Meet the Artist #1: Infinite Warrior
Maria Panno, Jewelry Designer, Founder and an Infinite Warrior
Reading time: 4 minutes / 797 words
The handmade American-made products represent practicing and celebrating self-care, self-love, mindfulness, leading a healthy lifestyle and they even come with a lifetime guarantee. The union of natural healing and fashion is a natural extension of Maria’s philosophy. Infinite Warrior means a holistic way of life – the expression of which is unique to each individual.
BEHIND THE NAME
Inspired by her yoga practice, Maria created the Infinite Warrior line out of her own transformation, and her quest for purpose, peace and connection with others. Her brand is a reflection of who she had become – a timeless, never ending, Infinite Warrior.
BEHIND THE BRAND
Infinite Warrior is the classic “hobby that became a business” story. It’s about far more than wearing bracelets. The meticulously handcrafted, American-made products represent practicing and celebrating self-care, self-love, mindfulness, living a healthy lifestyle and come with a lifetime guarantee. The union of natural healing + fashion is a natural extension of Maria’s philosophy. Infinite Warrior means a holistic way of life – the expression of which is unique to each individual.
Tell us about your brand, what was your inspiration?
I started practicing yoga in my late 20’s and I couldn’t believe how it rewired my brain. The way I approached each day, interacted with others, and even how I treated myself vastly improved. This transformation inspired me to get my certification to become a yoga instructor so that I could understand it better. I briefly thought about opening a studio after I graduated which is where the name, “Infinite Warrior” is derived from. To me after you get off your yoga mat, you’re infinitely a warrior. I’m now 41 and realize how trying something new (yoga) literally changed the rest of my life.
What inspires you personally?
I get so lit up when I see other people succeeding and it only encourages me to surround myself with more people like that. I’m a firm believer of finding a tribe of people that both challenge you and help you grow. My take on it is that if you’re winning and I’m in your circle, I’m winning. My mantra is and always has been, together we rise.
What advice would you offer to younger you/other up and coming artists/creatives?
Focus on what excites and motivates you and lean into that. It’s amazing what can happen when you get out of your own way and show people (including yourself) what you are all capable of.
Any dream collaborations?
I actually have one in the works right now that I am insanely proud of and it’s been on my bucket list since I graduated high school. Starting in January of ’23, I will be working with my high school alma mater and their internship program. Students will have an opportunity to have internships at my office and see what a successful small business is all about. I’ve worked with other schools and their internship programs before this but never with the one I graduated from.
Do you have a favorite piece, material or design?
I absolutely love anything made with amazonite. It looks like the beach and I know that I’m not alone in that thought. The beach is one of my favorite places, so having it on my wrist all of the time is one of the best gifts I could give myself.
Anything else you want to share that someone who reads your bio wouldn’t know about you but should!?
When I was in college, I worked at a home improvement store in their back office. At the time my thought was to meet other small business owners so that I could come more familiar with what it was all about. I credit that job for much of the organization and success of Infinite Warrior.
Have you accomplished everything you set out to do or is there more on the horizon for you personally or the Infinite Warrior brand specifically?
Thankfully, the Infinite Warrior excitement has just begun. Within the next five years I want to give talks to high school students about mindset, opportunity, and feeling comfortable in their own skin. Best self is best for everyone else, so it only makes sense for everyone to understand how important your individual mental health is.
Being that you are Chicago and Milwaukee, I have to ask, the Bears or the Packers?
The Packers! Born and raised in Milwaukee, it’s in my blood.
Where can people best connect with you?
I’m easy to find on Instagram at @beaninfinitewarrior!
Learn more about Maria, the creator and designer behind the Infinite Warrior brand and see her full line available at www.otitojewelry.com.