We were lucky to catch up with Montana Marks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Montana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I’m pretty obsessed with the name of my company, not gonna lie. It took me a while to come up with a name that I was proud of that felt aligned with the mission, but the second I thought of it, I just knew that was it. I moved to Los Angeles for acting, and I love acting and so many aspects about the industry and job, but I had a creative outlet and giving back need that was still unfulfilled. I’ve always loved jewelry and the fact that it can remind you of a certain person, moment, time period, memory, etc. and I wanted to incorporate that love into also giving back to others in some way. I’ve always respected businesses who can somehow give back while being successful. I have a strong belief that we weren’t meant to go through life alone and have a phrase that we are all always riding on a wing of some sort. It might be your own wing, a partner’s wing, a parent’s, a pet’s, but we all need someone to lean on, or a wing to ride. It changes often, and we can forgot that we can also be a wing for others to ride on. Hence, the name ‘On a Wing’ was created. It’s the idea that you aren’t in this alone. It’s the idea that you can give back in simple ways and also big ways. It’s the idea that there’s always a deeper meaning and that you have an impact in ways that you sometimes don’t even realize.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m the founder and CEO of On a Wing and I make jewelry – Uncommon jewelry for the edgy optimist. Each piece is made custom, one of a kind. There is no mold. Each one is cast using the Lost wax method, because I wanted them to be unique, just like the person wearing them. The quality is so important to me, as is the way they’re made. For each piece sold, I donate to an organization that gives back to others or helps others in some way. Examples are: Shoes that Fit, Beyond Labels and Limitations, Hope Mountain, Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, and more. I am the most proud of the fact that I’m able to donate to such amazing organizations that are making an impact in the world. I am so passionate about my brand because of that. Each piece also has a deep inspirational meaning and a story behind it. Most revolve around the premise of the journey of self, hardship, resilience, being enough, and other aspects of life that we all experience. My mission is to motivate, inspire, give back, encourage empathy, and create badass jewelry that people can wear for a lifetime. I tend to enjoy supporting businesses when I know that the money I’m spending is being used toward something more than just profit.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my favorite sales stories was a couple years ago right before Christmas. I had re-posted a photo posted by a customer wearing a pendant and writing about it on Instagram. He was raving about the company and the product, and it was such a great post that I am still so appreciative of. A friend of his saw it and messaged me, requesting to order the same piece and get it there in time for Christmas for his wife. I’m not one to say no, but was not sure I could pull it off in time. I basically begged some of the vendors I worked with to expedite things and told them that it would mean so much to this customer given the story of the piece and the circumstances of why he wanted to gift it to his wife. This is where the meanings of the piece play into the importance of everything. I was able to finish the piece and ship it via express shipping and it got there in time. I spent more money to get it done, but charged the customer the normal price. I just believe that if I’m able to do something, I should, because you never know what that is going to mean to someone. That could have made his wife’s Christmas, and knowing that is worth much more than any profit to me.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Part of the story of the brand starts from before the name or company even started. My best friend was very sick with lung cancer and passed away in 2019. This experience and loss changed my life more than I can explain in words. It altered my perspective with just about everything. It took time to process and bounce back, but I knew I had to change things in my life. Losing her taught me even more about what should be a priority in life. Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic happened. That’s when I really buckled down to start creating On a Wing and bring it to life. I was still working during the pandemic too, so I didn’t just have hours of free time. I don’t know why, but I knew it was the time to launch it. I think being resilient is choosing love over fear and choosing something positive in any way at a time of hardship. It’s continuing no matter what, even when you don’t have the means or energy to do so. It can also look like rest before continuing. Resilience is conveyed in so many different forms, but that was my way of being resilient. I tried to turn one of the most difficult times in my life into something beautiful in a way that gives back and makes an impact on other’s lives. I know that is what my best friend would have wanted, and want to live my life in a way she would be proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.onawing.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onawing.co/?hl=en

Image Credits
Anna Robinson