Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine Bennett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maxine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a new widow, upon returning from living overseas I was at a loss as to what to do with my life. I knew it would not be easy to start fresh in my 50’s. Then my son Scotty and I came up with the idea of starting a jewelry business specializing in sterling silver and Native American jewelry. My entire life I have always enjoyed new adventures and this was no exception.
In 1973, we opened our first store right here in North Dallas only a few blocks away from our current location. At the time Native American jewelry was are the rage and we did quite well. Over the next 44 years, fashions have come and gone, but the quality of our jewelry and timelessness of sterling silver has kept our business thriving while most of our competitors were either forced out of business or moved to selling strictly online. We have been quite fortunate through the years.
In the 1980’s, my daughter, Beverly joined the business and completed the family circle. As a true family owned and operated business, we value each of our customers and pride ourselves in truly personalized and friendly service.
Today, at 97 years old, I am still at work every day not only in the back office, but on the sales floor greeting and helping customers. This business is my passion and I truly can’t imagine retiring.
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?
As with all small businesses, there have been bumps in the road and struggles along the way.
Along the way, we opened several other locations including East Dallas, Plano, North Dallas, and Fort Worth. Keeping multiple locations staffed adequately and run smoothly was definitely a challenge and eventually, we consolidated down to our original single current location. We found that often times it is difficult to find good property management – property maintenance and surrounding area are essential to helping a business prosper and this is why we are so pleased with our current location at the Plaza at Preston Center.
Being in the jewelry industry, we have first-hand knowledge that fashion is a fickle beast. In over 40 years of being in business, fashion trends have come, gone, and then come back again. Thankfully being in the Southwest has guaranteed that Native American jewelry can always be worn in style.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Castle Gap Jewelry story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in genuine sterling silver and Native American handmade jewelry.
We take pride in the superior quality of our jewelry with authentic stones and genuine sterling silver – never silver plated. We are known for our selection of Native American jewelry. It is like none other locally with gem quality turquoise stones and stunning statement pieces throughout or store.
We travel to New Mexico several times a year to hand pick our jewelry from the Navajo, Zuni, Santo Domingo, and Hopi artists to ensure a selection of beautiful new designs for our customers and the consistent quality of our jewelry. 80% of our jewelry is handmade and one-of-a-kind including pieces from Native American artists in New Mexico, domestic artists such as Zina and Acleoni, and even handmade on the island of Bali. Even the jewelry basics that we sell such as manufactured chains, hoop earrings, and charms are genuine sterling silver.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel lucky to have been blessed with this wonderful life. A thriving business shared with my children selling jewelry that it handmade wearable art… what more could I ask for in life?
I believe good luck, hard work, a positive outlook, and faith go hand in hand to create a beautiful life. If you are missing any of these factors the balance can be tipped easily to negative from positive. At 97 years old my glass has always been half full.
A small business is a precarious thing and must be nurtured at every moment in order to thrive. Good luck has always played a part in my life.
Pricing:
- Handmade sterling silver earrings $25.00 and up
- Turquoise and sterling silver handmade bracelets $150.00 and up
- Handmade stone and shell necklaces $65.00 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: The Plaza at Preston Center
8300 Preston Rd. Ste. 500
Dallas, TX 75225 - Website: www.CastleGap.com
- Phone: 214-361-1677 and 1-866-783-8064
- Email: castlegap@castlegap.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/castlegapjewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CastleGapJewelry
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/castlegap
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/castle-gap-jewelry-dallas
- Other: www.pinterest.com/castlegap
Image Credit:
Daniel Scurlock
Sherry Ward
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.
