Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Schlehuber.
Hi Paige, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was 18, just before starting my sophomore year at Texas Christian University, my sister, who attended Texas Tech, and I were looking for a small side project to make a little extra money while in college. We had recently gotten permanent jewelry done with our mom and, on a whim, decided to try it ourselves. We ordered a jewelry welder one day and taught ourselves how to make permanent jewelry.
What started as something fun for family and friends quickly turned into something much bigger. Before long, I was making jewelry for my sorority and hosting pop-up events across Texas—at college campuses, boutiques, gyms, bachelorette parties, and social gatherings.
After graduating from TCU in December 2024, I decided to take a leap of faith and see if this “side hustle” could become a full-time career. Entrepreneurship wasn’t what I originally saw myself doing after college, but I’m so grateful I took the chance. About ten months later, Paj Permanent Jewelry has grown from just my sister and me to a small team of seven. We’re now on track to surpass six figures in sales before the end of 2025, which feels surreal considering how it all started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — and I don’t think owning your own business ever really is. When you’re building something from the ground up, you’re constantly betting on yourself, which can be both exciting and challenging. In the permanent jewelry industry, work can be very seasonal, so I’ve had to learn that some months are incredibly busy and profitable, while others require more patience, budgeting, and work.
One of the biggest lessons for me has been learning to ride those waves and not panic during the slower periods. It’s taught me resilience and trust — that if I stay consistent, keep showing up, and continue putting in the work, the momentum always returns. Every challenge has made me more grounded and more confident in my ability to adapt and grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The permanent jewelry space is full of variety — from pricing to materials to overall quality. Some brands prioritize affordability, while others focus solely on high-end materials. From the beginning, I wanted Paj to strike the perfect balance between the two. Our jewelry is made with high-quality materials that can withstand everyday life — water, perfume, sweat, and everything in between — but it’s also meant to be accessible. Because I started this business as a college student, it was important to me that anyone, regardless of budget, could enjoy something timeless and meaningful.
What truly sets Paj apart, though, is how we stand behind our products and our customers. I care deeply about making sure every person gets what they paid for — and if something ever goes wrong, I’ll always do whatever I can to make it right. I want every customer to feel valued, not just for their purchase, but for the connection we build with them.
At the end of the day, permanent jewelry is about more than a bracelet. It’s about marking a moment or connection that matters — with your friend, mom, sister, or significant other. I like to say our jewelry is “a physical representation of an intangible connection between people.” That’s the heart of Paj, and what I’m most proud of.
What makes you happy?
To be honest, people make me happy. I’ve spent much of my life traveling, having new experiences, and meeting incredible individuals. So many times, I’ve thought, “There’s no way I’ll ever meet someone as interesting as the people I already know.” And yet, year after year, I continue to cross paths with new people who change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Everyone has their own stories, experiences, and perspectives — and I think there’s always something to learn from the people around you.
That’s one of the main reasons I love what I do with Paj. Being in a customer-facing role gives me the chance to meet people from all walks of life and connect in meaningful ways. I get to hear their stories, celebrate special moments with them, and leave them with a little piece of Paj. There’s truly no better feeling than seeing someone out in public who I’ve done permanent jewelry for and watching their face light up as they show me they’re still wearing it. Paj has given me a way to build connections every single day — and that’s what makes me happiest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pajpermanentjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pajpermanentjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pajpermanentjewelry/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pajpermanentjewelry/
Image Credits
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