We all know people who always seem to be able to take trash and turn it into treasure. The ability to find uses and opportunities in items others typically dismiss is a rare quality to find. In fact, television networks like HGTV and the History Channel create entire shows around trash-to-treasure talent.I’ve had the pleasure of knowing one of Las Vegas’ foremost trash-to-treasure crafters, Island Girlz Jewelry founder Marlene Reid, for more than six years now. Besides giving me the gift of a fantastic husband (Marlene is also my mother-in-law), she’s been an inspiration to me as well. She’s a one-woman, “green” craft making machine and has created quite a name for herself in Southern Nevada by creating one-of-a-kind, recycled jewelry … for fun. And, as you know, if you can combine fun, creativity and financial success together in your day-to-day business endeavours, well, you’re a lucky gal. Together these efforts are not easy to accomplish, but Marlene’s ability to overcome these challenges is precisely why she’s on my A-team.
Recently Marlene was recognized by Desert Companion Magazine as one of Las Vegas’ “Best of the City: People.” In the article, Marlene calls her work “fashion with a conscience.” I love that.
MARLENE REID
Founder/Crafter
Island Girlz Jewelry
Q: How did you “arrive” where you are in life today?
A: So many things along the winding road of life have brought me to this point but two stand out in my mind. First, I have wonderfully supportive people in my life. It’s their voices of love and encouragement that have gotten me to where I am today. Secondly, hard work - plain and simple. Get it done!
Q: Tell me about your business. Where do you derive your passion for recycled crafts and jewelry?
A: There are a number of things that fuel my passion and inspire my handmade jewelry and accessories. First and foremost, I am a child of the ‘70s and still have that mentality that everyone should take the opportunity to make a difference in the world. Upcycling “trash” is my way of trying to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet. I want my grandson, Brayden to be able to enjoy all the natural wonders the world has to offer. Secondly, I am my father’s daughter. He was the ultimate recycler, even before recycling became politically correct. When I was a child, I can remember cringing when he’d say, “Let’s go for a walk,” which really translated into, “We’re going to pick up aluminium cans.” Now I smile whenever I think of how proud he’d be to see what I’ve created out of “trash”. It’s these things that give me my creative vision and challenge me when designing new pieces.
Q: As a business person, what are you most challenged with day-to-day?
A: There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that I want to do. I am constantly challenged in trying to strike a balance between family, work, creative time, business details and time to play with my dog, Puzzle.
Q: What is more important, talent or drive?
A: If I’ve learned one thing in all my years as a creative person, it’s that you must have the drive to take your passion to the next level. I’ll be the first to admit that for years I only half-heartedly attempted to make the jump from hobbyist to business person. Then several years ago an acquaintance took one of my creative ideas and turned it into a semi-successful business. That was the wake-up call I needed. To make a long story short: talent is wasted without drive.
Q: What one trait has helped you most in business?
A: The ability to keep things organized has been the key trait for me. I juggle so many things that without that single skill, I’d be sinking in quicksand.
Q: What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?
A: The toughest lesson I’ve learned is to have faith in myself. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with two wonderful sons who have always believed that I am someone with special gifts. Their support and the support of a very special group of girlfriends helped me find the strength to believe in “me”.
Q: What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?
A: Believe in yourself and follow your dreams for life is too short for regrets. You know that saying: you can make it happen if only you believe. It really is true.
More as to why Marlene is on my A-team:
Best of the City: Shops + Services, People + Places + Community
Handmade In Vegas promoting Henderson'sThird Thursday Artwalk
Local 200-person artist and craft group working to raise $10,000 to support Gulf oil spill wildlife rescue efforts
Island Girlz Jewelry Facebook
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