kiara marshall
#UndeniablyResilient
“I definitely pull from my past experiences”
One hot and muggy 4th of July evening near Austin, TX, 10 year old Kiara Marshall was just another kid enjoying the fireworks and day’s festivities. Little did she know that evening would forever change the course of her life. While sitting on the hood of her uncle’s car with her friends, a drunk driver spun out of control, crashing into their car and pinning her legs between the two vehicles.
The accident severed one of her legs completely and her second leg was saved by the surgeons and many surgeries that transpired through the course of her almost 12 month hospital stay. Kiara’s physical and mental healing would eventually take years.
“I wouldn’t say I fully recovered until I was in my early 20s. That’s when I started to fully accept my disability and really embrace it.... I knew that there was a purpose for me somewhere, that this all happened for some reason.”
Now, Kiara works as a fashion model representing inclusivity as well as with pre-teen girls teaching art as a medium for confidence, self esteem and as a stress management tool.
When we met Kiara, we were immediately enveloped by her gentle demeanor however, her fighting spirit was front and center. Kiara decided she was going to embrace what makes her different and never hide who she is.
Read below and see how Kiara is #UndeniablyResilient NATURALLY KIARA @naturallykiara
C+C: One word to best describe you?
Kiara: Resilient.
C+C: What is the best decision you ever made?
Kiara: When I decided I didn’t want to wear pants anymore. I told my prosthetist (the guy that makes my legs) - before I would get the foam cover so that it would match my real leg - I told him that for my new leg I didn’t want that. I just wanted a plain, hard cover, allblack, so that it would stand out. When I first got it i was like, “What the heck did I just do?” I couldn’t give it back, I have to wear it. I didn’t wear it for a couple weeks, and finally I told myself, “I have to wear it, I asked for it.” And i think that’s what brought on confidence. That one little thing changed my life.
C+C: What is the worst decision you ever made?
Kiara: Doubting myself. I didn’t give things enough time to actually set roots down and give things a chance.
C+C: When/where have you been the happiest?
Kiara: Honestly, here, in New York. This past year, living here, has been the happiest time in my life.
C+C: What advice would you give your younger self?
Kiara: To just breathe. Relax. It is going to be okay.
C+C: Fill in the blank "I am ___________ enough!"
Kiara: GOOD Enough!
Her Story
As an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cut + Clarity founder Mariana Russo Chambers lives out passion and tradition in every aspect of her life. Growing up, Mariana observed her parents’ hard work and dedication to improving their lives and the world around them. These values have become a driving force in her life and career and are ingrained in the foundation of Cut + Clarity.
Over the last two decades Mariana has created jewelry collections for world-class brands and retailers. In 2017 as her family grew, so did Mariana’s desire to leave her daughter with a legacy she could be proud of. One that showcased her immigrant roots and the value immigrants create in local economies and throughout the country.
Mariana turned her passion to New York City’s Diamond District - 1 of the 5 largest diamond exchanges in the world and the culturally diverse microcosm, upheld by immigrant craftsmen. With love and dedication, Mariana has made it the purpose of Cut + Clarity to lift up the time-honored practices of craftsmanship, artistry and diversity.
INNOVATION
Simply put we’re experts.
Instead of telling you what to buy, our platform allows you to personalize and design your jewelry to create exactly what you want. Using technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, we create efficiencies and deliver expertly made pieces with zero waste. We bring the custom jewelry experience to you, handmade by industry leaders that have worked for heritage houses like Tiffany, Harry Winston and Cartier.
It’s a beautiful thing.
Instead of telling you what to buy, our platform allows you to personalize and design your jewelry to create exactly what you want. Using technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, we create efficiencies and deliver expertly made pieces with zero waste. We bring the custom jewelry experience to you, handmade by industry leaders that have worked for heritage houses like Tiffany, Harry Winston and Cartier.
We don’t skimp out on you or our makers.
Each piece we make employs 5 - 8 jewelers in the NYC Diamond District. Our product is made with hundreds of years of combined jewelry expertise and traditions. We have access to not only top jewelers, but also the finest raw materials in the world. This translates to real value for your money and lets you focus on what really matters - recycled gold, ethically sourced stones and supporting the communities that make it happen.
