meet the karat gold team
MARNELLI M.
FOUNDER & CHIEF STRATEGIST
Karat Social is the sparkling vision of Marnelli Martin, an award-winning entrepreneur, a seasoned jewelry industry pro, and a true brand and product marketer at heart.
Marnelli is a Digital Marketing Executive Graduate from The Wharton School of Business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and minor studies in public relations, film, and media management from St. Paul University. She is also a GIA-Certified Diamond Graduate from the Gemological Institute of America with extensive knowledge and experience in diamonds, precious metals–karat gold, platinum, sterling silver, precious and semi-precious gems, fine, bridge, fashion, and costume jewelry.
For over 20 years, Marnelli has been a sought-after business strategist for the Industry’s top players globally with over 100 million dollars of sales revenue under her belt.
When Marnelli is not sashaying her way through trade shows, marketing events, or consulting with clients around the world, she adores being with her family, her three oh-so-cuddly golden retrievers, her belly dance troupe, nature, poetry, and serving local communities in her home in Connecticut, USA.
hillary w.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Hillary Weiss is a coveted brand positioning expert and the founder of Statement Piece Studio. She’s also the former co-host of the cult-favorite marketing show on Youtube–Hillary and Margo Yell at Websites (#HAMYAW). Her work has been featured on Business Insider, The Next Web, The Observer, and more.
For over a decade, she’s helped thousands of brands all over the world get seen and heard (and make serious cash) through her incredible brand strategy, courses, and videos. Now, she’s on a mission to help more small businesses define their “statement piece”, a.k.a. the bold point of view that makes them radically relevant to their perfect target audience.
Hillary is excited to party in style with you and curate your very own extraordinary, next “IT” jewelry brand. Get ready to be stunned by this brilliant lightning bolt Creative Director!
GROWTH MARKETING MANAGER and LEAD ANALYTICS
Mari W.
Mari Williams is a Google and LinkedIn Certified, digital marketing professional with expertise in Paid Ads, PPC, SEO and Lead Generation. She is a data-driven, highly analytical marketer and has grown multiple accounts with proven 4x to 6x ROAS–including one of the largest jewelry e-commerce brands. She manages over $1 million per year in ad spend and loves spearheading impactful marketing campaigns.
Mari’s educational background in computer science and cyber security from the University of Maryland and her passion for algorithms prepared her for many digital challenges that she’s now successfully solving for clients.
We adore Mari’s love for adventure! A true digital nomad, she and her family have been exploring the world from their RV. She revels in learning about new cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds while continuing to pursue her dedication to helping businesses succeed in the digital world with Karat Social.
HEAD OF COPYWRITING & COMMUNICATIONS
VANESSA G.
Vanessa Groce, a former editor at the esteemed business-to-business publication Accessories Magazine, has charted her path as an accomplished copywriter and editor. With a strong background in covering the jewelry industry, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work.
Vanessa has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of renowned brands. From Macy's and Lord & Taylor to New York & Company, Aerosoles, Laura Ashley, Aquatalia, Perry Ellis International, and Peter Manning New York, she has left an indelible mark on each project she undertakes.
Vanessa's dedication to her craft shines through in every engagement, as she skillfully combines her passion for writing with meticulous attention to detail. Her ability to captivate audiences and deliver compelling content has earned her a reputation as a trusted partner for brands seeking to elevate their messaging and connect with their target audience.
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST
Maressa B.
Meet Maressa Benz, a dynamic business graduate and a mastermind in strategic social media content. Her educational background in business lays the foundation for her deep understanding of market trends and consumer behaviors. This expertise is the cornerstone of her passion: creating impactful social media strategies that engage audiences and drive business growth.
Maressa's professional journey is distinguished by her collaboration with diverse businesses, for which she has crafted tailor-made content strategies. Her approach is straightforward yet effective — she aligns engaging content with business goals, ensuring each post is purposeful.
But Maressa's interests extend beyond business. She has a deep love for traveling the world, exploring new cultures, and indulging in diverse cuisines. From the vibrant streets of Mexico to the charm of various European countries, her travels enrich her life and lend a unique depth to her professional endeavors, blending her global experiences with her strategic expertise.
STYLIST AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
tamara g.
Tamara Gaudin's expertise as a stylist transcends international borders, spanning from the fashion capitals of Paris and New York City to the vibrant cities of Mexico, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas.
Her versatility shines through her diverse portfolio, encompassing work in television and film, commercial and runway styling, and her participation in the prestigious New York Fashion Week. Fueled by her passion for travel, Tamara draws inspiration from the culinary delights, rich textiles, and unique shopping experiences she encounters during her frequent journeys across the globe. This global exposure has granted her a profound understanding of fashion's essence, positioning her as an exceptional stylist and fashion & creative director for Karat Social's clients.
With Tamara’s keen eye for detail and innate ability to curate looks and creatives that resonate with people from all walks of life, she effortlessly proves that fashion can be accessible and transformative for everyone.
Whether you're seeking a classic wardrobe, a show-stopping red-carpet look, or simply a touch of sartorial inspiration for your creative direction, photoshoots, and brand campaigns, Tamara is the stylist who can bring your fashion dreams to life.
cARLY t.
SENIOR COPYWRITER
Meet Carly Eckerle-Turner, Karat Social’s resident copywriter and communication enthusiast. She’s the brains, word alchemist, and hidden gem uncoverer behind bestselling products and beloved brands – both big and small.
In addition to being immersed in all things copy and digital marketing, Carly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and history and professional writing certification from Washington State University.
One of her most coveted talents is adapting to each brand’s unique voice and style – then expressing it to the world through powerful storytelling and content marketing that truly helps brands shine.
Carly can’t wait to help you craft the kind of delightful, memorable copy that enchants your dream customers and gives your collections the extra hint of sparkle they need to stand out!
OPERATIONS, SYSTEMS & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST
patty w.
Patty Woods works exceptionally well with fast-brained and neurodivergent entrepreneurs because she embodies both qualities herself. This unique combination allows her to be highly attuned to the challenges faced by companies & business owners who struggle with executive functions, which are crucial for smooth business operations, effective project management, and the creation and execution of stellar client experiences.
With over 16 years of experience, Patty has mastered the art of balancing her hyperfocus on understanding how things work with her intuitive grasp of what clients’ desire in order to create bespoke backends. These tailored solutions not only optimize business processes but also deliver a 'wow factor' that leaves your customers feeling like they've truly arrived.
In the world of sales and marketing, Patty is akin to a maestro, harmonizing various elements to create highly effective funnels that drive growth and revenue. Her strategic insights, meticulous planning, and organizational skills make her an invaluable asset to the Karat Social team and the clients we serve.
DIRECTOR OF VISUAL BRANDING AND WEB DESIGN
RACHEL P.
Rachel Pesso is a brand storyteller, designer, and visual director. She designs beautiful websites to showcase your big vision. With 10+ years of experience, she blends high-level strategy, collaboration, and deep love to design who you are online. Each website that she helps create is a trailblazer brand leveraging its unique voice and aesthetics to create an irresistible impact in a world that deeply desires it.
“The things we love – like exploring the world, telling stories, transforming perspectives and spending time with the people who matter most, should never come second to the way we work. They should be woven into the fabric of every step, every offering, and every heart beat of your brand and vision.”
Jason’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion in web development have been the driving forces behind his successful journey in the world of eCommerce. With a deep understanding of the industry, Jason has cultivated invaluable experience collaborating with small businesses and transforming their dreams into tangible realities.
Driven by an insatiable desire for growth, Jason remains dedicated to honing his developer skills consistently. His continuous pursuit of excellence pushes him to refine and expand his expertise across all facets of digital commerce and the ever-evolving Shopify ecosystem. He embraces the dynamic landscape of eCommerce with unwavering determination, ensuring that he stays at the forefront of industry trends and advancements. By doing so, Jason reliably exceeds expectations and delivers outstanding results.
E-COMMERCE SOLUTIONS MANAGER & SHOPIFY SPECIALIST
jASON T.
EVA GRACE E.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
With many years of experience working in developmental government programs and project management positions, Eva Grace has a proven track record of strong performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments–all while skillfully managing administrative duties and client relations. She is our digital fairy god mama who can execute and implement complex tasks & strategies for the team and clients with magical efficiency and a can-do spirit. She approaches every undertaking with creativity, ingenuity and excellence.
Eva Grace has engineering and Master of public administration degrees from the University of the Philippines. She keeps our systems and processes organized and the team fully supported to be top performers!