Inside the Creative Journey: A Conversation with Marla Aaron
In the world of jewelry design, crafting exquisite pieces is only part of the equation. Understanding the intricate process of product development, navigating supply chains, and protecting intellectual property are equally important. In November 2022, our Here We Are cohort had the opportunity of sitting down with New York-based jeweler Marla Aaron. They discussed these topics and we’re so happy to share a written summary of that conversation.
A little bit about Marla: Marla Aaron has earned global recognition for her exceptional jewelry designs. Her innovative marketing techniques, like installing the first jewelry vending machine at the Brooklyn Museum, show off her rebellious spirit. Projects like #lockyourmom demonstrate her commitment to community engagement, while her spontaneous releases on Instagram continually surprise and inspire. Awarded the 2024 Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Marla’s journey offers profound insights into the ever-evolving landscape of jewelry creation.
The Product Development Process
The conversation began with a focus on the product development process. Marla emphasized the importance of rigorous testing, stating that it’s a pivotal part of the Marla Aaron approach. From silver prototypes to exploring various materials, including plastics, every detail is scrutinized to ensure the highest quality. Her team is known for wearing prototypes around the office to make sure they can withstand regular wear.
What struck us most was Marla’s admission that, despite thorough testing, you can never entirely predict how consumers will interact with the jewelry. From deadlifting at the gym to swimming in the ocean, consumers might wear their pieces in all kinds of unexpected situations.
Commitment to Responsible Jewelry Maintenance
As we delved deeper, Marla shared her commitment to responsible jewelry maintenance. She highlighted her team’s efforts to educate customers in fun and approachable ways. They developed a children’s-style book about jewelry care, which she uses as a unique and thoughtful approach to customer engagement.
Building Relationships with Supply Chain Partners
The conversation then shifted to Marla’s strategy for cultivating relationships with supply chain partners. She stressed the importance of partnering with only workshops who uphold her quality standards, highlighting the collaborative nature of their work together. Marla uses a particular test piece that is challenging to replicate. If a supplier cannot reproduce it, they are unlikely to work for her brand’s needs.
Upholding Creative Integrity
One aspect that struck us was Marla’s steadfast dedication to creative integrity. Despite external pressures and trends, she prioritizes her artistic vision, making sure that each piece reflects her unique perspective. Marla acknowledges that not every idea is produced; some are rejected outright, while others are shelved for future consideration. She mentioned seeing a design on her Production Lead’s board for two whole years before it gained traction. While there’s a process, not everything immediately makes the cut.
Protecting Intellectual Property
Protecting intellectual property emerged as another crucial topic. Marla shared insights into the complexities of obtaining patents for designs. She stressed the importance of legal agreements in safeguarding creative work when working with suppliers or manufacturers. This is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by artists in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Passion for Craft and Dedication to Vision
Throughout our conversation, Marla’s passion for her craft and dedication to her vision were palpable. Whether discussing marketing strategies, pricing, or navigating the intricacies of the industry, her unwavering commitment to excellence shone through.
Inspirational Takeaways
As our conversation drew to a close, we couldn’t help but feel inspired by Marla’s words. Her journey exemplifies the power of creativity, resilience, and staying true to one’s values. It highlights how these qualities are essential in a constantly evolving landscape.
In conclusion, Marla Aaron’s insights offer invaluable lessons for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. Her journey highlights the importance of rigorous testing, building meaningful partnerships, and protecting creative work. Staying true to her vision, she inspires anyone embarking on their own creative endeavors.
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This post is sponsored by the Workforce Development Institute. WDI is a statewide non-profit that works to increase opportunities for all New Yorkers to succeed in the workforce while earning family-sustaining wages.