THE PROJECT FOR WOMEN | INTERVIEW

THE PROJECT FOR WOMEN | INTERVIEW

MARRIN COSTELLO: STONES, METALS AND CHAINS

Photography by: Andrea Posadas

During the holidays, we popped into Marrin Costello‘s latest pop-up/ San Francisco to see her gorgeous jewelry and chat about life in the world of jewelry making. Not only were we impressed by the natural beauty of the gems Marrin selects for her designs, but even more, for Marrin’s contagious enthusiasm in helping each customer learn to accessorize and build beautiful layers of jewelry into their wardrobe.

Marrin shares her life as an entrepreneur below and how she made her hobby, a passion, and then, a career. And if you are anything like us and looking for a little excuse to continue the holidays, Marrin’s pop-up is here in SF until January 8th (1 Columbus Avenue, SF).

Who are you and what is your profession?

My name is Marrin Costello.  I am a 26-year-old entrepreneur, living in Los Angeles but constantly traveling everywhere and beyond.  I love people, hot yoga, barre class, learning about new cultures, good food, great cocktails, and anything fashion related.  I am the owner and designer for a contemporary jewelry company, creatively called MARRIN COSTELLO. As it may be, I live and breathe my jewelry brand; it is both my passion and my job.  I truly believe that I was put on this earth to help people feel both comfortable and beautiful in layers of jewelry, thus upholding the MC mantra – Don’t Forget To Accessorize.

 

 When did you first begin your journey into becoming an entrepreneur? 

I was first presented with the hobby of making jewelry at age 7, after receiving a bead kit for Christmas.

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, as my parents are newly retired restauranteurs, creating a business out of a passion is something that was inadvertently engrained in me from a young age. However, I believe that I truly realized my calling for being a jewelry designer after my pieces were sought-after to be featured on the American Idol red carpet, all while attending UCLA as an undergraduate student. 

 

Have you always been interested in pursuing this industry? If not, what lead you here?

While jewelry design is now my passion, in the beginning, I completely believe that it found me.  This hobby-turned-business is the activity that I have been most consistently involved with since my childhood.  Throughout my young adulthood, and as my business continues to develop, I have been able to learn certain design, marketing, business, and social media techniques at a pace that has allowed me to both run the business and simultaneously grow and develop the brand at large.

As a women, have you faced any challenges?

Of course.  I would imagine that every female entrepreneur (i.e. #GirlBoss) has in some capacity.  But on the flip side, I would argue that there is nothing more gratifying and inspiring than being on a journey with fellow female ‘underdogs’ in pursuing our passions and creating dream realities.  That in it of itself has helped keep me both passionate and hungry for every single next step of the process in being a business owner.

 

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

My biggest accomplishment, which also came with a lot of heartbreak, was deciding to pursue my jewelry company as a full time entity.  At the time, I was working with an event production company, for bosses that I absolutely adore. 

Leaving that amazing opportunity was heart wrenching, as it felt like a breakup of sorts.  However, it ended up being both the biggest and most gratifying jump that I have made to date in my career, and I am still close with both my old bosses and their respective team.  Creating beautiful accessories is, in fact, my passion, and being able to share said passion and see my work both wanted and worn by other people is priceless. 

 

 What is your biggest struggle to date?

One of the most fascinating things I have learned thus far is that entrepreneurs are essentially master multi-taskers and trouble-shooters, regardless of their respective occupation.  While I have never been afraid of a challenge, and have certainly done my fair share of problem solving, waking up each morning knowing that unknown challenges will need to be solved was once daunting, but has now become one of the most exciting parts of the business. 

Did you have a mentor when you started your business or during its growth?

As my business has developed organically over a long period of time, I have had the opportunity to essentially ‘collect’ mentors throughout the different phases of my company growth.  While I am so fortunate to have entrepreneurial parents who are willing to share their knowledge in building a business, I also turn to other family members, individuals in the fashion and jewelry industries, and successful friends in other fields who are able to give perspective to the many facets of owning, running, and maintaining a business.  

What were your family/friends thoughts on you starting your own business?

Throughout the many phases of developing my jewelry business, my family and friends have always been supportive.  In fact, after completing my undergraduate degree at UCLA and entering the work force, my core network was wholly supportive and encouraging in my entrepreneurial quest, so much so that my jewelry company is now a full-time entity.  I am very lucky to have such a strong foundation of supporters who not only believe in my product, but also believe in me and the brand’s potential.  I honestly believe that I am the luckiest woman in the entire world!   

What one piece of advice would you give woman to woman?

Do what you love, and love what you do.  Because anything and everything is possible. 

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