Chrystals & Gems and More

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Newhouse, CEO of Jjdiggin4gems, located in Littleton, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Rockhounds meet all your crystal desires, from all rocks, crystals, gemstones, to the metaphysical aspect of educating how to have more balance in your life and the magic of the universe. Helping change lives one stone at a time. Our customer ranges from the spiritual side of the universe to the housewife learning to love herself more. We also get the whole families watching our weekly live show for fun and education. We offer newbie prizes for the first order. We also offer giveaways weekly to keep them coming back for more.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been in the fitness world with a balance of working out with weights to yoga and namaste became something I try to teach to others. I married my husband (John) in 2019, and we had been panning for gold. He grew up a rockhound as his family collected rocks for years. Even his grandmother crafted custom jewelry and passed down her equipment to John. He has been working last few years crafting custom pieces, and we make almost all of our pendants and bracelets. I am certified in Reiki, and I cleanse and bless all items before being shipped. I am certified as an Herbalist as well to teach wellness in a holistic way. I am in the process of getting certified as a CPT and a weight loss wellness coach. Together it just made sense, and the business took off. We do have the Etsy page, but we are growing and will be making a website in the future to continue to grow. I thought this business would be a great side business. Maybe I could make my car payment. Well, I did and even exceeded that to buy a camper. I have been doing this for 2 1/2 years now and just about passed my husband's salary. I love the personal touch we give to customers. Many reach out to us for advice or rock identifying. It has just become my passion, and I still learn new things daily and share it with others. We have a passion for crystals, and I am always learning, but John is also grasping the spiritual side. I hope it grows and grows, and John will have to quit his job to help me keep up!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest, I would say, is giving myself the freedom to be able to stay home and make my own hours and know that I am making a difference in many lives. The world I full of many people who sell fake items. We have become a trusted name and affordable for many compared to others that may price the same items too high. I guess getting customer reviews is very rewarding.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Continuing to reach new people as this business is very competitive. You have to always know what the next hot item is or trend. You have to network...a lot, and I have become a TikTok creator, which helps. So, it's been great doing live Facebook sale shows and posting photos on Instagram. I can get sales daily, but time to get my website up and going.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Learn the Instagram TikTok platforms and start networking and creating. Don't be afraid also to share some of the journey and personal life. The more they learn about you, they stay loyal to you even as far as seeing another company's new item and asking us if we can get it instead.

Know that it can become a 24/7 job, so make sure you set guidelines and boundaries to your actual downtime to save yourself from burnout.

Know that a start can be costly, but believe in yourself and manifest that it will all work. I was scared to sink money into the business at first. I would feel out of breath when I spent more and more on products growing my supply. Point now I go buy products, and I don't even have to bat an eye because I know that I can make it work and Sale Sale Sale

Today, we are the happiest we have been sharing our passion for crystals across the globe. Our passion carries further than just crystals. We share a deep connection with learning to love yourself. The world needs more love, and you can add to this by loving yourself. We have a stone for every situation in life.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JJDiggin4GEMS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjdiggin4gems2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjdiggin4gems/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-newhouse-84900418/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.