We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marcela Velasquez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Marcela, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am now bold and vocal about what I want, what I believe in and what I do not agree with. I used to be afraid before, but I decided to be fearless speak up. My journey with God has taught me that I cannot stay quiet, and that I must do what he has called me to do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Marcela Velasquez, someone that Dreams, and recently my dreams have been getting bigger and bolder! I am the type of woman that will focus on a solution rather than on the problem, I look at all the possibilities and all the potential. That’s why I launched my own jewelry brand two years ago. I chose the name Arrows for my brand, based on psalms 124:4-5, which talks about our children being our arrows. I have two girls, and my biggest task is to be able to raise them to be just like an arrow, because an arrow isn’t just a weapon it’s a symbol of direction, strength, and purpose. Before it’s released, it must first be pulled back, shaped, and refined. That tension, that pull, gives it the power to soar. My brand represents exactly that sentiment, each piece sparkles with a purpose behind it, and that purpose it to make women shine and for each piece to serve as a reminder that they too can soar like an Arrow.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Wow, as a little girl I often felt invisible, like I could fade quietly into the background, and no one would notice. But now I know I was never invisible, God was seeing me and was simply preparing me to shine, because he fearfully and wonderfully made me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes, I did a local market, and it went horrible! I remember that I re-designed my space for that market, I went to target and bought a nice rug, an accent table, some curtains to drape my tent and was super excited about it. That day was super hot and humid (South Florida weather, yikes) there were zero people outside walking, and no people means no sales! But that is not the worst part, the worst part is that it started raining! Yup…I was so discouraged, super sad, and after getting home I flopped and said never again! I sort of gave up on my brand and my whole vision.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to my brand. I stopped seeing my small business as small, and I started seeing it as a brand. Arrows is a brand that is rooted in scripture and faith, and I want each woman that buys a piece of jewelry to feel that. I want each piece to represent not only a fashion statement but also to be a reminder that You are powerful, that you are seen, that you can Soar and be that woman God created you to be. I will continue to grow this brand and this dream in my heart no matter how long it takes, and that one day what was once “small” and “unknown” will be grand and beautiful.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I often think about this one, and I would want people to say that in some way I was there for them, I would like them to share stories about times when I helped them or listened to them or did something for them without anyone else knowing about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arrowsstore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoparrows/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-velasquez-a10648101/
Image Credits
Photos by Francesca Canales
