All Eyes are on Fabulously40 Featured Member Myrna AKA Maverick!

Myrna, also known as Maverickon Fabulously40 is a jewelry designer. See her work here. 

We asked her a few personal questions to learn more about this powerful Fabulously40 woman!

1. Describe how you started out in your career field.

My intention was to attend college immediately after high school. My passion was to pursue a career as a Graphic Artist and professional photographer and my dream was to attend the "The Otis College of Art and Design".   Strangely as this may sound, my parents did not expect me to attend college nor encouraged me to do so.  Being raised as an "old world" Hispanic, their expectations of me were marriage and children.  So, if I wanted to attend college that bad I would have had to pursue it on my own - without their support.  I took a few courses in college, but not enough to earn a degree.  

2. Are you currently working in the same profession you intended to when starting your career path?

Unfortunately, I did not become the Graphic Artist I wanted to be. Instead, I succumbed to a long and bumpy road ahead.  Working in various unfulfilling jobs in the clerical/administrative fields, I had to find an outlet to subdue my misery.   Despondent at 19, with an occupation so mundane and unrewarding, I discovered jewelry making.  This newfound hobby helped me through my "darkest days".  Because of my artistic ability and expanded imagination, this was an opportunity to express my utmost creativity.  Because I have the affinity for the unconventional, people were drawn to my designs because they were interesting and unique.  So, I transformed my hobby into a business.  

3. What are the most significant challenges you have been faced with throughout your career?

As a Jewelry Artist, the significant challenges that I've faced both past and present is the competition, and reinventing my wares on a continuous basis.  Developing and learning new techniques can sometimes become an obstacle, but at the same time – rewarding.  I do my very best to sustain versatility and to produce quality jewelry that is both appealing and suitable to fit all personalities.    

4. What keeps you from giving up along the way when faced with tough challenges or let downs?

I had gone through a lengthy hiatus for a couple of years due to my many frustrations and lack of focus, but I was miserable the whole time.  Hastily, I pursued a career in Optical field, but hated it.  This was out of character for me; I realized that jewelry and creativity was and will forever remain my passion.

I found the strength to follow my heart; remain my genuine self and to liberally and uninhibitedly design new and innovated creations that evoke daily in my mind.  I've learned that it doesn't matter how eccentric some styles may be, there is a mode for everyone.   Catering to one type of design will only impede success.  

5. What are your accomplishments you are most proud of and why?

No matter how stressful and disarray my life may become; I'm resilient.  Tomorrow is another day, and pursuing what I enjoy will always be my main focal point.  I enjoy the challenges of designing and re-inventing myself with new and innovated creations.  My expanded imagination is a gift and I embrace it.  

6. Have you had a support system surrounding you throughout your career climbing?

I have always done whatever possible to maintain a positive attitude; I've learned to enjoy the many challenges that I face in this industry.  Many had advised me to give up, but that only motivated to become more diligent.  

7. What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to being persistent, creative and innovative.  

8. Has goal setting been a key component to your success?

Goal setting has helped me focus on my priorities.   In the past, drifting away and surrendering to distraction was a character flaw I had no choice but to overcome.  

9. In helping yourself achieve career goals, do you perform any type of meditation, relaxation or affirmations?

Working out with heavy weights 3 days a week and muscle endurance 2 days a week clears my mind and provides me strength mentally and physically.   In the past, committing to an exercise regimen appeared nearly impossible.   Now, I am committed and confident I could do anything!  

10. Have you had any mentors that have guided you or provided insight throughout your career climbing?

It would have been a wonderful experience having been mentored, and an honor if given the opportunity to mentor others.  

11. What is your experience with networking and do you feel it is important?

Fabulously 40 is my first networking site that I've become involved with.  From the inception, I was immediately drawn to the warmth and caring spirit of the members.  It was icing on the cake learning that many of the ladies were entrepreneurs and business people.  I found this highly significant for the networking aspect, but more importantly; building quality friendships.  

As an explorer, I took the opportunity to try something new.  I enjoyed the comfort of being carefree as communicated with others I didn't even know personally.  I was hooked!  

12. What do you feel are the essentials to career climbing and why?

Here are some of my essentials: FOCUS, attentiveness, kindness, knowledge, and communication.

13. Where do you see yourself in your career in 5 or 10 years and how do you plan on getting there?

In 5 or 10 years, perhaps I'll be the founder of a website similar to ETSY, but with ADHD/ADD artists.   This will be an opportunity to educate the public that people with this disorder are creative, inventive and interesting.  We need the POSITIVE recognition we deserve!  It's only a thought.  

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 I take pride in what I do and I take the time to produce unique, quality and fascinating jewelry.    

My passion keeps me balanced, content and focused.   My advice: Don't deny yourself of what you enjoy, because it makes a BIG difference when it's no longer in your life.  I learned the hard way.  

Find more of my designs at Maverick Marvels here.