{"id":100672,"date":"2025-03-21T15:09:35","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T15:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=100672"},"modified":"2025-03-21T15:51:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T15:51:27","slug":"game-changers-maria-duenas-jacobs-grazia-usa-spring-2025","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/game-changers-maria-duenas-jacobs-grazia-usa-spring-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Changers: Maria Due\u00f1as Jacobs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Game Changers: Maria Due\u00f1as Jacobs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maria Duen\u0303as Jacobs has a remarkable story of reinvention and inspiration, evolving from a seasoned editorial expert into the visionary founder of Super Smalls<\/a>, a kids\u2019 accessories brand that champions creativity and play.<\/p>\n

Jacobs\u2019s love for details and storytelling began during her tenure as an accessories editor at Glamour<\/em> and Elle<\/em>. \u201cThose years were about discovering brands, curating stories, and celebrating creativity,\u201d Jacobs reflects. \u201cIt was a dream job for someone obsessed with the small things that pull everything together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her transition into the tech world at Stitch Fix further expanded her horizons. \u201cIt was a completely different but equally thrilling experience,\u201d she says. \u201cBeing part of a company that went public gave me invaluable insights into scaling a business.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2019, Jacobs took the leap to entrepreneurship, launching Super Smalls. Inspired by her three daughters\u2014 \u201cthey\u2019re my unofficial co-founders,\u201d she laughs\u2014 the brand was born out of a desire to give kids access to high-quality, imaginative accessories. \u201cSuper Smalls is about creating products that spark joy and creativity for both kids and parents,\u201d she shares, explaining that her own brood continues to influence the brand. \u201cTheir evolving tastes push me to think outside the box. They love bold, fun, and over-the-top designs, which shape everything I create.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacobs credits her parents as her greatest mentors and teachers, shaping her approach to creativity and resilience. \u201cMy mom is an artist, and my dad is an entrepreneur,\u201d she shares. \u201cI see them both as alchemists in their own unique ways\u2014transforming ideas and visions into reality. They\u2019ve shown me the power of creating something from nothing, and that\u2019s a lesson I carry with me as I continue to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beyond her parents, Jacobs reflects on the inspiring women she\u2019s encountered throughout her career. She highlighted her first boss, Xanthipi Joannides at Glamour,<\/em> who \u201ctaught me the value of leading with heart, kindness, and calm\u2014qualities I strive to embody every day,\u201d and noted how designers and women founders have also inspired her with their ability to build something remarkable from the ground up.<\/p>\n

Super Smalls isn\u2019t just about accessories\u2014it\u2019s a vehicle for real-world play. \u201cWe\u2019ve introduced beading kits and even an entrepreneur kit to empower kids to create and explore their potential,\u201d Jacobs explains. \u201cIt\u2019s all about sparking imagination and encouraging hands-on creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacobs\u2019s approach to life and business blends preparation with adaptability. \u201cSome of the best opportunities have come from unexpected moments,\u201d she notes. \u201cBeing ready to embrace those moments is what transforms them into something meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n

This mindset carried her from the spark of an idea to the execution of Super Smalls. \u201cIt started with research, conversations with parents, and seeking advice,\u201d she recalls. \u201cBit by bit, the pieces came together, and Super Smalls became a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

The future of Super Smalls is as bright as its bejeweled designs. \u201cWe\u2019re expanding our product range, diving deeper into crafts, and launching partnerships that elevate our brand,\u201d Jacobs shares. \u201cOur goal is to inspire kids to step away from screens and engage in creative play. We want to grow our community and keep pushing the boundaries of what play can look like.\u201d For Jacobs, the journey is just as important as the destination. \u201cAt the heart of it all is joy, creativity, and connection,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Read GRAZIA USA\u2019<\/em>s Spring Issue<\/a> featuring cover star Paris Hilton<\/a>:<\/strong><\/h4>\n