We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcia Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that anything that I’ve ever truly wanted in life required taking a risk. It’s a part of the process of life. I refuse to sit on the sidelines because I’m too scared to take a chance. I’ve found that the word “risk” tends to have a heavy or negative feeling attached to it, as if it’s a bad thing. When I think back on my life, I’ve taken many risks. Risks with jobs, relationships, investments, etc. Starting my business was a risk and here I am, still alive and happy that I did it. That’s the thing about taking risks, it may not work out exactly how I expected, but I always found myself in a much better space than where I initially started. Entrepreneurship is all about risk taking. Many may look at it as possibly resulting in a potential loss, but I believe there is always something gained regardless of whether the desired success was accomplished. Taking the risk is just the first step but it’s really about the journey. That’s what makes it so sweet and rewarding. It’s the lesson(s) learned during the process. It’s what builds character and gets us to our goals. So I have no regrets about the risks I’ve taken. I’ve become a better person because of them and I know there is a lot more risk-taking in my future. That’s the only way I’ll find out what’s on the other side.

What should our readers know about your business?
MyNovaJ is a collection of minimalist, stylish high quality gold-plated jewelry and accessories. I wanted to provide a variety of accessory items that people could wear everyday at an affordable price. I absolutely love accessories. There is nothing like a great pair of earrings, ring or cute bag to complete an outfit. Honestly I am not the kind of woman who picks her outfit first when I’m getting ready to go out. I usually pick my shoes and accessories first and then I decide on my outfit. I’m proud of myself for taking the leap and starting my business. I’m excited about expanding and seeing my business evolve. I’ve started out with jewelry pieces but in the future, I will be providing other items such as handbags, wallets, scents and much more. Not even the sky is the limit for me. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, believe me I’ve had plenty of challenges along the way. Something in me just seems to keep pushing forward. I’ve always been a hard worker but it’s much more rewarding this time around b/c I’m doing it for myself and not someone else. In a way I feel like I owe it to myself to go for what I want. I’ve learned to stop chasing perfection and to be okay with my absolute best. There is always opportunity to improve down the line. MyNovaJ is my baby and I’m determined to see this through.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived a couple of places in my adult life so I have a list of spots to go and check out in various cities. If I had to pick one place in particular I’d have to say back home in NYC. Forget the fact that my BF is also from Brooklyn. We’d do the things that most New Yorker’s don’t get to do just b/c we’re from there. I absolutely love socializing and people watching, so we’d definitely hit up some good food and drink spots in NYC. Just know that it’s always going to be a good time when we get together. A couple of places would be Pier 17 Rooftop or Magic House Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Who doesn’t love a good drink and they have these dope IV bag cocktails. Definitely checking out Zia Maria in Little Italy for their seafood lobster platter and of course at some point getting a slice. You can’t come to NY and not have pizza. If you don’t like pizza, you may not be human. I’m convinced it was created by unicorns. Yes, I said it. We’d do some shopping in SoHo and also check out a couple of the museums. After spending a couple days in NY we’d take a quick trip to DC (my other favorite city), where we’d link up with my good friend/sis/college roomie, Lauren. She’s a DC native and knows absolutely everyone in DC and all the spots to hit up. I’m literally in friendship heaven thinking about it. As long as I’m in good company, great convo, loads of laughter and I’m with the people I love, I am in my happy space.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a really dope group of core friends who have been supportive throughout my life and this entrepreneurship journey. Too many to name, but I want to highlight them and let it be known how much I appreciate them and love them. I also want to shout-out Cora Nelson and Veronika Caviness for rocking with me since MyNovaJ was just a thought, honestly even before MyNovaJ. They’ve kept me grounded when my emotions and thoughts were all over the place. They get me, even when I don’t get myself sometimes lol. Thank you for Shawntel Piper for recommending me for this interview and drawing out a creative side that I didn’t know was hidden. I really am a lucky woman.

Website: www.mynovaj.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynovaj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyNovaJ

Image Credits
Product Photographer Credit: Amber Jones

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