Today we’d like to introduce you to Mericia Alcaraz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Before I could speak, I expressed myself through what I made with my hands. I would spend hours drawing, sewing and painting. I grew up in a household where exploring various artistic endeavors was encouraged which really helped me to mold a passion for handmade things.
My first encounter with jewelry making was when I was seven. My mom had picked up a new job where she would bring massive amounts of jewelry components to assemble from home. I was immediately drawn to jewelry making and constantly would beg my mom to let me help her. She quickly realized I was a fast learner and had me helping her all the time. Since then, jewelry making has been a part of me. As a young teen, I would make jewelry for friends and family, pretty soon people were requesting designs and purchasing the jewelry I would make.
I never saw myself as an entrepreneur or owning any kind of business. The truths is I never saw handmade jewelry as a way to make a living. Jewelry making for me was and still is an outlet, a stress reliever and something I love to share with others. So when I graduated high school my eyes were set to go to college and eventually work with kids.
Along the way, I picked up several part-time jobs, somehow all connected to handmade jewelry. I became more involved with the field and eventually paused college to go into a full-time job as a jeweler/assistant designer.
Fast-forward six years later, I quit that job with a plan to hit the books and focus in school again. Very quickly, I realized how much of a void it was to not be making jewelry.
During a conversation with close friends they suggested to start my own business. In that moment for the very first time, I gave the idea a serious thought. I had no clue what a business involved, but I was sure of one thing – I loved making jewelry. Within two months, with the support of my husband, family and friends, I transformed my dining table into a work space, created a website, created some social media pages, and launched a jewelry line.
That was the beginning of Melrie.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I knew that being and artist and also your own boss was not going to be easy – and these past three years have not fail to prove that so. I’ve experienced the highest highs and lowest lows of running a business. That being said, I’m glad for what I have experienced and continue to experience. I will say that most of these bumps have been a result of areas where I need to improve. A lot of it is keeping things in perspective and finding a good work/life balance. Because I’m a “one-woman band show” at times it can feel like I’m being spread a little too thin. I take care of designing, manufacturing, marketing, customer service, sales, product photography, website, shipping… you get the idea! When you are responsible for so many aspect of your business there are always struggles to overcome. Because everything is still so new, I’m constantly having to research to learn how to do x, y & z.
Another struggle has been self-doubt, specially at the begging. I’d catch myself questioning everything about my work and my decisions. Is my jewelry good enough? Will it sell? Should I do this or that?… There is always a level of vulnerability, especially when you pour your heart out into making something from deep within you. When I fall into that hole I remind myself to stay true to my work and to only create jewelry I truly love.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Melrie Jewelry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Melrie Jewelry focuses exclusively on handmade pieces. Each piece embodies attention to detail that is meticulously designed and crafted in a small studio of Los Angeles, California. The company is known for its unique and distinctive style – minimalist, feminine, and sophisticated, ideal for the modern women with an artistic eye. Each piece is constructed by a combination of wire wrapping, hammering and soldering technics. In many cases our jewelry begins with gold filled or sterling silver wire, which is manipulated by hand into various shapes and forms. Stich by stich, slowly forming a unique piece. Because each piece is completely handmade, no piece is ever identical. Some pieces can take hours if not multiple days to complete. It really is a labor of love.
In the ever growing field of jewelry, quality and authenticity will set you apart. When I design, I like to find inspiration outside the realm of jewelry such as the pure beauty of nature’s organic forms. I believe that jewelry should not only be beautiful and well-made, but meaningful too. The truth is that when women are looking for jewelry they are looking for more than just beautiful jewelry. They look for jewelry that can be an extension of themselves, that can tell a story, that’s comfortable, good quality and can be worn day after day.
It’s difficult to pin-point one proud moment, in this journey everything is new and exciting. Hitting my first 100 followers or having my first sale outside the country, being mentioned on local magazine, or having a bride walk down the aisle wearing Melrie on her wedding day – all of those moments fill me up with pride and gratitude.
I will say though, that I feel so fortunate to be able to exercise my passion as my career. Being able to wake up and do what I’m so passionate about. I couldn’t imagine a life that did not involve creating with my hands.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I love when I get to meet and connect with our clients in person. So we are definitively planning to double up on our pop ups and craft fairs. We are also in the process of rebranding the business. Melrie was planned and launched in two months, so as you can imagine things were a little rushed. This time around we are taking more time to design the new logo along with new packing. Besides that, we hope to continue to empower women by highlighting women’s personality and embracing their amazing qualities with our jewelry.
Contact Info:
- Address: #16434
7035 Laurel Canyon Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91615 - Website: melrie.com
- Phone: 8187499103
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrie.jewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrie.jewelry/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARA1x3npRO-FDHs3LItRWDELwoNlwPAAromhWNG5n4GoFF9rRwYCZ0gAqbhS5ddVf2KA0C8TLL-FVrpl
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelrieJewelry
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MelrieJewelry/
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