Today we’d like to introduce you to Yajaira Calderon.
Hi Yajaira, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was a little kid I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and never could really give an answer but just say I want to be my own boss. I always loved jewelry especially handmade jewelry which was more affordable for me because I would always find ways to make money from my young age. My grandfather would give me a $5 allowance every weekend when he got a stroke my grandma kept that tradition for me and I would save money. Then as I was older I got into reselling. For Christmas I remember I would ask my parents for sterling silver jewelry because it was something I also loved but knew it was more expensive. During my young teenage years I would always go to markets, fairs, flea markets and become friends with those I shopped from frequently. I graduated high school and knew school wasn’t for, I went straight to working in a restaurant my uncle owned, as a server and made decent money but I hated having to work every weekend and missing out on going out with friends and family but I had bills so I stayed. It was until a few years down the road my uncle’s lease was over and decided to close that I would have a few jobs where I knew I wasn’t happy. A few years down the road I met amazing people who I consider family now who encouraged me to start my own business. Many people may or may not know but I went to jail when I was only 22-23 years old and it was a life changing experience because of the consequences after, from being judged and looked at as a horrible person, not forgiving myself for many years & only thinking how stupid did I have to be to get that low in life, and companies not wanting to hire you because of that mistake. Nevertheless thanks to that it shaped me and pushed me to where I am today. I helped a good friend of mine with his business for a while until we decided to take a break which lead me to searching for a job again. I finally found a company that gave me an opportunity for a few years when I finally decided to take the leap with a few hundred dollars I started investing and did my first market with my best friend, which I’m forever thankful for her! I kept working full time and after 2 years of working every Saturday I asked my boss to change my schedule, and he agreed. We continued doing markets as much as possible on weekends and kept my full time job on weekdays. It’s been over 2 years since I took that leap of faith and continue to grow. I’ve made many mistakes and continue to grow, I’m not where I want to be but I know I’m much closer to where I want to be. Texicali Jewelry will soon become a brand that will be recognized worldwide.
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?
Not at all! I’ve gone through a lot! At the beginning I was buying jewelry that was more expensive and it wasn’t selling, I soon realized people prefer more affordable items. I’ve had jewelry that gets damaged and of course that’s money lost that goes to the damaged pile. I’ve also done markets where it storms mid market and all of our items get wet. I’ve done markets where I’ve had to pay the fee to attend and don’t sell a single item. I’ve done markets where we get people who say their unwanted comments in our faces. Investing money constantly and not seeing profit for a few years. I’ve had people not believe in my dreams and tell me I’m not doing anything with my life. Those type of comments push me to fight harder for my dreams! I’ve also had people turn me down when I’ve tried to apply to get a spot, such as malls telling me there’s enough jewelry shops at the moment. Feeling frustrated because I’m not where I want to be yet and wanting to quit. It’s been a bumpy road but I know I’m much closer to where I wanna be and I’m thankful for everything I’ve been through because I’ve also had amazing things happen to me as well! Not everything is a struggle!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in .925 Sterling Silver & handmade jewelry from Colombia, Mexico, & in the process of learning how to make jewelry ourselves! I’m proud of the quality we sell! We treat everyone like family, we want all of our customers to feel welcomed. We also are proud of our prices because we ensure to keep the best & lowest prices while we maintain the highest quality in our products. We don’t sell items that we wouldn’t wear. Our quality is the best and we are happy to say we rarely ever have customers complain after a purchase. We have something for everyone! Our prices start as low as $5! We work with you and try to give the best deals so everyone can take that piece.
What does success mean to you?
Success is different for everyone but for me it means waking up everyday and loving what you do for a living. If you get to wake up and do what you love and enjoy it you’ve become very successful. Being able to do full time what you love the most. I also consider someone successful when they get to travel or not be at work physically and still making money. More than anything having freedom with your time, being able to spend time with your family and be there in the important events for your kids, birthdays, anything special, without having to worry about not being able to miss a day in work because you can’t afford it or because your boss might not let you. Being your own boss is always the best!
Pricing:
- $5 Handmade Bracelets
- $5 Crystal Necklaces
- $5 Stainless Steel Rings
- $10-$700 Sterling Silver Rings, Bracelets, Chains, & Much More
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TexiCalijewlry
- Facebook: TexiCali Jewelry
- Other: TikTok @Texicalijewelry
