Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Fanning.
Shelby, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been making jewelry since I was six years old. Although I strayed from hand-crafted items as I got older, I could never shake the excitement of seeing my own ideas come to life. After years of working in corporate America, I decided to find an outlet for my creative side.
I founded The Jewelry Junkie in November of 2004 with a simple mission in mind… to provide high quality, hand-crafted jewelry at affordable prices. Based in Texas, I strive to create product offerings with the word “unique” in mind with inspirations taken from the North Texas lifestyle and surrounding countryside. The final product offers a hand-crafted element unique to the brand.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think you could find one entrepreneur that would say they’ve had a “smooth road”. Yes, I’ve absolutely struggled along the way. Often, I feel unequipped to handle many of the things that come up on a daily basis.
However, I believe the scripture from Philippians 4:13 that says ” I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.” I feel like this is what God has called me to do with my life and I will continue on this path until He tells me to do otherwise.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Jewelry Junkie story. Tell us more about the business.
The Jewelry Junkie is a designer and manufacturer of Bohemian Lifestyle Jewelry. We are based in North Texas and I take great pride in the ability to manipulate and manufacture all of the jewelry production here in the United States. For the most part, I employ moms that would normally be at home while their kids are at school. I’ve always offered a very flexible schedule that allows them to work and be able to focus on their family since we are only open when school is open.
As a company, we have been fortunate to use part the profits we have made to support a number of charities in the United States and South America on a yearly basis. God says in Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” God has blessed this business and I believe he expects us to continue in our mission to help women and children less fortunate than ourselves.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The biggest shift has, of course, been in the online retail sector. When I started the company online selling was about 10-15% of sales. It now represents 75-80% of my sales. Since I focus primarily on wholesale businesses, this has certainly affected the way I do business and how and where I market my business. I believe we will continue to see the biggest changes and largest sales increases in this arena.
Pricing:
- Retail pricing ranges from $6-$40
Contact Info:
- Address: 2363 HWY 287 N Suite 110
- Website: www.thejewelryjunkie.com
- Phone: 8175018503
- Email: thejewelryjunkie@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejewelryjunkie1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejewelryjunkie/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejewelryjunki
Image Credit:
Country Outfitter
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