We had the good fortune of connecting with Marrin Costello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marrin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Regarding my jewelry company — I didn’t choose jewelry, jewelry chose me. I have been making jewelry for decades — since before the age of 10 — and the ‘brand,’ so to speak, was created organically over time. As I developed into a woman, and as my brand inadvertently took on an eponymous identity, it naturally grew with me. It wasn’t until I had 22 years of design experience and had dabbled in other career opportunities that I decided to go “all-in” with the Marrin Costello brand in 2018.

Regarding my business and branding consulting company — this company was also developed organically, and completely determined by the market. As my jewelry brand developed, I began receiving questions from a vast and diverse audience on how I built my company and seeking advice on their own respective businesses — and a consulting branch was formed. It is my way to give back, help others grow in their businesses, and further lean into my own entrepreneurial spirit.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more? What sets you apart from others?

There are so many things that set the @shopmarrincostello brand apart from other jewelry brands.

Firstly, our line is completely hypoallergenic, water-resistant, rust-resistant, and sustainable. We recreated all of our best selling styles with a Stainless Steel base, and have also updated all of our internal systems to be environmentally friendly — from manufacturing to operations. Our product quality is unmatched — and everyone who works for the company is also a customer for the brand. We are so proud of the collection, as well as the highest level of service and care that we offer to our clients, our product, and each other.

Secondly — and most importantly — we care deeply. For each other, for our customers, and in making the product the best it can be. The heart and soul that exists within this company is immeasurable, and has been this way since my passion for jewelry began before the age of 10.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

I am most excited about the new product that we have in the pipeline. New jewelry designs, new product categories, and reintroducing pieces from our classic collection, which have sold out time and time again since 2008.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise?

It feels like I started beading when I was 7 years old, blinked, and here we are over two decades later — an international jewelry brand, a consulting company, the highest caliber staff, and a beautifully aesthetic brand that I am so proud to lead.

Was it easy?

Ha! Absolutely not. And it certainly wasn’t an overnight success. But every single growing pain was absolutely worth it. Building this company has been a labor of love for many, many years. It has taken on so many different identities — both internally and aesthetically. There has been plenty of turnover with staff and how the business is run — but I am so proud to say that our team is so spectacular, and we absolutely adore each other. I dreamt of having a team as it is now — and cannot wait to see what we all accomplish together.

If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Firstly — faith. Always knowing that everything happens for a reason and that everything is happening *for* us (not to us) — coupled with an unimaginable amount of resilience and tenacity. I have lost count of the sleepless nights, meditation sessions to gain clarity, strategy changes, and so many other challenges in both building and running a brand… but that is what comes with the territory. There will be plenty more to come, I am sure — because challenge is inevitable on the path of entrepreneurship.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Oh my goodness, so many. How much time do you have?

Of all of the lessons that I have learned over the years, here are some of my favorites (that have helped me in recent projects):

1. Breathe.

2. Prioritize self care. Take care of your mind, body, soul — and the business will become so much more fruitful as a result.

3. Combat overwhelm by choosing speed over perfection.

4. Sleep.

5. HAVE FUN! Because at the end of the day, that is the point.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

There is so much time, energy, and resources that go into creating one single piece of jewelry. It’s amazing to think of how many processes, hands, hours, and care that go into even the most simple designs.

And to keep their eyes and ears open for what we have in store!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

This is such a funny question, as we *just* moved our headquarters from LA to Tampa, Florida just a handful of months ago — so I am still very much exploring the area myself!

Of the places I have visited in Tampa thus far, I would take them to Hyde Park Village, as that’s where our headquarters is located; have dinner at On Swann; coffee at Buddy Brew; get our nails done at South Tampa Nails; grab treats at Soho Juice and/or So Fresh Kitchen; take a spin class with Brooke at CAMP; take a stroll down River Walk; watch the sunset; go to the beach (and a boat ride) in St. Pete; and appreciate the insane beauty of the greenery, clouds, and ocean.  This place is almost too picturesque to put into words.

And, of course, we would do a tour of all of the stores in the area that now carry the collection!

If we were still based in LA, we would absolutely get dinner at Craigs, go to The Row in Downtown LA, drive to Orange County for a beach day and lunch at True Food Kitchen, go roller blading in Santa Monica, stop by Recess LA for some of the best vintage shopping, get our hair done by @jesstheebesttcolor and @cleencuts at Salon Benjamin in West Hollywood, and do an obligatory stop by Erewhon Market for a tasty treat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I made a list recently of people that I could potentially put on my emergency contact list. And I kid you not — the list was over 200 people. I’d like to dedicate this interview and all interviews to my tribe, my support system, my birth family and my chosen family — whose list continues to grow. I do not for a second take for granted that the woman I have become is a byproduct of having such an amazing community around both me and the brand. Thank you all so much — I am forever in debt to you, and eternally grateful.

Website: https://marrincostello.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marrin-costello-9498a150/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MARRINCOSTELLO

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5bYkq_iTgKuogybghSPOiA

Image Credits
Images 1-4: Photographer – Greyson Tarantino (@greysontarantino)
Stylist – Monica Cargile (@monicacargile)
Hair + Makeup – Amber Rose (@amberrosehairandmakeup)
Jewelry – Shop Marrin Costello (@shopmarrincostello)
Model – Marrin Costello (@marrincostello)
Images 5-8: Photographer – Jay Adams (@jay_adams)
Stylist + Model – Marrin Costello (@marrincostello)
Hair + Makeup – Nicolette Lafranchi (@nicoslice)

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.