Meet Michelle DaRin | Jewelry Artist and Designer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle DaRin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had an aha moment when I had an art opening in Graduate School and people wanted to purchase my jewelry, and I realized I could actually create a business doing something I love! We are a family business, my husband is my partner and my daughter and my sons girlfriend are my models.
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.
I think what sets me apart as an artist is that I am not afraid to be different and to stand out, that is a signature aspect of my style. I don’t follow trends, I create them. I like bold, bright statement pieces. My undergrad was in Sculpture so I learned how to work with many different types of materials and process that inform my work. Its those techniques that set my work apart from other more traditional jewelers. There is a definite spiritual aspect to my work that resonates with a lot of my customers as well. I draw on inspiration from my personal journey and that manifests into my work. How did I get where I am today? Hard Work, perseverance, help from my friends and family, and consistency of effort. Was it easy? No, but I have never met an interesting person who had an easy life. I believe we earn our shine with hustle and grit.
Overcoming challenges creates resiliency and when challenges come up, and they still do, I just keep showing up. One of the books that had the most profound impact on my life and my business is The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, your thoughts create your reality, so make them good.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Green Lakes State Park for a hike Armory Square for some local shopping and eating
Dinner at Lemon Grass Thai restaurant the best yummiest thai in Syracuse and their new space is gorgeous
Drinks and music at Shiftys for Live Music The Barn Dogs or Los Blancos wings and beer on the menu for sure
Brunch at Oh My Darlings Downtown Syracuse poached eggs and hollandaise and your choice of special brunch cocktails
Happy Hour at the Craftsman Inn sitting outside by the fire pit drinks and the best spicy cauliflower
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has been my biggest supporter and fan since the beginning. He is my business partner I could not do what I do without his help. I am the creative and he does most of the business end of things. In addition I have to shout out my Sculpture Professor Allen Mooney for recognizing my talent and encouraging me, he saw my potential for fashion and art and hooked me up with my Graduate School Professor Roger Mack who also encouraged me and got me on my way transitioning from creating sculpture to jewelry, and wearable art. My dear friend Eric Alderman helped me and my husband tremendously when we were auditioning for Shark Tank, he taught us to think like entrepreneurs and business owners. Lastly, Ralph Monforte at Cazenovia Jewelry took a chance on Michelle DaRin Jewelry and has helped to promote our brand by featuring us on all of their billboards and has brought tremendous credibility to our brand.
Website: https://michelledarinjewelry.com
Instagram: @michelledarin
Image Credits
Laura Brazak Photography
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