Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Fox.
Jen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
JFOX Jewelry was born out of a need for creativity and stress relief while living in my small NYC apartment in 2013. Jewelry making has always been very therapeutic for me; sitting wirewrapping pendants or beading bracelets got me out of my thoughts and into a whole other world, Eventually, once I felt confident enough in my work, I decided to start gifting and selling pieces to friends and family. A lot of things happened between 2013 and today to get me to where I am including a move across the country, a change in job and eventually making JFOX Jewelry my full-time job, For the last three years, I have traveled throughout California and neighboring states to sell at markets, plus manage my website, wholesale to boutiques and social media platforms. It’s the most satisfying thing to see my hobby grow into a thriving business that I get to do every day.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’d be lying if I said owning a business was easy. The behind the scenes side isn’t as fun as the making pretty jewelry part. Some examples include dealing with taxes and expenses, finding and applying for markets and constantly fighting the social media algorithm.
Other than the business side, I did struggle a bit with my confidence at first. I have always been self-taught as a jewelry maker so I doubted my pieces were “good enough” to sell or to tell people about what I was working on. I wish I had the confidence sooner in my hobby phase of JFOX Jewelry to see its future potential. I used to wear necklaces and get compliments but I was too self-conscious to say “thank you, I actually made it.”
My advice to anyone thinking about starting a business, in the early stages or even have been doing it for years is to have confidence in yourself and your vision. You’re going to need it to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. No one will believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself!
We’d love to hear more about JFOX Jewelry.
I pride myself on unique, one of a kind statement jewelry using high-quality stones and metals. My brand’s mantra is: Stand out. Be bold. Make a statement. My pieces are meant to empower the person wearing them. I love to see the smile on my customers face as they walk away knowing they are the only person that will own anything like it. It’s a special experience owning a JFOX Original. I consider each necklace a piece of art rather than a fashion accessory. They are carefully thought out in color, style, and design each time. I hand select each bead and stone used. I put my heart into everything I make and I think it shows in my work.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
One thing our industry struggles with is how saturated the market is for jewelry. Whether it’s at markets or in stores, there are so many of us trying to get the attention of potential customers. So, we each have to find ways to stand out based on our brand’s vision.
I keep in mind that every jeweler varies in design and in general, are in different stages of our businesses. What works for me may not work for someone else but if asked, I am happy to help answer their questions based on my experience. Over the last few years, I’ve been campaigning the idea of “community over competition.” I am friendly with a lot of other jewelers who do the same circuit of shows as me. It’s nice to encourage and support each other rather than feel threatened. As female small business owners, handmaking all of our products, we already have enough on our plates to worry about drama.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jfoxjewelry.com
- Email: jen@jfoxjewelry.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jfoxjewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jfoxjewelry
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jfoxjewelry
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