Meet Daniela Agurcia: Founder & Designer of Loulou La Mar Jewelry

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

Hi Daniela, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to do something on my own, but have never fully pursued it until now with Loulou La Mar. Jewelry has always been a passion and hobby of mine, along with art and creating in general, I had just never put enough time into it because of my full time job in Marketing until this year during COVID – when time was all I had. I was designing and making pieces for my family and friends and they wanted more, and people started putting in orders, so that’s when my business side kicked in. Luckily I have several family members who are entrepreneurs themselves, so I was able to get guidance on how to go about legitimately setting up my business. I would say that half of the process of starting your own business is pre-planned, and the other half you learn as you go. Lots of research is necessary, and you have to believe in what you’re doing because it’s not all easy, and definitely doesn’t happen overnight. It’s so important to me for my brand to be inspiring, motivational, and for my pieces to be ethically sourced and for them to mean something to people. For me, that’s how I truly measure my success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The story and meaning behind my brand is what I’m most proud of. I’m not one to openly speak about my MS, but this has made me want to. I want to inspire others to pursue their passion, regardless of the challenges they have. It’s intimidating to launch something, especially with how cut throat the industry or social media may be, but there’s actually an incredible support system out there. I’ve received so much love and support from other women and brands who have identified with me or my brand in one way or another, and it’s truly been humbling. I’ve also been interviewed by my University and by the local news, so that’s also exciting! I would say that it’s important to show the face behind the brand, and make sure you’re part of your brand or business, and to be open and honest with your customers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I recently moved to the Upper East Side, Mimo district, and I absolutely love it. I would wake up, and walk with my labradoodle to La Social for breakfast – they have the best juices and acai bowls. I would then walk to Fly Boutique, which is the cutest vintage shop that has vintage jewelry, clothing, furniture, etc. A few local spots for lunch or dinner that I would recommend are Phuc Yea if you love Vietnamese food, Mr Mandolin for Greek food, Ironside or Sottosale for Italian, and for cocktails, there’s the Vagabond Hotel pool bar, the New Yorker Motel, BarMeli69 and the Anderson. And if you want to go somewhere by the water, I would recommend spending the weekend or a day at The Standard Hotel in Miami Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Loulou La Mar originated as a passion project and creative release. I was in search for something to personally fulfill me after an incredibly difficult year after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019 at 27 years old. It’s truly the root of my business, and why I chose to donate 5% of my proceeds to the National MS Society. I chose to donate a portion of my proceeds, because I absolutely need to contribute to the cause – my cause – in any way I can. The National MS Society provides an incredible amount of resources, and helped me a lot to learn about the disease and continues to provide resources and updates. It’s a truly wonderful network, and I’m grateful it exists. I also want to recognize my husband, family and friends. They’ve been an incredible support system, and have truly been there for me every step of the way.

Website: https://louloulamar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louloulamar_/

Image Credits
Photo credit: Nicole Ferrer, Alessandra Agurcia (Lily Pearl Choker), Daniela Moreno (Dahlia Choker)