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

Hi Marilee, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Born in Northern California, I grew up observing my father who was very entrepreneurial minded himself. He would always encourage: “You can do whatever you put your mind to.” “Work hard, take care of people, and always put family first.” As a kind, gentle natured person, he loved connecting with people and teaching us as kids how to always strive for our best.

Later while raising my own kids, I began to explore my own business ventures, and my father was right there encouraging my success. My mother is very much a people person herself. I learned from her the basics of sewing. She was right there to help with anything needed at the time. I learned from each of them the value of really caring for customers as friends. When our girls were very young, I being very artsy by nature, wanted to create outfits for them, so I began to get crafty and design children’s clothing. This led to people asking where I found their outfits. I began to design for friends and family, and eventually began selling to children’s boutiques. Having no formal education in regards, I simply started as a young mom with a passion. I ran this successful business for several years. When our kids were in 3rd and 6th grade school, my husband received a job transfer taking us from CA to OK. Since this was a complete new venture for our kids, and I would not have the ladies who worked for me etc, I chose to close this business and spend time with our girls. It did not take long for a new fashion venture to begin however, as our girls needed custom outfits for their sport, and I chose to design them, which led to the same scenario of people asking where their outfits came from. This eventually led to the custom fashion business I now operate currently. Approximately 4 years ago, my husband’s company moved us back to CA. By this time, our kids are grown and on their own. I saw a great opportunity to open a boutique on Cannery Row in Monterey, CA. Doors opened approximately one month before covid hit. Given the temporary shut down, and the new rent fee, I was facing a quick need for a pivot for business survival. Given the timing of opening, I did not qualify for any pandemic assistance at the time. I did however, still have my custom business and an established website for the boutique. I began making swift use of these opportunities. Doors eventually opened back up, and today I have two wonderful employees helping me operate the boutique, while I focus on design and networking etc behind scenes more. I have many creative plans in mind to implement into the shop and am excited for future months.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s funny, I brought in a t-shirt to the boutique a while back that says, “Hold on, let me overthink this.” lol. At the time, I just thought it was cute and I related to the comment. This t-shirt is my all time most popular so far. But it’s so accurate lol. I think creative people love to explore all the options. Sometimes this makes us question things a bit excessively, but we are really just looking for the best idea for the moment. Maybe the perfect color blend, or sturdiest product, or best placement etc… I would say this is a good quality. It’s really a limitless perspective. Creative people are never boxed in. They work around or through, or recreate, but the mind is definitely always spinning to perfection for the craft.

If I’d want people to know anything through my brand, it would be that there is no wrong try. Think through your craft, or situation in life, and know that you are limitless. It may take a while to achieve your best scenario that is most satisfying, but you will get their first in your mind. Keep thinking creatively and believe.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely go whale watching. Monterey Bay is famous for great views of ocean life. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is just a short walk down the street from my boutique, and it is a world renown exciting experience. The boutique is located on Cannery Row, a very fun historical spot to visit, with many exciting shops along the row, as well as tasty places to eat lunch or dinner with a gorgeous ocean view. The ocean is right across the street from the boutique. If you are up for a drive, the shoreline views are absolutely gorgeous along the Monterey Bay. If you prefer a good bike ride, there is a wonderful bike trail that is steps away from the boutique, and extends miles along the shoreline. The weather in Monterey is typically beautiful as well. A quick stop through Carmel-by-the-Sea is a delight. Old Fishermans’s Warf, Downtown Monterey, it’s a wonderful area to explore. So many restaurants and shops… too many to list!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, this list is long! I would summarize in short however by saying my father as mentioned previously for his entrepreneurial motivation, my brother the same, my mother for her loyalty and social nature, my husband for his ever-loving patience and encouragement in my ventures, the many clients who believed in my creative nature to entrust me with their custom orders and have become some of the best of friends over the years, the coaches and mentors along the way who have instilled so much knowledge and encouragement to succeed. All have been and are amazing.

My book list is definitely long as well. I love to tune audibly while I am working to any advice that teaches me how to improve my entrepreneurial skills, drives my creative passion, and mentally inspires positivity.

Website: marileesdesigns.com

Instagram: @marilees_designs

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

Other: Podcast: Express Light (on several platforms) https://open.spotify.com/show/0oogSzntYNuHqk80xbMXwP?si=009b937dccf14281 Link page with several goodies: https://links.marileesdesigns.com/link-page

Image Credits
Lorinda K Photography @lorindakphotography

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