Today we’d like to introduce you to Pat Ryan.
Pat, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It started with a resume. I was introduced to Paula, a highly skilled resume writer who makes the resume a soul-searching process. She encouraged thoughtful evaluation of my progress through many years of retail experience. Ok, not just encouraged, she demanded that I do a detailed review and come back to her. It was intense, and it was fantastic. At the end of this process, when my resume was completed, I had a eureka moment. With all my experience and success, I realized I should develop my own business! The next few months involved the creation of a business plan. I identified the specific jewelry styles I was interested in and worked on the composition of my collection. I love visual impressions, fashion, jewelry, exciting trends and color. Interacting with people both socially and in business is important to me. I love to travel, meet people and get fresh ideas for business and fashion. My strong work ethic is also an asset for a sole proprietorship. It took lots of research to develop a business plan and to establish my company. Jewels of Jaipur was founded in 2013. I now have a jewelry collection with my signature style.
My research led me to investigate India. I had never been there, but the aesthetics and quality workmanship I discovered was a good match for my style. As I researched further, my spotlight was on the magical “Pink City” of Jaipur. There is a heritage of gem mining and boundless adornment that I could not resist. I planned my trip to India. I spent a few days in Delhi and found one exceptional artisan group. Then I moved on to Jaipur. It is indeed magical. I had found my muse. Travel to India to work with the artisans is something I look forward to twice a year. Showrooms at major trade shows are the best venue for my business model and aesthetic. I have showroom presence in the major trade shows of Dallas, Las Vegas and High Point, North Carolina. I also do trunk shows and friends & family jewelry parties at my home during the winter holidays.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a small company, I have to keep a tight budget and several times I have learned lessons the hard way. The biggest lesson I learned was about getting carried away with an advertising campaign that didn’t generate the sales to justify the expense.
Second, I got trapped by the lure of multiple locations. My jewelry requires a salesperson that loves working with customers and introducing them to the collection. This is not something I can teach to a temporary employee. Eventually, I aspire to build my business to include a second person who shares my love for the jewelry and the clientele. But I’m not there yet.
Finally, I have learned to have a plan B. I now keep my eyes open for new artisans and new ways to promote and sell jewelry.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jewels of Jaipur – what should we know?
I specialize in curating one-of-a-kind jewelry. The gemstones are mined in Jaipur, India. Each piece is then handmade by artisans there. From dainty to bold, the designs in my collection are unique and significant. Each piece is set in sterling silver and plated with gold. Twice a year, when I travel to India, I plan each day with the artisans. Curating the product for the upcoming season. It is exciting and intense.
My markets cover regional areas: Dallas, Las Vegas and High Point, North Carolina. I set up in a showroom for the length of a biannual trade show, six times a year, where I sell primarily to sales reps and designers. I also do trunk shows for customers.
My customers are from all areas of the country, as well as other parts of the world. They are interested in jewelry that is unique, beautifully designed and something they will wear as part of their signature style Customers enjoy the personal interaction at a trade show as much as I do. There is always a lot to choose from in earrings, cuffs, necklaces and rings. Sometimes there are several customers at once, and everyone is interacting. We have fun. I am proud of the collection we have to offer and grateful to the Jaipur artisans and the lovely people I work with in India. There is never a dull moment. We have great fun and synergy as well.
What is your favorite memory from childhood:
Born into a retail household, legend has it that my first spoken word was “inventory”.
Shopping with my Mom, who was a visual manager for a fine department store, is my favorite memory. We were a team. Back to school meant starting at one end of the city and working our way through every cool store, selecting the coolest of the cool. We never settled. She taught me to have “the eye” for the best, which still influences my selections today.
Contact Info:
- Website: jewelsofjaipur.net
- Phone: 9728493933
- Email: patryan@jewelsofjaipur.net
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