“Explore my professional background, key achievements, and cross-industry leadership experience.”

Summary

Creative strategist and executive-level brand visionary with 25+ years of experience spanning luxury jewelry, fashion media, nonprofit leadership, financial branding, and digital architecture.

Provenability to lead cross-functional creative teams, close high-value sales remotely, design award-winning campaigns, and guide startups and established brands through reimagination and reinvention.

Creative Director - KISMET Magazine

* Created and scaled an interactive digital editorial platform fusing sustainable fashion, equestrian life, and artistic culture.

* Mentored editorial, photography, and styling teams; developed e-commerce strategy; wrote and edited feature articles.

* First digital magazine to embed direct advertiser, article, and Instagram links on every page.

Creative Director, Stylist, Copywriter - Michael Barin Jewelry

* Led high-impact jewelry campaigns from visual storytelling and copywriting to full production and operations.

* Personally closed every high-value collector sale remotely, using intuition, photos, and phone calls without in-person previews.

*Developed gemstone narratives, model styling, and luxury-level client experience for elite collectors.

Treasurer - Hoofbeats Are My Melody 501(c)(3)

* Co-founded nonprofit dedicated to therapeutic equestrian and arts programs in Moorpark, CA.

* Helped raise $40,000.

* Serve on board of directors overseeing fundraising, community engagement, and operational growth.

Sales and Marketing Director, Lead Brand Strategist & UX Advisor - Outsource Financial Services

* Architected company's digital brand strategy, financial education content, and intuitive UX systems.

* Designed and wrote interactive brochures with embedded navigation, technical copy, and sales-facing materials.

* Advised on tone and content strategy to elevate trust in a competitive B2B financial space.

Founder & CEO of Carmel Jewelry Group LLC – Luxury Jewelry Company

As the founder and CEO of a high-end jewelry brand, I led all aspects of the business with a deep commitment to craftsmanship, customer experience, and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities and accomplishments:

Oversaw full operations across retail and wholesale divisions, including two locations in Southern and Northern California

Directed sales strategy, account management, and client engagement—serving both VIP retail clients and 35+ authorized wholesale accounts

Managed accounting, vendor relations, and inventory, ensuring financial transparency and sustainable growth

Led marketing, branding, and advertising efforts across digital and print, crafting a compelling luxury narrative

Oversaw production quality control to maintain excellence and consistency, based on client specifications and design standards

Served as Creative Director, offering bespoke design services and translating client visions into exclusive fine jewelry pieces

Developed award-winning visual merchandising and window displays—earning a nomination for Best Retail Luxury Store in Carmel, CA during the first year of operation

Doubled revenue in the flagship Carmel location within the first year post-purchase

This venture combined my love of design with strategic leadership, allowing me to create a brand that resonated with both private collectors and luxury retailers alike

Website Architect & Copywriter - Michaelbarin.com, Kismetmasters.com, OutsourcefinancialServices.com

* Sole creator of all visual, written, and structural elements of 3 dynamic web properties.

* Developed wireframes, SEO-driven copy, shop flows, user-friendly navigation, and product storytelling strategies.

* Oversaw every design asset including banners, menus, gallery displays, and campaign integration.

Finance, Real Estate & Consulting Expertise

With extensive experience across the financial landscape, I bring a comprehensive understanding of how money moves—from luxury transactions to everyday logistics.

My background includes:

Home Mortgages & Property Management

Luxury Vehicle Financing (including dealership processes and client engagement)

Invoice Factoring & Business Cash Flow Solutions

Tax Consulting with an emphasis on strategy and client education

Home Renovation Oversight for investment properties and personal estates

In addition to my financial and real estate experience, I am also a Certified Facilitator and Trainer for luxury and automotive dealerships, where I’ve trained teams in client communication, product presentation, and high-touch sales techniques.

Whether advising individuals, training teams, or managing assets, I combine deep industry knowledge with a personal approach to help clients and companies navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence.

Skills

* Brand Voice + Identity Creation

* Executive Leadership + Training

* Art Direction + Styling and Orginal Productions

* Remote Client Sales & Relationship Building

* Editorial Writing + Ghostwriting

* Nonprofit Operations + Fundraising

* UX + Web Content Architecture

* Luxury Product Merchandising

* Digital Marketing + SEO Strategy

Professional Highlights

25+ years in luxury goods, operations, branding, UHNW client services, and executive support

Creative Director, CEO, Financial Consultant, Trainer — I have led from every seat

Digital-first thinker — I have run e-commerce, websites, social, photography, and strategy

Worked with iconic brands like Rolex, Hearts on Fire, and David Yurman

Award-winning entrepreneur (doubled revenue, retail accolades, client wins)

Leadership experience across jewelry, finance, real estate, wellness, and lifestyle brands

I have done all of this remotely since 2016 — high-value with low overhead

Photography: Amy Barnard, Model Reanna Barin, Creative Director: Sonjia Romero, Makeup: Jessica Michelle, Jewelry: Michael Barin
Leather Handbag designed and produce by Sonjia Romero, Artwork provided by MADELINE DE ST.PIERRE BUNBURY 

"Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth" Campaign – Michael Barin

This vibrant and playful ad was designed for both digital and print distribution across all authorized retail accounts of master jeweler Michael Barin. Inspired by the vivid colors and indulgent allure of candy, the campaign showcases bold, gem-encrusted rings set against a whimsical backdrop of glossy lollipops. The tagline, “Satisfy your sweet tooth...,” teases the luxurious temptation of fine jewelry with a fun, flirtatious twist.

The concept and creative direction for this campaign were developed by Sonjia Romero, merging high-fashion elegance with pop-art energy to highlight the irresistible charm of Barin’s signature gemstone pieces.