Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gwen Beloti, Founder of Gwen Beloti Collection, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Gwen Beloti Collection is a women's gold jewelry brand with a mission to celebrate golden beauties who love golden hues. We're more than a jewelry brand; we celebrate the personal style stories of women. We aim to make their daily accessory experience effortless and glam.
The collection is an assortment of golden-toned jewels that can be worn stand-alone or layered and stacked. We design and source pieces and materials in line with our commitment to offering quality items equipped to accent or complete your everyday look.
Gwen Beloti designs are the perfect balance between minimalism and subtle statement, affordable luxury that you can maximize. All of the pieces are designed with inclusivity in mind. With a wide range of ring sizes, longer anklets, and chain lengths, we prioritize curating a golden experience for all golden beauties, not just for an occasion but for every day.
Tell us about yourself
I design because of my love for expression and opportunity. I am a Brooklyn native and founded my jewelry brand because of my love for fashion. At a young age, my style was heavily influenced by accessorizing. My weight often fluctuated, and I struggled with finding clothing that fit, as a result, I fell madly in love with jewelry. It's my experience with fashion that led me to create my own line.
Our mission is to cultivate a style experience through adornment that will inspire our customers' everyday looks and moods. My love for this experience of adorning yourself is my source of inspiration. I've always loved fashion– from clothes to jewelry, to décor, you name it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We recently launched in Saks fifth avenue. Having my product sold by this world-renowned retailer has been a dream of mine for some. To actually see that become a reality has been one of the major highlights of my career to date.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Trying to manage it all. I'll speak specifically to creatives and perhaps others too. I think we can quickly get wrapped up in "making" the thing, caught up in dreaming and coloring, and lose sight of the serious business. By serious business, I mean crunching numbers, delegating, planning, etc. Doing a bit of research before you launch, connecting with your advisory board, checking in with your co-founder, and sticking with a well-thought plan and schedule are all best practices that can help you better prioritize what's most important at the time.
The other thing is burnout. We want so badly for our "thing" to take off that we neglect everything else. This is tough because starting a business requires time and a lot of effort. Deciding to prioritize your health by any means necessary can help you find some balance here. If you're not well, how can you run your company? Look at it that way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan. It's hard to get to where you want to go without a roadmap. Of course, things will change along the way, and you may need to pivot, but having a guide is invaluable. It'll help avoid wasting too much time or resources.
- Research. Take the time to learn about what you're doing and what you want to. It's easy to get lost in the moment. Knowing the backstory and learning from others is an essential part of maximizing your time and experience.
- Be openminded. The world is constantly shifting. We can't be so stuck on what we know and what we've always known. I think sustainability in business relies on adaptation.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gwenbeloti.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GwenBelotiCollection/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenbeloti/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwenbeloti/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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