Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosa Mendoza.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rosa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Just a Texas girl from East Dallas making jewelry! I started making rings back in 2013 after I lost a ring I had purchased at a local art fair. I remember searching all over the internet trying to find the jewelry designer so I could order another one. I never found the maker but found a few articles on how to make wire wrapped jewelry. I decided to try and make a ring similar to the one I had lost. After many failed attempts, I made one I liked. I posted a picture of it on my social media showing my closest friends and family. I never really planned on making rings for anyone other than myself but I started to really enjoy the process. I had a few people interested in purchasing a ring, so I took a leap of faith and went online to order more supplies. I kept posting pictures as I created a ring and again people really wanted to buy them. I sat at home making rings every night and after months of practicing, I found my technique and felt comfortable posting rings to sell. That’s when R.E.M Jewelry came to life!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If anyone tells you there are no struggles to owning your own business I need their secrets! I have faced many obstacles during my journey. I have a full-time job outside of my own business so time management can be a struggle. I am not able to dedicate all of my time into promoting and growing my business as I would like to. Being a single mom and having bills to pay takes priority. So I’ve had to hold off on fully investing into my business. With that being said, there are many great benefits of having my own business along with the struggle.
I love being my own boss and being able to take on as much as I can whenever I can. I have the freedom of working on my jewelry around my schedule and what works best for me. It’s definitely been tough balancing both jobs but I do the best I can! Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that a simple hobby would help support me and my son. I have been lucky enough to meet amazing local vendors as well as customers. Seeing their pictures of my rings has made this whole journey worthwhile. I am excited to see what the future of R.E.M. Jewelry looks like!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about R.E.M Jewelry – what should we know?
I hand make wire-wrapped jewelry using 14k gold-filled and sterling silver wire. I use natural stones and gems to add an extra touch to every ring. My rings are custom made to the buyer’s preferences from the type of stone/gem color and finish they want. I currently only focus on rings but I am looking to grow my collection with other pieces such as ear cuffs and free form designs.
During my shows, my customer’s best know me for my ability to hand-make rings on the spot. I have perfected my wire wrapping process thus, the slogan “10 minutes to put a ring on it!” Perfecting my craft has really helped attract customers as I can customize a ring without taking too much of their time. I take pride in the fact that my jewelry is handmade and unique but doesn’t cost you a fortune.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have been extremely lucky and blessed with the biggest support system. This business would have ended at me making my one ring a long time ago if it hadn’t been for them. My besties, Vanessa, Shaila, Cristina and my sister, Nancy have all been there through it all. From the startup to every obstacle I’ve faced, they’ve all been my biggest cheerleaders. I’m also fortunate to be friends with two boss moms, Nicole and Shelvia, they are the owners of Gene Carter. I’ve been able to learn so much from them and get business advice any time I need it. I also need to thank my work family.
They have covered shifts and even let me leave early to make it to a show, thanks, guys! My friends and family have gone out to support me and my business. They are constantly promoting me to people they meet and I couldn’t be more thankful. And to the biggest supporter of all things I do, my son Sal. I don’t know where this business would be without you. Thank you for taking time to help me at every show. Sal not only helps me set up but he sits with me and is the best salesman. This business was started to give us a better life and you have been my biggest inspiration kid! Love you all!
Pricing:
- Druzy Wrapped Rings $30-40
- Trio Rings $25-30
- Five Stone Band Rings $20-27
- Knots of Love Ring $22-25
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rem_jewelry/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rem.jewelry/
- Other: http://etsy.me/1Lx4nuE
Image Credit:
Nicole Arbaiza
R.E.M Jewelry
@keejmurph
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