Hello everyone! This week's Seller of the Week is
MarissaB. She creates gorgeous bracelets, rings, and necklaces out of beautiful gemstones. Looking for a gift for a friend or yourself? Head straight to
MarissaB!
1.Tell us about yourself and your store. What do you make?My line of jewelry, Marissa B., is entirely handmade. From my design studio in Boston, I design and create the jewelry that is showcased in many galleries and boutiques throughout the country. The jewelry tha
t comes from the Marissa B. studio is made of high quality materials including sterling silver, gold vermeil and precious and semiprecious gemstones. Marissa B. artisan handmade jewelry is the pairing of semiprecious gemstones and precious metals with an eye for exquisite color and texture combinations. Since 2002 I've been offering a new perspective on fashion jewelry by creating a collection of earrings, bracelets and necklaces that reflect the modern aesthetic. From my Boston based studio, each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans working with the finest quality of materials. Every design that adorns our discerning clientele is made with care. Whether you crave a simple line or a bold statement, Marissa B. jewelry satisfies every sophisticated taste.
2.What inspires you?I gather my inspiration for my jewelry designs from many sources. The vibrancy of the city, the harmony of nature and the complexities of the human spirit combined with a zest for color and form inspires my creative energies. I love looking at home decor and runway styles to get ideas for shape and form. I also love just going to the market and looking at all the fresh fruits and veggies (even fresh fish!) to get inspired for color and unexpected combinations.
3.When did you start your business? Was Etsy your first venue?I started my business in 2002 selling wholesale to stores. Etsy is a recent venture to sell my work direct from my studio. It's a great feeling to sell direct and spend that extra attention to packaging and include that personal touch.
4.Do you sell on any other venues? Where can we find you?I sell to a variety of boutiques and galleries worldwide. I've also sold to retalers including the Neiman Marcus catalogue, Henri Bendel, Von Maur and Garnet Hill catalogue. My favorite store are ones that are local and where I've developed friendships with the owners. In Boston the boutique, Shake The Tree is my absolute favorite store to sell my work in and shop!
5.Do you plan on selling full time at any point?I am already selling full time. My wholesale business has kept me busy working exclusively at my business for the past four years. I'm just starting to connect to the marketplace directly by offering my designs for sale on Etsy.
6.What tips do you have for new sellers? Any advice?My advice it to take great photos of your work and brand your product effectively.
7.Think up a question – and answer it!Question: Why do you create?
Answer: When I design I am motivated by the chance I have each day to create, express and innovate. As an artist, I experience creating as a constant process of discovery and invention and I am very grateful for this.
8.Anything else you'd like to share?I would like to say how thankful I am to all the friends, family, business associates and artists who have guided me, given me their advice, their wisdom and encouragement. Being an entrepreneur and artist can feel like a contradiction at times, but ultimately I find the harmony between the two. It's crucial to balance the business and creative elements of this endeavor and it's an honest effort and belief in my work that helps me achieve it.
(Pictured:
Rock Candy Tangerine Bracelet and
Pearl Ball Drop Earrings)
Visit Marissa at
MarissaB for more of her striking jewelry!
For you sewers out there, I have a gorgeous red, white, blue, and silver flower pattern ribbon. Sew it to a pin cushion, clothing, bag, anything! It's really quite adorable. Yours for only one dollar!
If you love to add an extra flair to your packages, get this patterned yellow raffia. Only $1.50, it will add an adorable flair to your customer's gifts that they will remember at a minimal price!
If you love to add an extra flair to your packages, get this patterned yellow raffia. Only $1.50, it will add an adorable flair to your customer's gifts that they will remember at a minimal price!
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