Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonia Ruff.
Antonia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the South Oak Cliff area by Glendale Park. I graduated from SOC IN 1989. I recently retired from the Dallas Police Dept in 2017 after 25 years. As a Police Officer, I encountered women with low self-esteem and very little self-confidence.
As a woman who wore a uniform every day, whenever I had a chance to dress up, I did and jewelry was a huge part of that. I had been buying paparazzi from a friend for about a year and once I retired, I decided to try selling it myself.
The jewelry is $5 and it’s beautiful. Now, whenever I encounter women wherever I am, I randomly give out blessing bags, which include a necklace or bracelet a ring to women just to see them smile.
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?
After losing my dad, mom, brother and best friend in five years, sometimes it was hard to keep smiling. But for me, books and jewelry was my go-to place, so now I help others when I can.
I could probably have more sales if I spent more time advertising on social media or taking my bling bag with me, or even talking paparazzi up more, but with the jewelry being so reasonable the local area is inundated with it.
At vendor events per the rules, there can only be one consultant per event, so unless you are very popular or very quick it can be hard to get there 1st.
Having friends as customers is definitely a plus because sometimes word of the mouth is the only way to get invited to some events.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Paparazzi Accessories story. Tell us more about the business.
Paparazzi accessories are mostly $5 jewelry.
All necklaces come with earrings.
There is a Zi collection which is $25.
These years, there are more accessories for men, and also for Little ladies we have the Starlight Shimmer Collection.
The best part about Paparazzi to me is once you become a consultant, you are now an entrepreneur. How much time and how much money you make is totally up to you.
There are several millionaires now because of Paparazzi.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have met some amazing people, other consultants who have excelled don’t mind sharing or helping.
At events or just out and about because of Paparazzi, it’s definitely a conversation starter.
The bad part is most of the jewelry I want to keep for myself instead of selling it.
Pricing:
- Necklaces, bracelets, rings $5
- Zi Collection $25
Contact Info:
- Website: http://paparazziaccessories.com/140991
- Phone: 213-650-0157
- Email: tonia.ruff@gmail.com
- Instagram: Tonialeshel
- Facebook: Antonia Ruff
- Twitter: @RuffEnuff1
Image Credit:
Carolyn Harris, Carolyn Stevenson, Tyrone Ruff
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