Magdalena Hess shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Magdalena, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, one recent moment that made me laugh out loud and feel proud was a trip to Arizona with my son. He had me laughing the entire time with his quick humor and lighthearted spirit. In that golden desert light, what began as a trip became something more. It inspired my new book, The Attorney and the Saguaro Cactus.
The story follows an attorney who finds himself in an unexpected conversation with three talking cacti, wise, witty, and a little prickly. Through their humor and teachings, we discover strength, presence, and the quiet compass within us all.
That trip filled me with laughter in the moment and pride later, as I turned it into a story that celebrates life, legacy, and the wisdom we find in unexpected places.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’d be happy to. I’m a jewelry designer, author and storyteller who believes that beauty and meaning belong in everything we create. My work has always been about telling stories, whether through finely crafted jewelry and accessories or through words on a page. Today, I lead the Jose Hess Design collection as well as the Jose Hess Design Awards, which celebrate and honor excellence in fine jewelry design.
Beyond design, I recently published my second book, The Attorney and the Saguaro Cactus, a story about love, legacy, and the quiet wisdom we all carry within. And for more than two decades, I’ve been dedicated to philanthropy, bringing toys, supplies, and joy to children and families in need through organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, senior centers, and local community programs. For me, creativity and compassion go hand in hand, and that combination is what makes my journey meaningful.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was during my philanthropy work, realizing how much joy something as simple as bringing toys or supplies could bring to children and families.
It opened my eyes to how deeply people are connected by kindness, and how even small gestures can ripple outward in powerful ways.
I also saw how recognition and encouragement can uplift others, which is why hosting an awards event to celebrate designers has meant so much to me. It reminded me that honoring creativity and integrity helps build a more generous and inspired world.
And more recently, holding my little book The Attorney and the Saguaro Cactus in my hands reminded me that stories, whether shared through jewelry, writing, or laughter, can help us understand one another and find meaning in unexpected places.
Looking back, those moments shaped how I see the world as a place where compassion, creativity, and connection matter deeply.
And sometimes, the heart finds its voice in the most unexpected places, even among the cacti.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be, trust yourself and the journey. I would tell her not to worry so much about meeting expectations.
The truth is, the creativity, compassion, and strength were always there, even before she could see it.
I would remind her that every challenge she faced would teach her something valuable, and that she would grow into a life filled with meaningful work, love, and purpose.
I would tell her to be gentle with herself, to hold on to hope, and to know that even in the hardest moments she was being shaped into someone who could make a difference.
Most of all, I would encourage her to embrace the joy in the journey, because it is the little steps, the acts of kindness, and the moments of courage that weave together a truly beautiful life.
Also, don’t play hairdresser and cut your own bangs before a class photo, just trust me on that.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends would probably say that what matters most to me is being thoughtful, but also determined.
When I have a mission, I give it everything I have, and I don’t stop until it’s done. I believe in showing up fully whether it’s through my charity work, creating something meaningful, making or sharing a nice meal with loved ones, or simply being a good listener.
It’s how I express myself, and I try to find beauty even in everyday life. They’d also say that integrity matters to me, because I do my best to live in a way that feels honest and true.
And of course, they’d say I bring plenty of laughter into the mix.
I’m the kind of friend who shows up with dessert, and a story that starts with “You’re not going to believe this…”
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I’d build a world filled with laughter.
Not the polite kind, but the kind that makes your cheeks hurt and tears roll down your face.
I believe laughter heals, connects, and reminds us not to take life too seriously.
My advice? Turn up the music, play Holiday by Madonna, and if anyone’s judging your dance moves, just dance, dance, dance, and keep shining on!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maggiehess.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomaggiehess/
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