Marisa Perry, Marisa Perry Atelier, New York, NY
MARISA PERRY is co-founder and co-owner of Marisa Perry Atelier, a jewelry design house and retail store in New York City’s West Village. Marisa and her husband and business partner, Douglas Elliott, specialize in diamond jewelry with special expertise in wedding jewelry.
What do you like best about your store’s location?
Everything! The sunlight, the neighborhood’s vibe, dining and shopping options, and most of all the clientele.
Describe your perfect day off.
Having a quiet morning with coffee and a newspaper, then having a beautiful lunch with my husband, then taking a a hike down to the beach with my dog for some swimming together.
What’s the one thing you wish you’d known when you started your business?
I wish I had not let people undermine me, take my power and help themselves to my resources.
Name one thing hardly anyone knows about you.
I make sure that I do something kind for someone at least once, each and everyday.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received about anything.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Oh yes … and “Eat your vegetables!”
Do you have any secret talents?
I am a super taster! I can pick out flavors and ingredients in things that most people (including chefs) might not notice.
If you weren’t in jewelry retail what do you think you’d be doing?
I would be a sommelier at a 3-Star Michelin Restaurant.
How do you make shopping a fun experience for your clients?
We treat their visit as a celebratory occasion! And we make them feel at home with beverage in hand and welcome and answer their questions and concerns.
What have you learned about millennial bridal clients?
They love participating in the making of their own unique ring.
What is your biggest challenge in retail?
To continually drive traffic to our shop.