We were lucky to catch up with Carla Carter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To me, success comes from a combination of hard work, building strong, genuine relationships, and staying true to your values. It’s about always acting with integrity, even when the choices are tough. Perseverance is key—pushing forward, staying committed, and continuing to do the right thing, no matter the challenges.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not know my story, I began my professional journey in the Navy, joining right after high school as part of their nuclear program. That experience taught me discipline, commitment, and a deep appreciation for science. Working as a gemologist has been a perfect bridge between the technical skills I honed in the Navy and my love for the beauty of gemstones. It allows me to apply that scientific approach but in a much more creative and fun way—after all, there’s nothing quite like “playing” with gems.

As Manager of G Marie Luxuries, I focus on creating a seamless and elevated experience for our clients. We curate unique, wearable art—pieces that tell a story and reflect the individuality of each client. From one-of-a-kind designs to timeless classics, every collection is carefully chosen to offer something truly special. I oversee everything from curating these collections to building strong partnerships with designers, ensuring that each piece and every interaction reflects the quality and artistry that we stand for.

My approach to everything I do is rooted in going above and beyond, whether it’s for my business partners, colleagues, or, most importantly, my clients. I believe in delivering not just a product but an experience, always ensuring that the relationships I build are genuine and long-lasting. I take pride in knowing that I’m part of helping people celebrate their special moments, and it’s my goal to bring both passion and professionalism into every interaction.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Being a military spouse for 26 years, resilience has been a constant part of my journey. Moving to a new part of the country, or sometimes even overseas, every few years brings its own set of personal and professional challenges. Each time we moved, I had to start from scratch—rebuilding my network, finding new opportunities, and often reestablishing myself in a new community.

It’s not easy to uproot your life and career so often, but I learned that success is about adaptability and persistence. Personally, it meant embracing each new beginning with an open mind, even when it felt overwhelming. Professionally, I had to continually seek new opportunities, never being afraid to rebuild my career from the ground up. It takes a lot of determination to prove yourself repeatedly. Still, with each move, I succeeded by staying true to my values, working hard, and building strong relationships wherever I went.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, not just in business but in life. Every challenge helped shape who I am today and strengthened my resolve to always rise to the occasion, no matter the obstacles.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

When the internet began transforming how businesses connected with clients, I saw a valuable opportunity to expand our reach in ways the jewelry industry was just beginning to explore. At the time, most of the sales focused on in-store experiences, but I recognized that the Internet was opening up a whole new world of potential clients. I decided to take a risk and shift part of my focus to building relationships with clients online, offering them a more personal, tailored experience even though we weren’t face-to-face.

This was a giant leap, as luxury jewelry was still seen as something people wanted to touch and feel in person. But I took the time to learn the nuances of communicating through email and online platforms, creating trust with clients who were located far beyond the areas we traditionally served. It wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about listening to their needs, sharing the story behind each piece, and providing an exceptional level of service from afar.

The risk paid off. I was able to build strong, lasting relationships with clients across the country—people I may have never connected with if I’d stayed within the boundaries of traditional in-store sales. This experience really taught me the importance of being adaptable and forward-thinking in the way I approach my work, and it was one of the first moments where I truly saw the power of embracing new technology to grow in this industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gmarie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemtalkwithcarla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bizwhizcarla
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bizwhizcarla/

Image Credits

Matt Dodds
Jessica Shea