Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs We Admire

At Chrysmela, we believe in freedom. Our brand’s motto says it all - fashion freedom, freedom to go and be anywhere in the world, and freedom to live life on your terms. 

You never know when inspiration is going to hit. We’ve all been there. We’ve all had those “A-ha!” moments when a brilliant idea hits us. What does it take to turn those moments of inspiration into a fully realized dream that, not only stands the test of time, but goes on to inspire future generations? Effort, determination, and the vision to keep moving forward even when the road gets bumpy.

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we sat down with strong and beautiful female entrepreneurs who we admire, about their beauty secrets and travel hacks. Looking and feeling good gives us extra energy and confidence. Let’s learn the secrets of these remarkable women as they reveal how they always look so fabulous.

Marie Gray

It all started so simply. Marie Gray looked at a knitting machine and inspiration struck. She saw the potential to create amazing dresses for herself.  However, inspiration soon turned into a larger vision, and she shared that vision with her husband Robert. In 1962, they opened St.John, which ultimately became one of the largest fashion houses in the world.

Who could have known what magic a simple yet elegant knitted dress could unleash? Marie, her smart and talented businessman husband, along with the help of her loving family, grew St. John into a hugely successful brand.  Her original vision hasn’t changed.  The vision is that clothing can be simple, timeless and comfortable, while reaching the heights of elegance and style. As the company grew, Marie’s daughter Kelly joined in on the dream of her parents, and became the face of the brand as well as working her way up the corporate ladder to the position of CEO when her father retired. Today, Marie and her daughter have a new fashion brand GRAYSE, a collection of embellished tops and dresses, delicately sequined leggings and evening gowns ....as well as beautifully detailed leather jackets. And her passion for comfort is evident in all of her designs and fabrics she carefully chooses for GRAYSE.

In her free time, she is an avid golfer, enjoying herself on the links near her home in California. She is truly an inspiration to women who dream of creating a vision that will stand the test of time.

Chrysmela reveals the best beauty products, travel tips to adopt in 2020

Pro tips from Marie Gray

1. Get ready

What is your morning routine? What do you do to add the “finishing touch" before you head out of the door? (like, put on earrings!)

First coffee.  I like a special chocolate flavored brand. I make my own creamer mixing almond milk and protein powder in a blender! I think it is better, it has fewer chemicals fats and sugars than the store-bought creamers. I try to take the time to enjoy my morning coffee listening to the news and answering emails .  Then the rush of the day begins with 20 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes of exercises and stretches for golf. It ends with the painful roller lengthening the muscles and getting rid of pockets of pain . A quick hot shower follows and ends with a burst of cold water to wake up my brain. I dry my hair and brush it into place… A bit of makeup on my eyes and lips and I am ready for the day my breakfast is a large protein shake with added vitamins and supplements for energy and peak performance .

2. Beauty emergency tips

What is your beauty emergency tip? Puffy eyes? Didn’t get enough sleep?

I like ice cold cucumber slices to reduce puffiness around the eyes and the calming and firming mask, a GRAYSE LIFE Beauty and Wellness product coming in 2020.

3. New beauty hack 2020

Are you trying anything new that you are excited about?

I am testing many serums and creams for GRAYSE Beauty and Wellness collection.  my skin has never been better. 

I’m also very excited about our new pants in the GRAYSE fashion collection. Our best pants are called “Marie Magic “ because they have an amazing fit, never wrinkle and are super easy to care for… I actually machine wash mine. 

4. Travel bucket list 2020 

Where are you going? Where do you want to go this year?

I love to golf. I am going to Coeur d’alene resort in Idaho for a golf tournament in the fall.  I’d like to go to Europe this summer to play famous golf  courses.. my favorite courses are Los Angeles country club, Riviera country club, and Pebble Beach.

5. Packing list 

What are your travel beauty essentials?

Our calming and lifting mask!  Moisturizer, black eyeliner pencil, mascara and a long lasting lip color.  I don’t like to fuss with make up during the day.  

7. Jewelry On-the-Go

What’s in your travel jewelry case?

My Apple Watch with a black crocodile strap… Love the buckle closure on it ...I always wear my diamond tennis bracelet and love earrings from our friend, margaretrowe.com.  Chrysmela earring backs always give me a lot of peace of mind as well, and my favorite Chrysmela Duchess Collection Earring Jacket with Swarovski Pearl drops... so beautiful.  Definitely a must for any of my trips.