Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julia Van Arsdale, Co-Founder of Juwels & Co., located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

Juwels & Co is an ethical and sustainable jewelry brand that offers lab-grown diamonds created from carbon extracted from the atmosphere, making them eco-friendly and conflict-free. Our mission is to raise awareness for sustainable alternatives by investing in lab-grown diamond jewelry that’s both beautiful and built to last a lifetime. We redefine luxury by providing sustainable and ethically sourced jewelry that is 30% cheaper than jewelry from natural resources.

Our customers are individuals who are passionate about sustainability and ethical production methods. They are conscious consumers who want to make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Our lab-grown diamonds offer an ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds, making it easier for our customers to make a positive impact on the environment.

Tell us about yourself

As the founder of Juwels & Co, I wanted to create a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional jewelry. I first became passionate about this cause while working for another jewelry business, where I noticed that the industry was following outdated values and visions of luxury. I also found that the diamond industry was overcomplicating the diamond knowledge and buying process for consumers. I wanted to change this and make the user experience easier and more transparent, which is why I started Juwels & Co.

I am passionate about helping other people. There is a sense of fulfillment that comes from offering a helping hand to others, and it is something that brings me great joy. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring, or simply lending an ear to someone in need, I believe that helping others is one of the most important things we can do in life. I am driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me and contribute to a better world. Seeing the positive effects of my actions on others is what motivates me to continue to help and educate people every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of the biggest accomplishments of Juwels & Co has been to offer carbon-negative diamonds to the public. We are one of the first companies to do so, and each diamond sold has the potential to extract 20 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, canceling out more than the average American’s carbon footprint annually. By offering sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional jewelry, Juwels & Co has made a positive impact on the diamond industry and helped change the way some people shop for diamonds.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the constant pressure to make the right decisions. As the leader of the company, it can be difficult to balance short-term and long-term goals, manage finances, and keep up with the competition. Additionally, there is always the risk of “failure,” which can be a daunting prospect. But over time, I have changed my mindset to: “there is no such thing as failure, only wins.” I see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow and constantly strive to improve myself and our business. I believe that success is not just about achieving my goals but about the journey we take to get there. By staying focused on my values and our mission, I know that I can overcome any obstacle and achieve our vision of a more sustainable and ethical jewelry industry.

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

  1. Start: Believing in yourself is crucial in achieving your goals and overcoming challenges. It gives you the confidence to take risks, make decisions, and pursue your passions.
  2. Run: It’s important to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and a willingness to learn and grow.
  3. Grow: In order to find innovative solutions and make a positive impact on the world and grow your business, it is important to look outside the box and challenge conventional thinking.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://juwels.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwelsandco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juwelsandco_official/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/juwels-co/

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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