In Conversation with Miryam Cera
Tell us about your background:
I am a passionate apparel, handbag and accessories designer and have devoted almost 30 years to this industry. It’s been my passion since I was 12 years old, when I would attend classes at FIT each Saturday, even during the summers, to prepare for my chosen field. When I was accepted to Parsons, I was so excited to start my journey towards becoming the designer that I knew I could be. After graduating, I started my professional life at Norma Kamali in the sample room. After leaving there, I moved on to other companies where I learned to design apparel for men, women and children. I spent the next 15 years working with large and small companies in both a fulltime and freelance capacity. After I gave birth to my second child, I decided that it was time to take a break from apparel and redirect to design handbag and accessories. I was very fortunate that I was able to learn the technical aspect of the job and transition. I thought that I would have had to take a huge step back in position and salary, but I was able to stay at a level I was happy with and grew from there. I was hired as a designer at Liz Claiborne outlet division and my boss there helped me acquire those last missing skills that I had to learn to be able to make the full transition. She was a patient and generous mentor, and we remain close friends to this day.
After 2 years there, I interviewed for the Senior Designer position at LeSportsac, where I would work with a friend from my time at Old Navy. When I was hired, it was one of the most exciting days of my life. This job allowed me to take on being a manager, travel internationally and I really felt this had taken my career to a new level. I was able to design product that I had never done before. It challenged me at all levels. I learned how I could be a mentor, a good listener, a great presenter, an organized thinker, a problem solver, a boundary pusher and this led to becoming Director of Design. I spent 9.5 years there. I am now taking all of those skills and starting my own handbag and accessories brand, Ceramar. I am learning to be a one woman show and expressing my voice instead of someone else’s. It is the most exciting and terrifying time of my life, but there is nowhere to go but up.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
I wish that I would have trusted my gut better. If something, someplace or someone didn't sit well with me, I should have spoken up about it.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Listen to all sides and make your judgement after that. Embrace the fear and keep going.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
A leader that listens and has empathy, but at the same time is honest and strong.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
2020 has been the biggest challenge that I have encountered in my career. It has been a time of reflection of who I am and what I can do. Also that there are circumstances that are out of my control and I just need to ride them out for awhile. At the same time, take the time to prepare for the next step.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
Jeans! I love jeans! They can be dressed up and down. The right pair can make me feel like I can do anything.
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miryam-r-cera/
Website: https://www.miryamcera.com/
Instagram: @shop.ceramar
