Running a business is a serious feat. Running one for 10 years is a monumental accomplishment. In honor of the decade anniversary of MARLI New York, Miguel Enamorado, accessories director here at Harper’s BAZAAR, chatted with Maral Artinian, the visionary behind the brand. They discussed some of her most cherished memories, her approach to personal style, and “who is the MARLI woman?”—and also took a peek at some of her favorite designs from over the years.
Watch their conversation above, which features some spectacular selects from the latest collection. And read on to learn the founder and face of MARLI New York’s 10 top takeaways from the past decade of the brand.
1. Extend Gratitude for the Experience. The act of being thankful is known for being boosting one’s self-esteem, but Artinian knows it’s also a chance to celebrate both wins and learnings. “I always reflect on the incredible journey, acknowledging the influence of New York and the people I have met along the way.”
2. Passion Drives It All. The MARLI woman is modern. She’s confident and she’s inspired. And she is exploring her passions to further develop her mark in the world. Artinian is not only MARLI the woman (the moniker is a family nickname); she is also MARLI the brand. And her passion for craftsmanship and sophisticated style lies at the heart of her company.
3. Appreciate Craftsmanship. Style is inherent to the appeal—and success—of MARLI, but craftsmanship is the cornerstone of its longevity. Embracing the details, the art, and the legacy of fine jewelry-making is a brand value, as well as a reflection of Artinian’s commitment to creating elevated pieces. “Collections like Cleo, Empire, Life, and Tip-Top are highlights of artistry.”
4. Embrace Change. “Continuous learning and adaptation have been central to MARLI’s evolution, ensuring the brand remains relevant and innovative.”
5. Capture Your Location’s Vibe. “New York City’s energy and diversity have been a powerful source of inspiration, shaping MARLI’s identity and spirit,” Artinian says. In fact, many of her collections are sleek and chic interpretations of the city’s architectural motifs with distinct sculptural aspects.
6. Celebrate Diversity. Artinian is inspired by the world around her. And the diversity of New York City is a continual catalyst of her creativity—she explores and celebrates details from around the globe in her pieces. “MARLI has found joy in celebrating special moments with people from various backgrounds, reflecting the global reach and impact of the brand.”
7. Foster Resilience. It’s been said time and time again: True success isn’t in how one celebrates the wins, but in how one bounces back from the declensions. Artinian takes this to heart: “Overcoming challenges has been crucial.” She also notes how pivoting obstacles into opportunities has driven not only personal and professional growth, but also community. “Building a supporting and vibrant community is a key.”
8. Grow with Positivity. “Transitioning from a manufacturing background to establishing the MARLI brand has proven to be a transformative and worthwhile endeavor for the family business,” says Artinian. Moving from the known space to the unknown of crafting a brand turned out to be a truly uplifting evolution for both her and the business.
9. Have Pride in Recognition. “Witnessing MARLl’s presence in major cities around the world has been a rewarding milestone.”
10. Look toward the Future. Much like her stunning designs, Artinian sparkles when discussing the potential for the next phase of MARLI New York: “Looking ahead, MARLI stands as a symbol of hope and endless possibilities.” As she redefines the MARLI woman (and man) and moves further into being a global brand, Artinian says she will continue “embodying the spirit of New York, and the potential for future achievements.”
