Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Wolf.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My family and I moved here from the Seattle area 2.5 years ago after dreaming of living amongst the sun, beaches, and palm trees for the longest time. We moved here with our two remaining children (three already out of the house; five total kiddos). We heard of Temecula by chance when on vacation. We were in a very long line at Disneyland and struck up a convo with a couple standing behind us. They made it sound so lovely! So Arizona (also on our radar) was officially out. SoCal or BUST!
Before we moved, I had a small business making wooden jewelry. When our house in PNW sold within 24 hrs, I decided I needed to put the making on the back burner in preparation to move my family out of state. I figured once we were settled in our new place, I would resume. Nope! I came from a home where art and handmade was a way of life. I knew I wanted to stay close to both of those elements but didn’t feel like I wanted to pick up my jewelry biz again.
I decided to work on a few product ideas I was developing. When I was about to pull the trigger on one, in particular, the realization came that I would have to market them. Oh crap. How was I going to do this? In my spare time (with a new home, and kids to tend to, I really didn’t have much of that)? In an area, I knew nothing about? I couldn’t go on the market circuit (nor did I want to. Those people are way more hardcore than me). Shoot. I should just open my own shop to put my little ol’ items in! Did I just say that?
Well, the husband heard me, and the rest is history. Beacon was born. The name even came to me like a vision from above. No joke. Fast forward to finding a perfectly sized space, in an adorable center only three minutes from my home and kids schools. Meeting the landlord who spoke to me as if he believed in what I was doing more than I did.
Reaching out to makers and designers that I all but drooled over for years back in Wa. The products started rolling in, and my little handmade oasis opened its doors! September 1st, 2017. There were minor hurdles in the process, but all in all, it was like butter! Now I get to discover, communicate with, curate and be surrounded by some of the most amazing people in the country!
Although I’m not making any more, I still get to be part of the making world. The people I deal with on the daily are genius. I am so blessed.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was pretty smooth to start. The biggest struggle was all the new things I was learning at such a fast pace. It was hard to process sometimes.
Over the past year of being open, the struggle has been to keep things fresh and get to know my community. I guess it’s not really a struggle, more like going to school. Also, learning how to market both on social media and general networking.
The biggest struggle was being a new resident of Temecula and not having a support system in place. I had/have people that care about me and want me to succeed, but no extended family and core group of friends, so it was a little defeating at times.
Beacon Home + Gifts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company specializes in handmade and made in the USA accessories for the home and gift items. I buy directly from the makers and designers all over the country and even a selection from Canada.
Beacon is known for unique, and artisan-made — one of a kind pieces for that special spot in your home or person in your life. I am most proud of the curation of goods and astethic in the shop. It is a part of me.
What sets me apart is the heart behind the items. Not only did I put my spirit into the curation, but the makers and designers put their expertise, time, sleepless nights and love into each product. The items are not mass produced, so the specialness remains intact!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success is reaching the goals I have set for myself. Also, if a person feels cared for and encouraged when they leave me and/or my shop, I have been a success!
One of my biggest markers is making sure to help to expand the culture of quality over quantity, and buying/displaying what you love and speaks to you instead of what the internet is telling you is good.
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Contact Info:
- Email: info@beaconhomegoods.com
- Instagram: @beaconhomegoods
- Facebook: Beacon Home
Image Credit:
Alysha Miller Photography
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