What if confidence wasn’t a prerequisite for doing bold, creative things?
In this episode, I speak to fine jewelry designer and founder of Marla Aaron Jewelry, Marla Aaron, about navigating self-doubt, dealing with online criticism, and taking action even when confidence is nowhere to be found. Marla openly admits she doesn’t feel confident but she creates anyway. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to believe in ourselves to begin. We just need to start.
Marla is honest, funny, and refreshingly practical. If you’ve ever doubted your creative instincts, or wondered whether your idea is too weird to work this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
· You don’t need confidence to act — action can come first.
· Perfection isn’t required (except in the final product).
· Determination often matters more than confidence. Don’t give up on a good idea just because it gets hard.
· Saying no can be an act of clarity and power.
· You don’t have to quit your job to be creative — creativity lives in the everyday.
· Physical movement (especially heavy lifting) can build strength, resilience, and self-trust.
· Raising confident kids is a shared effort — between parents, schools, and the environments we create.
About Marla
Marla Aaron launched her eponymous jewelry brand in 2012, inspired by the raw beauty of hardware and a deep love of storytelling through objects. Best known for transforming the humble carabiner into fine jewelry (and for placing her pieces in vending machines, including at the Brooklyn Museum) Marla brings a rebellious, authentic spirit to everything she creates. Her unapologetic approach to business is as bold as her designs, earning features in Vogue, The New York Times, and more.
She lives by the words: “Jewelry’s only job is to bring joy to as many people as possible.” What began with a single lock has grown into a universe of mechanism-inspired, hard-working pieces including rings that open, convertible earrings and patented charms. Made in New York’s Diamond District and worn worldwide, each piece is designed to be used, mixed, and redefined by the wearer.
From giving away thousands of Heartlocks to single moms to winning the 2024 Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Marla’s work pushes boundaries redefining what jewelry is, and who it’s for.
Learn more about Marla and Marla Aaron Jewelry at www.marlaaaron.com
Or follow her on Instagram at @marlaaaron
For more information about the Lock Your Mom initiative:
https://marlaaaron.com/pages/lock-your-mom-unhinged
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.