Accessorie Circuit
Marcia Moran, Marcia Moran
“I am very proud of my achievement. Being an immigrant and a mother in this country, I was able to fulfill my dream and create beautiful jewelry for women.”
Brazilian-born and raised, Marcia Moran knew from a young age that she had a knack for making jewelry. “I always liked fashion and wanted to work in the industry,” Moran said. “When I moved to the US, I realized that I could bring Brazilian style and a new look of jewelry with natural stones.” From a home-based startup in her living room, her business, Marcia Moran, grew into a trusted brand in luxury costume jewelry in the US, all within a few years. “I am very proud of my achievement. Being an immigrant and a mother in this country, I was able to fulfill my dream and create beautiful jewelry for women.”
Shop-marciamoran.com | @marciamoran_jewelry
Accessories the Show
Barbara Gram, Be the Good
“Whatever you do in the world, do something good. My grandmother Barbara Thomas was always in my ear with her message to create and do good. The name of my business was chosen for this reason exactly.”
As a long-time merchant and marketer in the beauty industry, Barbara Gram has always been interested in the marketing and merchandising of products. She started by making easel-back cards as a delivery method for jewelry, which evolved to the creation of Be the Good Jewelry. “Whatever you do in the world, do something good,” says Gram. “My grandmother Barbara Thomas was always in my ear with her message to create and do good. The name of my business was chosen for this reason exactly.” Her company’s inspirational pieces include rich imagery and storytelling and provide an ideal merchandising method for small accessories. They also support other female entrepreneurs by hiring independent craft-women for their Makers Monday work sessions, as well as using female-owned, Portland-based Premier Press for card production.
Shopbethegood.com | @bethegoodcollection
Lisa Zampolin, Love Lisa
“You can always tell who the strong women are, they’re the ones building one another up instead of tearing each other down.”
Lisa Zampolin started creating jewelry at 8 years old. Her desire to turn that passion into a career, along with her dream of being an entrepreneur, led to the launch of Love Lisa. When asked about her role as a female business owner, she said, “It’s all about supporting one another and helping each other succeed.” She loves amplifying the voices of female celebrities, influencers, customers, and brand owners, and she recognizes strength in those she collaborates with from the NY Women’s community (including Nora of Unsweetend NY; Jamie of Just Jamie; Jody of Magnetic Charm; Donna of D-Line Accessories; Sage & Gail Blinderman of Changing Times, among others) “You can always tell who the strong women are; they’re the ones building one another up instead of tearing each other down.”
Alyssa Kuchta, F.Y.B Jewelry
“Owning my own business means having the responsibility to lead, be a positive role model, and make an impact in the world - no matter how big or small.”
Starting her company as a senior in college at 20 years old, Alyssa Kuchta opened her first brick-and-mortar pop-up shop at the iconic Bryant Park market in Manhattan. “I always had an eye for design and passion for empowering girls to feel more confident in themselves.” Finding a way to channel her aesthetic while giving back to the female community became her goal, and thus f.y.b jewelry was born. When asked about her mentor, she answered her mom, who immigrated to the U.S. and wanted her children to have a better life. Alyssa hopes to be the same inspiration for others. “Owning my own business means having the responsibility to lead, be a positive role model, and make an impact in the world - no matter how big or small.” She also gives this advice: “Focus on what you can give, not just what you can get. Take the time to really get to know people and put your heart into connecting with them - when you’re genuine, others can feel it.”
MODA
Veronica Monroy-Ferrer, Veronica M
“Don't worry about the opinions of others; just keep doing what you are doing.”
“Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” truly resonates with Veronica Monroy-Ferrer, founder of Veronica M. “I followed my instincts about doing something that I love,” she recalls. “My passion for designing clothing inspired me to ultimately make it into a business.” That passion translates into her collection through the bold prints the brand is now known for. And her determination and drive comes from her mother, who Monroy-Ferrer says is her greatest source of inspiration. “[My mother] had endless energy and whatever she set her mind to, she accomplished.” When asked for the best advice she’s ever been given, she says, “Don't worry about the opinions of others; just keep doing what you are doing.”
VeronicaM.shop | @veronicamclothing
Susan Cho, JOH Apparel
“Hard working women… they inspire my soul.”
Susan Cho, founder of JOH Apparel, says that fashion is in her DNA. Cho comes from a family rooted in the apparel industry, starting with her great-grandmother who made traditional Korean clothing, down to her mother who owned her own factory. And it’s those strong female influences that continue to inspire her and her business. When asked for her mentor, Cho says, “Definitely the women in my family that were in fashion. Hard-working women who loved what they were doing and supported their family. They inspire my soul.” And that sentiment drives Cho to pay it forward in supporting other female entrepreneurs, too. “The factories I work with overseas are all women-owned businesses,” she says. “We support them with continuous, ongoing production work. We help support three factories. Each factory has 50 to 60 employees.” When asked for the best advice she’s ever been given, Cho reflects, "Expect the hardships and challenges for the path to success."
Viviana Gabeiras, Petit Pois by Viviana G
“To believe in me, to achieve my dream, to become a better woman, to be able to create and have a better life.”
Viviana Gabeiras knows firsthand what it means to brush yourself off and try again. After parting ways with her former partners, she ventured out on her own to launch her collection, Petit Pois by Viviana G. As a Parsons School of Design alum, Gabeiras proudly makes her collection in the U.S. and says what inspired her to launch her business was, “To believe in me, to achieve my dream, to become a better woman, to be able to create and have a better life.” She is a board member for Fashion Group International of South Florida, where she says, “We do many activities for the design community. Most of the events that I agree to be part of are to support women. Today I always try to use my influence to help others, to be a role model and a mentor and to fight for the recognition and respect of Miami Fashion Designers.”
MyPetitPois.com | @VivianaGabeiras
Patty Kim, Patty Kim
“It means freedom and independence.”
The saying “When one door closes, another one opens” rings true for designer Patty Kim. Kim launched her business in May 2010 after the company she was working for closed. “That gave me the push to launch my own business,” she remembers. And it’s a good thing she did. Kim now creates women’s jackets, coats, and special occasion jackets under her eponymous brand. When asked what it means to her to own her own business, Kim says, “It means freedom and independence. Also, success gives you confidence and boost to continue to work with enthusiasm.”
PattyKimShop.com | @PattyKimShop
Intermezzo
Amanda Uprichard, Amanda Uprichard
“Even if there's a tough day, year, or month there's always a way to come out on top. Resilience is an incredibly important part of this business.”
Amanda Uprichard was inspired by women in the city from all walks of life—inspired by what they wear to go to work, to go out for drinks with their friends, and to take their children to school. With the advice “never give up and don’t be afraid to take risks” ringing in her ears, she turned her love for fashion into her namesake brand, Amanda Uprichard. She sought to create styles that make women feel sexy and powerful and look amazing, all the while speaking to the beauty and adventure that fashion represents. Launching her brand wasn’t always easy, but she kept her eye on the big picture. “Even if there's a tough day, year, or month, there's always a way to come out on top. Resilience is an incredibly important part of this business.”
Amandauprichard.com | @amandauprichard