Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Wilson.
Maria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was 18 years old studying Audio Production at The Art Institute of Atlanta when I came up with the idea of Divine Arte. At the time music was my everything. I had just lost my mom to cancer and moved from Harlem, New York to Atlanta to pursue my singer/songwriter career. Growing up in the middle of one of the world’s fashion capitals definitely had a lot of influence on my fashion so, when I got to Atlanta in 2010, I stood out like a sore thumb. My funky fashion definitely attracted a lot of fashion majors at my school; after class, I would vibe with them, and they would talk about starting brands, designing, and just dreaming. I didn’t realize at the time that those experiences would inspire me to pursue my creativity outside of music. I remember walking into a craft store, blissfully grabbing a bunch of random jewelry finding not knowing what I was going to do with them. I had never studied jewelry design; I didn’t know if there were rules I had to follow, I just kind of jumped into it. My first designs were definitely a little scary but I’m thankful because me doing it this way is why my pieces are so original.
I was still fully pursuing a career in music production up until 2015, so my designing was just a hobby. This was perfect because I didn’t have any pressure to create the perfect piece. It was pretty much a judgment-free period where I sat at home and perfected my designs whenever I felt inspired. From 2011-2015 I had interned for some big studios and celebrities; moving back and forth from Atlanta, New York, and LA. The music business is hard and I was turned off by the politics and just not feeling inspired anymore. 2015, I hit rock bottom while in LA and decided to come back to Atlanta to start fresh. I drove 2,000 plus miles to get back here and all I could think about was taking control over my life and my happiness. LA was meaningful because I got into gemstones and crystal healing while living there, which I incorporate in my jewelry now. It also humbled me the way I needed to pursue my role now as a jewelry designer, business owner, and a wellness enthusiast.
Since coming back to Atlanta four years ago, I’ve officially launched Divine Arte as a business and wellness brand. I’ve vended all over Atlanta from markets like The Atlanta Indie Market to The Village Market. I’ve connected with so many locals, helping them balance their energies with my gemstone jewelry and educating my customers on wellness. Today I continue to grow, connect, and hopefully spread more good vibes with my brand. This only the beginning!
Has it been a smooth road?
If anyone started a business and it was all smooth sailing, they should write a book so I could read it! I’ve definitely had my challenges and I’m sure there are more to come. I will say my biggest struggles have been within myself. Over the years I have battled with discouragement. It’s one thing to have an idea, or to talk about starting a business, that’s the fun part; the hard part is self motivation to keep going when you have no idea how to get your brand out there, when you have a bad vending experience, when your “friends” are over posting your next event, or when you get that email that you haven’t gotten into that market that will give you great exposure. Entrepreneurship is hard. I’ve lost a lot of friends, I’ve worked a job six days a week to pay for promotion, marketing, materials, inspiration all while maintaining the basics of adult-ing. What pushes me pass these struggles is passion and purpose. Some people never find it, so if you find your passion, you find your purpose. I’m a strong believer that everyone has!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Divine Arte is a jewelry and wellness brand. As a jewelry designer and business owner, I’m most proud of promoting good vibes with my unique gemstone filled pieces. I like to call my signature pieces wearable art because they are one of a kind. When people are shopping with me, I always ask what energies they want to work on so I can direct them to pieces with gemstones that would be a good fit for them. The growth I’ve had since launching Divine Arte 4 years ago comes from the connections I’ve made with people while out pursuing my dream. In an age, that’s all about social media, and online marketing it feels good to say that I get to connect with my customers in person.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is the perfect city to start any business! I say this with so much enthusiasm because I drove all those miles back here from LA to start my brand. What I love about Atlanta is it’s a new, growing city compared to New York and LA, when it comes to art. This was perfect for me because my designs are new and fresh, and that’s how I feel about Atlanta. Atlanta has this rawness that makes it so comforting to be here. Everyone I’ve connected with here has been so down to earth, and super open to collaborating and offering opportunities. I’m very grateful for my time here.
Contact Info:
- Website: Divinearteonline.com
- Phone: 7068362841
- Instagram: @DivineArteOnline
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