Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcia Moran.
Marcia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I came to the US in 2002, I decided the life changes (in addition to being a new citizen I was also a new mom) were a great opportunity to follow my dream of working in fashion. I wanted to bring some of the exciting designs and raw materials I was used to seeing incorporated into jewelry in Brazil and add some of my own personal style as well as reflecting all the beauty I experienced living in Los Angeles. When I started the company was not much more than me designing and filling orders from my home and going to local tradeshows. Business progressed quickly and I soon outgrew that mode of working, bringing on a team in Los Angeles to help with getting the orders out and expanding my production in Brazil. This really helped me grow my business while still being able to be there for my sons as they were growing, which is very important to me. After my line started getting national exposure, I was approached by retailers in Central America, Europe, and the Middle East with interest in carrying my line. The idea that there were people who weren’t local to a store that stocked my items but were interested in my jewelry inspired me to offer items directly to clients on my own website, which has added more than just revenue but a way to connect with the people who wear my jewelry. That’s my favorite thing about the social media accounts too – seeing someone showing off their personal style with my jewelry. It isn’t always easy but that’s what makes it all worth it, you get to add a little sparkle to someone’s life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not, everything worth doing takes a lot of work, and unfortunately, it’s not always fun. I am always trying to come up with new and exciting designs, but you have to know that you won’t be able to please everyone all of the time. For example, there are a lot of my clients that will only buy earrings with posts and some that will only buy earrings on a traditional French wire, so that’s definitely something I lament over every season, how to balance the variety of earring types in order to have positive reactions from clients. Also, working internationally with the products being manufactured in Brazil, then stocked here and shipped both in and out of the US, I and my team had to learn a lot about customs, translation issues, and working in multiple time zones which can really be a headache when you’re working on a tight deadline. And then there are all the “inevitable”: shipments being delayed, flights to tradeshows running late, your computer freezing one line item from the end of a long invoice, et cetera. Things that really upset you at the time that you don’t have much control over, and then in a few months it’s something to laugh about at the office.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What should we know?
We make costume jewelry with semiprecious stones and 18k gold plating. Our specialty is large but lightweight earrings, as well as everything druzy, as we were one of the first companies to bring druzy jewelry into US mainstream fashion. What I’m most proud of for my company is that even with being in business for so long and seeing so much growth, we still have customers who remember when the line first started, and being able to have those kinds of relationships with your clients is very rewarding. I’d say what sets us apart from others is the designs. Getting into the jewelry business you start being able to tell that certain items are from a particular designer without even looking at the name, and over the years I’ve very much developed a style that speaks through my jewelry: I like to be experimental with shapes and ultimately let each stone be the focus of the piece but still keep it very refined with settings and cuts that are reminiscent of fine jewelry because I think it’s important to not sacrifice any element of quality as this is something people are going to be wearing for a while.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had a lot support from my family and friends who were always there when I needed a hand or to get a second opinion. I’ve had really great employees that I feel have given me opportunities to teach as well as learn, which I’m terribly grateful for. And of course, the clients, I wouldn’t be anywhere without them believing in me and my brand!
Contact Info:
- Website: shop-marciamoran.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciamoran_jewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarciaMoranJewelry/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovemarciamoran
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/marciamoran/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
