How she does it: Krystle Penza
Mvintage has become a household name in Malta. Today most people have heard about the jewellery brand and many own pieces bought from one of its nine outlets or online store. Yet, until a few years ago, the name was a mere concept in the mind of a creative and ambitious young mother—Krystle Penza. Now an award-winning entrepreneur, she shares key moments of the journey that led her to establish Mvintage, a brand dedicated to empowering women.
Tell us about yourself. Who is Krystle Penza in your own eyes?
I was born in 1983, a dreamer with a vision to change the world. I was raised by a single mother, a housewife deeply committed to ensuring that my sister and I received the best education possible. I went on to university, earning a degree in public policy while also studying art.
What drew you to your line of work?
I realised early on that contributing to the country's governance wasn’t my calling, and my art education wasn’t enough to sustain me financially. So, I took a leap of faith into fashion, working with inspiring international brands like YSL, Givenchy, Kenzo, Fossil, MK, and others.
I was fascinated by how each of these brands had a distinct voice and personality. Without realising it, those years in fashion shaped who I am today. I worked hard, eagerly learned the ropes, and embraced every aspect of retail, which helped me climb the ladder and focus on growing the business.
Walk us through the journey that led you to establish Mvintage.
In 2011, I became a mother to a beautiful baby girl, Francesca. She turned my world upside down in the best way possible. But at 29, being a young mother seemed to make me "unemployable." Alone at home, feeling isolated, I looked at my daughter and wanted to give her the world. I wanted her to have opportunities, to be valued for her work and who she is, regardless of her gender.
“I looked at my daughter and wanted to give her the world. I wanted her to have opportunities, to be valued for her work and who she is, regardless of her gender.”
In that moment, I realised I needed to stand up—for her and for all women—to fight for equal opportunities and show that women are more than just mothers or wives. This sense of purpose sparked Mvintage’s creation.
Why jewellery, specifically?
Jewellery was one of the areas where I had experience, so I began designing. Every collection tells a story, and I found myself expressing my journey and beliefs through each piece.
With time, more women began wearing my jewellery because they felt connected to it. They found pieces that represented who they are and that boosted their confidence. By sharing stories of successful women, Mvintage has inspired many others.
“ Jewellery was one of the areas where I had experience, so I began designing. Every collection tells a story, and I found myself expressing my journey and beliefs through each piece.”
In fact, two of our greatest achievements are the supportive community we’ve built—more than 72,000 active followers—and our dedicated team of 80 employees who believe in changing the world through kindness and solidarity. Together, we are stronger.
Were there challenges along the way? How did you stay motivated?
Financing was one of the biggest challenges - I’m completely self-made. It wasn’t easy to convince investors that a 29-year-old woman knew what she was doing! Choosing the right people to share this journey with was also fundamental to our success.
Entrepreneurship is all about learning to dance in the rain. It means failing a hundred times but getting up a hundred and one times, learning from each misstep. I didn’t find success right away, and I’m still in business only because I continuously learn from my failures and have the determination and resilience to keep going.
“Choosing the right people to share this journey with was also fundamental to our success.”
Were there ever moments of self-doubt? How did you handle them?
Fear and doubt are natural, and they can be helpful—they keep you grounded and prevent impulsive decisions. I make decisions based on numbers, and with my accountant, we consider multiple scenarios before moving forward.
I know that the biggest risk is staying put. We need to reinvent ourselves all the time. But, as I said, I focus on taking decisions based on numbers to control my risk.
How do you juggle work and family life?
Honestly, I think it’s a myth. I fail at this often. When people ask me how I manage, I tell them not to be fooled—because I don’t always manage. The only support I have is from my partner. He is amazing. I just do what I can, cope in my own way, focusing on the basic and essential.
What advice would you give to women pursuing a career they’re passionate about?
Never let anyone define who you are, and don’t let societal norms dictate your choices. Remember who you are, be who you want to be, and stay true to yourself. Doing what we love brings out our best selves, especially with those we love.
Three pieces of advice to my daughter would be…
1. There is nothing that can stop you from achieving what you want in life. We often create our own limitations.
2. Do what you love, the rest will fall into place.
3. Happiness is the greatest wealth. Seek it in the simplest things.
How she does it…
We often look on at other people in awe and ask ourselves: How does she do it? How does she find the time? How does she find the willpower?
Woman Unclouded believes that, by sharing our stories, women can inspire one another - to take the leap, make that call, book that class. A leap towards doing what you really want to do or being who you really want to be. It does not have to be something extraordinary. It just needs to be special for you.
Do you know someone who has an inspiring story to share? It could be yourself, of course! Drop us an email at hello@womanunclouded.com