Emilie Parylak, Siren Masquerades
How did you get started?
When I was living in NYC, I attended many a social event. Masquerades and mask themed parties were in abundance and I could never seem to find a mask that I truly loved. More often than not, I’d only come across mass produced plastic which didn’t hold much aesthetic appeal. So, I decided I’d just make my own. I’ve always been a ‘crafty’ person by nature and was really excited to take on the project.
How did you get the idea for your business?
The first masquerade mask I'd created was for a specific event: my good friend Tim Phillip’s “Burlesquerade” birthday party at Hudson Terrace.
I donned a giant crown of peacock feathers which stood at least 3’ above everyone’s heads (including my own). It seemed to go over well. Between the obvious jokes about being able to easily find me in the crowd, many asked where I’d gotten it. I opened an ETSY store and got to work.
How many years have you been in business?
Since November 2011
What service/good(s) do you provide? What need(s) does your company address?
I design and hand craft high end, often one a kind, masquerade masks (while dabbling in headdresses and other accessories). I like to think that Siren Masquerades offers a more personal, higher quality option for consumers.
What do you wish you would have known earlier in your career?
Oh this list is *long*! I wish I’d known that just because a celebrity promises to promote your work in exchange for a discount in no way means that they’re actually going to do it.
And I guess lastly, that it’s ok to charge what you believe your ‘art’ is worth. That customers aren’t just paying for the product/materials in hand but also the hours and months and years of practice that went into learning skills that made that product possible
What do you love about your job?
I actually really love the part of the job that most people would consider monotonous: the crystallization of the masks. Each crystal/rhinestone is hand placed on my designs and the count can easily rise to a few thousand.
For me, it’s become almost therapeutic. My ‘day job’ is based in science and regulatory law which obviously means that my brain has to be working at full steam. Placing thousands of 2-5mm crystals on a beautiful creation is just the kind of ‘break’ I need.
What is your favorite way to encourage women entrepreneurs
I don’t remember a specific person, date or situation where I’ve actively encouraged “as an entrepreneur” but I guess that’s just because I’m supportive of everyone in my life.
What are you looking forward to?
Well, like so many in the world right now, the current pandemic has turned my life upside down. I’m currently without access to my mask supplies (they're all in a storage unit with the rest of my worldly belongings) and a place to work (I lost my loft space as I’m furloughed from my 9-5).
I’m looking forward to getting back to work (across the board) and turning new concepts into realities.
FB: www.facebook.com/SirenMasquerades
STORE: www.etsy.com/shop/SirenMasquerades
EMAIL: sirenmasquerades@gmail.com
My name is Kirsten Böhme and I’m the VP of Digital for UWIB NYC, marrying my two great passions of storytelling and social media.
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