Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Wottlin.
Lauren, please share your story with us.
Growing up in the jewelry industry, I had a passion for jewelry at a young age. As a 2nd generation jeweler, I spent countless hours alongside my mother and father assessing and buying jewelry, grading diamonds, doing jewelry appraisals and designing one of a kind custom pieces. I graduated from Texas Christian University in 2009 with a BS degree in Communication. While at TCU I cheered on the field as well as competitively for Cheer Athletics. In 2008, I won a World Champion title with CA.
Years prior, I received a scholarship for Cheerleading at Hawaii Pacific University in Waikiki, Hawaii. After college and throughout my youth I worked with my family in the jewelry industry. My background in communication and competitive sports has shaped me into the woman I am today. I bring the same competitive tenacity into the business. I take every jewelry job seriously no matter how big or small and competitively aims for my clients to receive the best pricing, quality, and customer service in the jewelry industry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’m unsure any road truly is. I have tried to take one day at a time & stay positive in the midst of the storms. I believe Author Darren Hardy says it best when he calls it “The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster.” There are great days and not so great days, but I would rather work 80 (or more) hours a week to avoid working 40 for someone else, and that takes sacrifice.
Sacrifice of time, relationships, finances & family. I understand that this is only the beginning & that things might be a bit smoother overtime (since we are still a fairly new company). 2018 marks the beginning of our 3rd (full year) in business.
I would say that learning accounting principles & QuickBooks were definite struggles for me.
My book keeper at the time was making so many mistakes that I was completely unaware of until about a year in. This FORCED me to learn the system, but I am grateful that I did. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone who is beginning their business to start online (electronically) and not on paper. Keep record of everything, especially inventory.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lauren Belle Jewelry story. Tell us more about the business.
Lauren Belle Jewelry specializes in custom engagement rings, custom jewelry design & wedding bands.
We are most proud of being chosen as the #1 choice for the Top Ten Jewelry stores in Uptown Dallas on Yelp. We have been featured in Borrowed and Blue, Brides of North Texas, & The Knot.
What sets us apart from others is our honesty and integrity. We share things with our client’s that other jeweler’s might not want you to know. We are up front and believe in full disclosure of all of our products.
Fun facts: Lauren Belle Jewelry offer’s conflict-free diamonds & have a lot of refurbished heirloom pieces for resale. We buy, sell and trade all different types of fine jewelry & diamonds so when you come in to buy, you are not paying retail prices. We also create unique, one of a kind custom designed engagement rings.
We are known for our attention to detail. If clients were able to see what we do on the back end before they pick up their jewelry item(s), I know they would be completely blown away. We never settle, we rise above the “norm” for quality & customer service. Our goal is to go above and beyond in every job to exceed all customer expectations. All of our jewelry items are made in the USA, the majority handcrafted right here in Dallas.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I definitely think you can be at the right place at the right time, but most of the time I believe success comes from hard work. Darren Hardy, Author of “The Compound Effect & The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster,” argues that: “Preparation (personal growth) + Attitude (belief/mindset) + Opportunity (a good thing coming your way) + Action (doing something about it) = Luck.” I strongly agree!
As far as bad luck? I would not describe any setbacks in the business as “bad luck”, but more so as learning opportunities or of areas of change and growth for the future.
One thing I know for sure, I am where I am today in life & in business because of God’s provision in my life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4514 Cole Ave.,
suite 600
by appointment only - Website: laurenbellejewelry.com
- Phone: 2145597113
- Email: lauren@laurenbellejewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbellejewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenbellejewelry/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lbellejewelry
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lauren-belle-jewelry-dallas
Image Credit:
Sarah Kelly Photography
Peaches With Honey Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
