M: What’s your sun sign?

A: I am a TRUE Sagittarius.

M: What are your favorite forms of expression?

A: This is a fun question. I’m a big talker but even if I can’t say something my face says it all. I like to write, I journal a lot.

M: What inspired you to become a model?

A: I’ve been modeling since I was maybe 12? I took a break and got back into it in my twenties and it’s given me some confidence back that I lost. It’s really empowering when you work with a great team and it’s honestly hard work. Not everyone can model, not because of looks but because it’s an art.

M: What is your favorite kind of modeling to take part in?

A: I love product modeling and modeling with others because it’s challenging. You can know your body, your face, the way YOU work well but when you throw in other factors you have to rethink things. I also enjoy doing boudoir, it makes me feel sexy and allows me to really let myself let loose but keep things classy and sophisticated.

M: What projects are you working on right now? Tell us about your blog!

A: So I have a mental health blog called “pretty truths” and it’s basically my thoughts, it’s my public journal. I love to share what’s going on in my mind because it helps ease my anxiety. I’m also working with a friend on starting a business, all this isolation has allowed our creative juices to flow and I think we’re narrowing things down to what we want to do, so stay tuned!

M: What’s a daily ritual you practice?

A: I have a gratitude journal! I write down three things I’m thankful for and I try to be as specific as possible when I do them, and be more intentional with my gratitude.

M: What is your favorite mantra or intention?

A: Do things for joy and without fear of judgement. I think happiness is when we do things purely for ourselves and we don’t think “well what if” because if it makes you happy then it shouldn’t matter if it’s appreciated by others or not.

M: Where are you originally from and what brought you to Virginia? What is your favorite part of living in Virginia?

A: Shoot. I am a Navy brat. I was born in Honolulu and grew up in San Diego, Seattle, Japan, and Pittsburgh. After I graduated college I moved to Houston, then followed my heart to Utah, and again to Virginia to be closer to family. I love Virginia. It’s honestly my favorite place I’ve lived so far in my adult life. I’m big on family and I have family here. It gives me the East coast vibes I need with a hit of southern hospitality. I love it.

M: What’s your favorite piece from Jungle Moon and why?

A: I really like the snake pieces. I’ve had an obsession with snakes for the last 6 months. I like meaning behind animals and folklore, they’re seductive and beautiful but also dangerous.

M: Sunrise or Sunset?

A: This is a tough one… If I could wake up to see a sunrise I would definitely say sunrise haha! I like the idea of a new day starting. But the way the sky looks at sunset is like seeing a painting.

Keep your eyes peeled for more Jungle Moon drops featuring our muse Andi Tolbert end of May + June 2020. 

Jewels ~ Malabella Jewels

Muse ~ Andi Tolbert

Photography ~ Katherine Manley x Hannah Skedsvold

Still Edits ~ Carrie Anne Kelly

BTS Magic ~ John Le