Isa Berlingeri shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Isa, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
A lot of times, when we want something, we tend to impulsively act fast and in the moment. Something I’m really glad I didn’t rush into was opening my jewelry business. Before launching Catena, I had always dreamt to own a jewelry business and even considered wholesaling. At the time, hand making jewelry never crossed my mind.
It wasn’t until a year later that I thought of learning how make jewelry myself. Once i learned how to, it quickly became a passion—and now I create unique pieces I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. I’m very happy I took my time, because not acting fast gave me the space to discover my creativity and build something truly personal that allows me to not only share quality pieces but an inspiring story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Isa Berlingeri, I am 21, and the designer behind the jewelry brand Catena Di Marie. I create handmade jewelry that is versatile, durable, and unique. Each piece is crafted with gold plated stainless steel materials meaning it can be worn effortlessly without having to worry about it tarnishing– whether you’re diving in the ocean or living your everyday life. My jewelry is designed to be worn without hesitation. Every piece is created with so much love, creating has become a passion of mine that I now love to share, inspiring others to embrace themselves. When you wear Catena, you’re not only wearing unique jewelry but also a story that can inspire others to pursue their passions as well.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’d definitely say my parents,
I am very fortunate to have super supportive parents and growing up, they would always tell me how creative, smart and different I am but, like any other you would just take it as a compliment coming from parents that love you. As I grew older, I learned more about myself and discovered different things that I loved to do. It soon did lead me into realizing that I really am this creative person that they always told me I was. It took various moments and situations in life I had to go through to allow myself to discover the different traits I had, but my parents always knew, that is who I was.
They always saw and continue to see a far future for me and that something I will forever admire.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
We all want to be successful, but it takes a lot of patience and consistency to get where we want to be. I believe that failing and suffering many times before conquering what you want to achieve is a feeling that you have to embrace because it’s what makes you stronger when you do succeed. I feel it’s really important to appreciate every battle you go through because that suffering is what builds character and brings out versions of us that we wouldn’t see if we just easily became successful in whatever we wanted to do. Therefore suffering taught me that in a journey where you want to achieve your goals the struggles that come with it are what prepare you for your success and that is something that success alone could never teach you.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I have an immense amount of goals and projects I want to achieve, especially with my jewelry business. Catena has become such a huge passion of mine, and my dream is to continue growing — not just to sell jewelry, but to inspire others to pursue what they’re passionate about as well. One of my current goals is to be recognized by more platforms and major industries so I can share my story behind Catena. In the future, I hope to open a boutique in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, the place where Catena was born — so people can experience and shop Catena right at its roots.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
My answer would be Yes.
I truly believe in giving my all in anything I do even when no one is watching or praising me for it because in the end, we owe all it all to ourselves. My parents always told me that regardless of what i am doing I should always show up with my 110% because our effort shouldn’t be about impressing others but about honoring your own journey and hard work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://catenadimarie.com
- Instagram: catenadimarie
- Other: tiktok: catenadimarie
Image Credits
-Isa Berlingeri
-Manzotookit
