Maral Artinian is the founder and creative director of Marli New York, a luxury jewellery brand with a rapidly growing global and Middle East presence.
What’s been the biggest win for you since you founded the brand, and also what’s been the most humbling moment?
The brand to me is like a child…each milestone is significant and leads to a different journey. But certainly, launching Marli and seeing the expression of women discovering the collection for the first time is something I will never forget.
The most humbling point was when a nine-year-old girl walked into our Hudson Yards boutique one day with her mother. She was really curious and wanted to know more about the jewellery world and the story behind each collection. So, I took her through the journey behind the Cleo and Avenues collections. She was fascinated and told me that she never knew there was so much thought and work that goes behind each collection.
Give us an overview of the scale of Marli’s current business worldwide.
Since its launch in 2014, Marli has expanded to include nine standalone boutiques around the world, in addition to our e-commerce platform which has also been growing. The Middle East region is very important for Marli since the clients here can identify well with the creations. I’m proud to say our boutiques are in some of the most prestigious malls around the region including the Dubai Mall, Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi, Avenues Mall in Kuwait, and recently the Place Vendome Qatar too.
You’re an Armenian, born in Syria and live in New York. Where do you call home?
I have to say, I am fortunate to have had the chance to live in many different cities around the world. It gave me the opportunity to experience several cultures and learn many languages. But today, I consider New York City as my home and it’s where I find my sanctuary.
What is your earliest memory of a vacation?
My earliest memory of a vacation is a trip we took with my family to Europe: Antwerp, Paris and Rome. I was around 10 years old, and I remember going up the Eiffel Tower and admiring the view, and eating ice cream in Rome – the best ice cream in the world.
What are your non-negotiables when you travel?
Comfort, impeccable service, and good headsets.
What are the three things that you always pack in your suitcase? I don’t consider myself a light traveller. I always travel with
a suitcase and rarely with a carry-on. But if I would pick three essentials, it would be my teeth cleaning kit, exercise outfit and an evening bag.
How do you spend your air miles?
I spend most of my air miles on tickets.
What is your choice of in-flight entertainment?
I usually travel overnight, so most of the time I sleep. If I would choose any entertainment, it would be the latest releases or documentaries.
Which is the destination on your bucket list?
I would love to visit Cuba. I love the music and I would love to go there and dance in the streets with the locals.
