We had the good fortune of connecting with Marina Gil-Lemesheva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I was 20 when I came to the States. I had a very blurry idea of where my life would take me once I landed at JFK. With $400 in my pocket, next-to-none English and no family and friends, one would think that it was a perfect recipe for disaster. Every step I took in this country was filled with risk, occasional fear, and excitement. One significant risky step was taken by me when I decided to somewhat gamble with my future career. Back in Russia I studied economics although I was always on the creative side naturally. At the time, the available career choices were  quite limited due to practical views of my family and lack of opportunities in the creative field. When I was preparing to apply for universities in New York, I realized that getting my MBA in finance will take less than a year. The design career, as much as it was so very tempting, would have taken 4 years. However, I thought that I have changed my life so drastically already that I might as well change my career. I then gave myself only one shot to apply to FIT. I said to myself that I will get in if I am meant to get in and if I don’t, I will apply for an MBA next year. I gave it my best and shortly after received a “Congratulations” envelope from FIT. After 4 years of majoring in Accessories Design, I became a person who can happily say that I love my work. After all, we spend a third of our lives working, don’t we all deserve liking this major part of our lives?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My company, MARCO BAGA, is a Brooklyn-based sustainable accessories brand. The thing that sets us apart is truly unique designs that don’t compromise style and ethical production. We proudly make all of our pieces in the studio with hand-selected materials, often deadstock premium leathers, as well as some more challenging recyclable plastics, vintage embroideries, wood and cork. After working for a few fast fashion brands, I learnt the good, the bad and the ugly of the fashion industry, thus sustainability is not just a trend for me. It is something that I practice in my daily life. For example, it might not be technically correct to cut leathers all the way to the edges, because that’s where they get too thin. However, I don’t think that it makes a noticeable difference all the time, yet it surely creates more waste than needed. The way I create patterns is always to minimize waste and recycle to the last drop. Our collections are inspired by traveling and each collection donates 10% off sales to non-profit organizations that make a difference. For example, the Japanese collection gives 10% off sales to the Ocean Cleanup.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Highline. I think, if my friends were to come to visit me, we would have walked on the High Line from Meatpacking all the way to Hudson Yards. A few places to mention in Brooklyn, where I live are: Dumbo (just walk all of those small streets around and finish on the Promenade), hip Williamsburg and Greenpoint (Marsha Johnson Park, perhaps?).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There were lots of obstacles along the way, but there were so many people who cheered me up: Yuliya Sherlis, a dear friend, who was there to help with my initial personal statement and was there for me at all times, my mom, who, despite not understanding my choices and taste, never gave up on me, my dear husband and daughter who inspire me every day. There are so many more! I just mentioned the closest!

Website: marcobaga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymarcobaga

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-gil-lemesheva-0b6bb1140/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcoBagaAccessories/

Image Credits
Edgar GZ

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.