Women in CO : Nathalie Marciano
It’s not about achieving goals or gaining recognition but staying true to my values and feeling fulfilled along the way.
Women in CO is about the women I meet, know, love, and admire—those who inspire me daily with their wisdom and strengths but also their vulnerabilities, complexities and humanity. Their voices offer insight, encouragement, and the kind of quiet reassurance that reminds us: We are not alone.
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1 WHAT DO YOU DO? WHAT IS YOUR ROLE, AND HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK IN THIS FIELD?
I’m the co-founder of Art Firm Advisor LLC, an internationally recognized art advisory firm. I work closely with leading creatives, as well as high-profile business and community leaders, to bring art into their spaces in a way that feels both personal and meaningful. My focus is on building well-balanced collections that reflect each client’s unique style while also serving as smart investments. I love guiding clients to discover new artists and curate pieces that truly resonate with them.
My journey into the art world has been a creative evolution. Before transitioning to this field, I produced films and served as Creative Art Director for Charles David Footwear—rewarding roles where creativity was key. But art has always been the thread connecting everything: my mother was an avid collector, my ex-husband as well, and living surrounded by art has shaped my life for as long as I can remember.
Things crystallized when I met art advisor Julie Miyoshi while building my own collection. Inspired by her vision and expertise, I felt a natural pull to partner with her. This leap into art advisory allowed me to combine my professional background with my lifelong passion.
The most rewarding part of this journey is helping clients build spaces where art is more than decoration—it becomes an enriching and meaningful part of their lives.
2 IN WHAT WAYS HAS YOUR WORK SHAPED YOUR IDENTITY AND PERSONAL GROWTH?
For me, personal growth has shaped my work. Raising my three daughters has deeply influenced how I approach business, encouraging me to reflect on my behaviors and values. Together, we’ve faced challenges that taught me resilience and the importance of growth through adversity. Watching them develop inspires me to be a better role model and support system. Core values like integrity, authenticity, kindness, and resilience are at the heart of our company culture.
3 HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? HAS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS EVOLVED OVER TIME?
I see success as finding happiness and balance in what matters most—relationships, personal growth, and helping others. It’s not about achieving goals or gaining recognition but staying true to my values and feeling fulfilled along the way.
My definition of success has evolved. When I was younger, it centered on big milestones and accomplishments. Now, I see it as more personal: learning from challenges, building resilience, and focusing on what truly gives life meaning.
I’ve also enriched my life by staying connected to those who inspire me. As a member of The Institute, a San Francisco-based think tank, I collaborate to bring great ideas to life across diverse fields. I also support filmmakers by helping them share their work with the right audiences. At its core, my focus is on uplifting others and fostering meaningful connections that make impactful work possible.
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4 WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED TO KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING?
Staying creative and surrounding myself with people from different fields keeps me inspired and motivated. I love learning from their unique perspectives and seeing the world through their eyes. That mix of ideas and energy sparks my creativity and often leads to discoveries I wouldn’t have made on my own. It’s the diversity of thought and experiences around me that keeps me excited and driven to move forward.
5 DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL, FEMALE OR OTHERWISE? WHAT LESSONS FROM THEM HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR PATH?
I don’t focus on gender as much as the whole person. I deeply admire women, but when it comes to role models, I look at the broader context—their character, actions, and the impact they’ve made. I’m inspired by strong individuals who have moved the needle or created meaningful change. It’s their resilience, vision, and ability to make a difference that influence me most.
6 HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED CHALLENGES/RESISTANCE THAT PERTAINED TO YOU BEING A WOMAN IN THE WORKPLACE? HOW HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO WORK OR LEADERSHIP?
I’ve faced many challenges as a woman, particularly in male-dominated industries like footwear and film, where I was often treated differently. On top of that, assumptions about my background—like having it easy because of my successful parents—made me feel I had to work twice as hard to prove myself.
These experiences taught me resilience and shaped my leadership style. They reinforced the importance of authenticity, hard work, and staying true to my values, no matter the circumstances.
7 WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE WORKPLACE AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME IT? COMMUNICATION? MANAGEMENT? TIME MANAGEMENT? INSPIRATION? WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
My biggest workplace challenge used to be communication. When I was younger, I was more impulsive, often rushing through life without fully considering how I expressed myself. This sometimes led to miscommunication or missed opportunities to connect.
Over time, I’ve learned that thoughtful communication—choosing the right tone and words—can completely transform a situation, turning challenges into opportunities. It’s a skill I’ve worked hard to improve, and it’s made a significant difference in how I navigate challenges and build strong relationships.
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8 HAS YOUR WORK TAUGHT YOU IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS WHICH HAVE ULTIMATELY SHAPED WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
I’m a strong multitasker and delegator, balancing creative ideas with task completion. I work with a talented team who helps bring ideas to life. With a large family, close friends, and a busy career, balancing everything is essential. My three adult daughters—Caroline, Olivia, and Emma—have their own careers, so staying connected and carving out time together is a priority.
9 WHAT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES OR QUALITIES DO YOU THINK WOMEN CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORKPLACE, AND HOW DO THESE INFLUENCE TEAM
Women bring unique perspectives to the workplace through their ability to listen, show kindness, empathy, and act with conviction. Kindness is often seen as a weakness, but it’s actually a strength that builds trust and teamwork. A combination of kindness and confidence creates strong, effective leaders.
Many women work hard to overcome insecurities, showing resilience and courage. As a leader, it’s important to inspire and support others, especially during challenging times. These qualities help build stronger teams and foster growth and success
10 WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD SHARED WITH YOU WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT?
One piece of advice I wish someone had shared with me is to take my time—wait before jumping to answers or conclusions. Patience and reflection can make all the difference. I also wish I’d been warned to be careful about who to trust, as not everyone has your best interests at heart.
When it comes to being a mom, I had no idea how much it would teach me about patience, resilience, and unconditional love. Motherhood has been the most humbling and rewarding learning experience of all.
11.WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHERISHED PIECE OF CLOTHING?
A: My most cherished pieces are my big, oversized cashmere sweaters and my cowboy boots. The sweaters are essential, timeless. My boots add a bit of a twist to my day time and night time outfits. I love effortless essentials.
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12. WHAT PURCHASE RULES DO YOU HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO CLOTHING?
A: I prioritize quality over quantity, I focus on essentials that last. I'm drawn to classic, pieces that can be styled in different ways. They remain wardrobe staples for years.
13. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS MISSING IN YOUR CLOSET?
A: I'd love to add a few great tailored pencil skirts. They are a great alternative to trousers. I'm also a big fan of CO's Double Wrapped Belted Coat. it's a great layer that goes well with everything. Night and day. I would love for it to come in more colors in future collections.