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YEDaily: Mary Ann Keverian
By: Notable Posted in: Entrepreneurs - || February 19, 2013, 6:00 am
From creating new collections to helping clients pick their leathers, Mary-Ann Keverian loves to take part in all aspects of the process of making a bag. Although her job can simply be claimed as a title, she chooses to make it a lifestyle...
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Working in a factory-based ambiance can make things fun yet challenging. By day, I work with clients and organize upcoming trade shows and events, or I’m traveling and attending these shows; and by the end of the day, I shut down reality to focus on creating.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Since a young age I took part of the family business and grew up in my father’s factory, spending weekends and summers assembling bags or anything I was capable of doing. As a teenager, I juggled school and a few jobs at the same time until I realized the potential I had and could’ve invested in our family’s business instead. I officially started working here at 18 and realized I should’ve done so sooner. Getting more involved with the company, I realized I wanted to create and offer a second brand and finally did at 20 and that’s where it all started. MAK stands for my initials and has always been a nickname of mine since elementary school; it always stuck by me, and when deciding on the brand name, Miss MAK was born!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best part of any day is that it’s different than the day before. I love that there is no routine to my job. As much as I try to, I can never seem to make a routine out of it! The most fun part of the day is to see the finished products…I love to go through the bags and see how they came up!
Most challenging part has got to be managing your time in a way to have everything done as effectively as possible.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I prefer to live in the moment, so where I’ll be in five years will be a surprise to you and I! Professionally, I would like to focus on the international level and have Miss MAK available in more locations and expand markets. I see Miss MAK being one of the leading fine quality leather handbag and accessories brands in the market!
What does success look like to you? When you truly are happy with yourself, you are a true success. Nothing in the world can make you happier than YOU!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My very first fashion show. I was so young and looking back I realize how much I have grown since. Funny thing is I remember being calmer than my girlfriends who were there to support me; they were so happy for me that they were on their tippy toes making sure everything was running smoothly. The feeling of the adrenaline before the show and the satisfaction once you see all the hard work put on stage – now that’s just irreplaceable!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Best advice I ever got, and I will give back: Focus on one thing at a time and your dreams will turn to reality. Also, inevitably, work hard – it’s the only way you will get there!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’m a softie when it comes to cancer charities; I also volunteer at the hospital when I’m in town and Hope n Cope with cancer patients. I also support WarChild.ca, a non-profit organization that helps war-affected children reclaim their childhood. Adults have their reasons to start wars, but to let children suffer for their actions is inhumane. Also, being of Armenian origin, I always support raising funds for my motherland whenever the opportunity arises.
What to you is notable?
Staying humble and true to you. Once you have the recipe, your reflection will shine on to others.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone / MacBook / iPod = can’t live without ‘em!
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