Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Blanco.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I decided to start Yellow Rose Jewelry not very long after my husband and I got married in 2019. When we were shopping for wedding rings, we didn’t fall in love with what we found. It was nice but didn’t have anything unique about it. We settled on a pair diamond bands but it left me wondering what other jewelry exists out there. My curiosity lead me to a world of vintage and antique fine jewelry. What I found was amazing! I started showing my husband jewelry that I loved and I’d tell him how it was vintage or previously loved, he’d listen to me go on and on about it. We were a single-income household at the time so buying jewelry for myself was out of the question, instead I dove into research. My husband played a big role in the whole thing, he encouraged me to learn what I could, he told me that I could do it too (sell jewelry). The idea was great, I was a stay at home by this point, and selling jewelry online would be a great way to generate a second income. Not only that but it would allow me the opportunity to work remotely, so when I say it was a great idea, I mean it was perfect. But I was nervous, I didn’t necessarily know where to begin. My husband being as supportive as he could suggested I just take a chance, worst case scenario I end up with a bunch of jewelry I couldn’t sell – best case scenario I start a business that I love. He gifted me enough money for a few pieces and even took me to make my first purchase. At first, I listed jewelry on my personal page but that really work out, so I created Yellow Rose Jewelry. I began posting there and slowly but surely people began to follow my page and make purchases from me. After that there was no stopping me, I’ve been able to grow and sustain this business with the help of my husband and all of our wonderful clients. Who have all quickly become friends!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As fun as this journey has been it has not been easy. Most of our clients have come from social media marketing but learning to navigate an algorithm that is constantly changing has been hard. Generally, it favors consistency and now Reels which we are working on! We’ve also encountered lost packages and fraud. The hardest part about starting this business has been balancing work and my personal life. To this day I am still learning to make time for it all and I’ve been able to find a good medium. My family plays a big role in my success for example if I have to take photos my son will entertain his little sister or if I need to meet a client my husband will fee time up to watch our children. They’re the reason I am able to do this and why the challenges I’ve faced haven’t been so bad.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Yellow Rose Jewelry specializes in vintage jewelry. However, we have recently started working with jewelers who like us do their best to minimize their carbon footprint. As you learn about gold you learn that it’s a dirty business. From illegal mining to money laundering so being able to work with jewelers who can trace back where the gold came from has been great. We don’t generally use new gold, most of our made-to-order items are made with recycled gold. A couple things we’re known for are our earrings and chains. We have a growing list of clients who are waiting for their perfect pair of shrimp hoop earrings or the perfect rope chain. Some of our made to order items include signet rings, zodiac nameplate necklaces as well as diamond necklaces.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’ve learned that you gotta have a lot of grit to make it in life. We can’t always control our situation or the circumstances we’re under but we can control our response to it all. If you let yourself get too down about your shortcomings instead of focusing on how to better the situation then you’re not going to get anywhere. It’s important to push forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yellowrosefinejewelry.com/
- Instagram: @Yellow.Rose.Jewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yellow.rose.jewelry/
