Check Out Diana Marsh’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Marsh

Hi Diana , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thistle & Bess began as an antique and vintage jewelry line in Brooklyn, NY. I had a passion for collecting objects that tell a story from a young age, even winning a second grade writing contest about wanting to be an archaeologist when I grew up. While teaching elementary school in the NYC Public School System, I discovered a love for antique jewelry, specifically from the Victorian Era. Something about those quirky Victorians and the deep symbolism and stories behind their jewelry fascinated me. I decided to take that passion for collecting antique pieces and turn it into an online jewelry business. The shop name, Thistle & Bess was inspired by my Scottish and English heritage. The tough but beautiful thistle is the emblem of Scotland and Bess is for Queen Elizabeth I, nicknamed “Good Queen Bess.” As the vintage and antique jewelry business grew, I decided to take a giant leap and move back home to Ann Arbor, Michigan to follow my dream and open a storefront. In a market dominated by chain stores, I envisioned creating a space that offered the customer fresh and exciting new products, unique in artistry and quality. A little jewel box of collected treasures. The quaint and creative Kerrytown area of Ann Arbor was the perfect community for me to realize my vision. I value being an active member of the community, opening a shop that acts as a gathering space for small exhibitions, workshops and events that feature local artists and products. Since opening the brick and mortar shop in 2015, we have grown our offerings, including starting our own Thistle & Bess Fine Jewelry line, designed by me, that is inspired by where it all began, Victorian jewelry.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are a lot of ups and downs when you own your own business. I like to say that you just need to hold on tight and ride the wave. Obviously the pandemic affected us and how we do business greatly. Luckily, I was able to shift gears and build a larger online shop so people could continue to shop from home while we were closed. I find that navigating post-pandemic life has also been challenging, just trying to adjust to how customers shop now in an age dominated by Amazon. It is important to keep growing, changing, reassessing and adjusting as a business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to think of myself as a curator of handmade specialty goods. At T&B, we sell a collection of eclectic items made by independent artists from all over the world. We specialize in fine jewelry, including our own Thistle & Bess Fine Jewelry line which is based on antique jewelry pieces. I pride myself on the fact that we carry so many unusual items that you don’t typically see in other stores. I hope that everyone who visits our shop discovers something new and unique that inspires, uplifts and delights them.

What matters most to you? Why?
Community matters to me. T&B is more than a shop filled with sparkly little treasures that, let’s face it, none of us REALLY need. It’s a place where all are welcome. Where people come together to celebrate or commiserate. A safe space to escape and appreciate some beauty when you’re feeling down. I love and appreciate my community. I hope that people who come to T&B leave feeling a sense of joy and connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thistleandbess.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thistleandbess
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thistlebess