Marrin Costello is her name and brand, so it’s a personal venture for Costello. She’s a passionate entrepreneur who has played the long game to success. Her jewelry is the cornerstone of her global luxury lifestyle brand and has been featured in publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair and InStyle Magazine. Collaborators have included the likes of Rachel Zoe.
Costello’s luxury jewelry brand made waves early on, but it wasn’t until her collection was featured on American Idol that she began to think differently.
“It was the first big shift and opportunity for me to look at my then hobby as a business with potential,” she says. “At the time, I didn’t understand the enterprises that exist behind fashion brands to help them operate and succeed — but since establishing Marrin Costello Jewelry as a company, the business has continued to evolve, elevate and expand.”
An entrepreneur since the age of 10, Costello first sold her jewelry to vendors out of Tupperware boxes with the help of family and childhood friends. Today her brand is known for its unique and elegant designs that are often seen on celebrities and fashion influencers. The aesthetic has been described as the ‘little black dress of jewelry brands.’
Locally, where her operations are headquartered, Costello’s fan club also includes vendors like Glynis Donnelly, owner of Glynis’s Closet.
“We love having Marrin Costello’s jewelry in our store! It is a top seller. We sell Marrin Costello’s beautiful pieces every day,” says Donnelly. “Her styles are fabulous. She has something for everyone! Plus, Marrin is so kind and wonderful to work with!”
During the pandemic, Costello relocated from Los Angeles, CA to Florida — with her eyes on Tampa. She says the Tampa Bay community is unique in how it is philanthropically focused and how it champions small businesses. Since the move, her company has also expanded to include an eponymous entrepreneurial podcast called Marrin Costello Radio and a consulting agency to support other entrepreneurs.
“Marrin’s artistic and creative talent combined with her relentless energy and desire to connect with her customers has led to her success,” says Cameron Ahari, friend and financial advisor. “She puts so much care into her designs and that can only be done with relentless passion.”
Costello finds inspiration everywhere — from architecture and nature to her family’s heirloom and cultural jewelry.
“I love weaving unexpected styles together and am forever inspired by the androgynous aesthetic relationship between masculine and feminine,” Costello says.
She credits God (and Celsius energy drink) for keeping her going every day.
“People think I am in the jewelry business — and while jewelry is the current vessel through which my team and I connect with others, my passion thrives in the business of building relationships. I couldn’t be more grateful to see the brand flourishing in Tampa and beyond,” Costello reflects.
Check out another Made in Tampa Bay local artist Elizabeth Condon here.
