ARUBA'S
TRAILBLAZER IN
SILVER - GOLD - FASHION
Gassantphoto
Gassantphoto
As the saying goes; she came, she saw, and she conquered.
What started as a spontaneous idea more than 25 years ago has now resulted in a business that has developed and grown, thanks to the persistence and hard work of a woman, wife, mother, friend, and entrepreneur.
It was always my dream to start my own clothing store. After working for Benetton for a few years, which was the best school for me, and with the encouragement of my husband, I began a silver accessories store. It all started in the most spontaneous way. I remember it was in 1996 when I was traveling for Benetton to make purchases for the stores in Aruba and going to St. Maarten to do the merchandising there. During one of these trips, while stopping at the Puerto Rico airport, I went to the Las Americas mall and bought a Kokopelli-designed bracelet for my husband, which began to attract a lot of attention. Everyone wanted to know where this bracelet came from. So, my husband said to me, "Hey, why don't we start a store that sells silver?"
I looked for a wholesaler contact, and I started buying and selling from my home to my friends. After that, I continued in front of the Pueblo supermarket every Sunday, selling my jewelry or during special events. I remember even selling at a nightclub called Whisky Roadhouse Cafe, where we had a corner to sell the silver jewelry. From there, we decided to create the first store named RAGE, which opened in Aruba Holland Mall. My husband started the store on his own, and then I joined, and until now, our business has changed and grown. I didn't start with clothing at that time, but as a fashionista, I was very much drawn to it. After opening and closing several stores due to the constant changes in our market and economy, which was the biggest challenge, I can finally say that I am where I want to be.
Marny has her Jewelry Boutique in the Renaissance Mall (Jolie Jewelry Boutique), where her customers can find a complete look.
Body Rage
Renaissance Marketplace
RAGE ORO
Renaissance Marketplace
RAGE
South Beach
RAGE
Palm Beach Plaza 1st floor
RAGE
Palm Beach Plaza Ground Floor
RAGE
Royal Plaza
JOLIE
Renaissance Mall
The essential quality you need to have in what you do is; passion and love, and after that, the rest will follow.
I seek inspiration from various sources, such as social media, reading, seminars, trade shows, and traveling. I inspire others by sharing my 'fashion look' and ideas. Also, by helping to bring the latest jewelry trends from big city fashion scenes to Aruba, but at an affordable price.
What makes you, a woman who inspires?
I always share my experiences with people whom I can inspire to follow their dreams. Some may look at your business and think that the path to getting there was easy. In my case, it wasn't handed to me. I had to work hard for it, starting small and gradually growing to get where I wanted to be. I didn't have knowledge of jewelry because I always thought I would go into clothing fashion. But once you are established, your work doesn't stop. You have to keep learning, developing yourself, looking for new things, changing the product mix, seeking new brands, and, in short, never giving up.
BALANCE
Balance? What is that? It's a constant struggle, but I try not to be too hard on myself. I make time for myself with exercise, practice mindfulness, try to eat healthily, and try to create enough time for myself.
PROUD ACHIEVEMENT
Professionally, without a doubt, everything I have achieved with my stores up until now. Personally - that I am still married.
Never give up.
BARRIER
Sometimes, the barrier that women may encounter in what they want to achieve or are achieving is envy.
ANOTHER WOMAN WHO INSPIRES YOU
Locally: Ronella Croes - Fashionista and a Power Woman. Also, my mother - who NEVER complains and I also like her sense of fashion.
ADVICE
Have or create the correct mindset to achieve your dreams. It starts with that...
WOMEN IN ARUBA
Our local women are incredibly amazing in what they do. Despite living on such a small island and due to our culture, it's not easy.
AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT OF INSPIRATION
Most of the time, it's former employees who achieve their dreams. Whether as entrepreneurs or continuing to grow in other ways. There isn't a specific case, but several.
HOW TO INSPIRE OUR CHILDREN
Teach them that they can do anything they want in life, but it doesn't come from doing nothing, they have to work for it.
Built with Shorthand