Full Name: Sherlly Ontiveros
Age: 26
Current Title/Company: Lead Designer & Founder at Marshelly’s Jewelry
Educational Background: Jewelry Design Graduate
Sherlly, I’m a HUGE fan of your jewelry. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Please tell me, what was your first job and how did you land that position?
My first job was at a retail store called Love Culture. It was a bit like Forever 21. I was 17 and I was a Sales Associate. I applied for this job when I was in high school.
How have your designs evolved since your first sketch?
Since my first sketch my designs have changed from stick figure drawings to more elaborate 3D sketches. I went to school for Jewelry Design and learned how to properly draw.
What have been the biggest challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career and how were you able to overcome them?
Biggest challenge in my career is creating my pieces in the casting industry. It can get quite hectic and orders can become increasingly difficult to fill on time as the level of intricacy in jewelry increases. However, since I have been in the industry I have noticed a personal gravitation toward simpler, more universal designs that translate into everyday wear-ability and that will compliment anything from an evening dress to casual day wear.
We want to hear about your inspiration as a creative! Where does your inspiration come from? Do you seek it out? How would you describe your design style?
My designs are inspired by life, music, art, and the young women I hope to reach with my collection. New designs come to me daily. They come from simply observing everything around me. I sketch much more than I produce. I’m happy to say that I have many new and fresh design ideas for years to come! I work side by side with my bench jeweler and we both make all my pieces come to life. My work is about emotion. Symmetry, pattern, and precision.
How did you learn the ins and outs of owning and operating your brand?
My father has been in the jewelry manufacturing industry for over 30 years in New York City’s Diamond District. I would often pay my father a visit a couple times a year since I was born. I grew up in Miami, Florida. Once I turned 19 I moved to NYC to work for him. There I gained insight on how to run a business.
As a business owner, how do you achieve a work/life balance?
At times it can be challenging. But I do my best to keep both separate. Every Sunday I set priorities for the week and focus on one thing at a time in my life and business. I also make sure I do not spend too much time answering emails and schedule everything accordingly so that my day to day goes by smoothly. Most importantly I respect “me” time and don’t look at emails after I leave the office.
What do you see in the future for your brand? How do you hope to grow the business?
I believe in growing organically. So I do see a gradual growth and hopefully making a name for myself. I want to be the next Jennifer Fisher.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding aspect is creating wearable art. The process of moving from an idea to fully creating it is a thrill every time.
What is a typical workday like for you?
I get into the office at 9am everyday and start by going over my calendar and making a daily to do list. I than move onto social media marketing and make sure to keep my followers in the loop. After, I answer emails and at the same time go over on what needs to be done for the day or coming days with my mini team. I have 2 girls that work for me at the moment. I try to get as much done in a day as possible for my brand because at the same time I work for my father’s jewelry manufacturing company. All morning I work for myself and the other part of the day I work for my family business.
Best moment of your career so far?
Best moment has to be when I saw Tyra Banks wearing my Katana earrings and ring on FABLife. I never thought someone as big as her would wear my jewelry.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Every second spent worrying about what you cannot change, is a second wasted in not changing what you could.
Go-to coffee order?
Iced Soy Latte with no sugar
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be and what would you order?
I would love to have lunch with Miranda Kerr. She is my idol! I would order a Kale Salad because she inspires me to want be healthy.
Best advice you’ve received?
Say “yes” to every job opportunity that comes in way. Put in the work and make sure it’s done right.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Shenae Grimes-Beech
The Nolcha Shows are a leading award winning event, held during New York Fashion Week, for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers. Over the past seven years the Nolcha Shows have become established as a platform for discovery; promoting cutting edge innovative fashion designers through runway shows and exhibitions.
The team at Chic Galleria is thrilled to again be collaborating with the designers who will be featured at the Nolcha Shows. We are looking forward to showcasing these talented designers and attending their shows this fall. – Beth Anderson, Founder and Senior Editor, Chic Galleria
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