What does turning a passion for jewelry into a thriving family business take? In this inspiring episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we dive deep into the story of Cliff, a jeweler who didn’t just build a store but created a legacy alongside his wife, son, and daughter.

From humble beginnings as a salaried employee, Cliff shares the real struggles and sacrifices behind owning and running an independent jewelry store in a changing market. You’ll hear honest reflections on navigating tough customer moments, balancing family dynamics, and embracing a “kill them with kindness” approach even when business gets rough.

But it’s not just about the challenges. Cliff reveals how grit, dedication, and the power of family have turned obstacles into opportunities, and how working together brings both business success and personal fulfillment. If you’re curious about what it really means to build something meaningful that lasts beyond just profits, this episode is a must-listen.

Whether you’re a jeweler, small business owner, or someone who loves stories about perseverance and heart, Cliff’s journey will inspire you to keep grinding, believing, and growing — all while staying true to yourself.

Along the way, Cliff also shares candid moments about the sacrifices made, the lessons learned from tough decisions, and the joy that comes from seeing a family bond strengthen through shared passion and hard work. This episode isn’t just for those in the jewelry business — it’s for anyone looking to build a legacy filled with love, resilience, and authenticity.

Listen in and uncover the secrets behind a family’s journey from humble beginnings to jewelry industry success — and why their story might just inspire your own.

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

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In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we meet Babs, the powerhouse behind a beloved jewelry store that’s been thriving for over 20 years in her historic downtown district. With a style all her own and a heart full of generosity, Babs has built a brand that’s as much about people as it is about beautiful pieces.

What began as a shift from biochemical engineering to creative entrepreneurship turned into a business rooted in passion, grit, and connection. From encouraging her staff to “just be themselves” to throwing unforgettable events like golden ticket giveaways and goody bag bonanzas, Babs has created a retail experience customers keep coming back for.

In this episode, she shares how she’s evolved with the times—launching a new website just in time for the pandemic, doubling down on local and online marketing (yes, even in bathroom stalls), and leaning into trade shows and collaborations. We also hear about her love for Montana Yogo sapphires, the surprising results of her anniversary event, and why she doesn’t see herself retiring anytime soon.

Whether you’re a small business owner, jewelry retailer, or just someone who loves a story full of heart and hustle, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Babs reminds us all that you can build a successful business without compromising who you are—and have a lot of fun along the way.

Listen to the full episode on the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast and experience why Babs truly is the queen of “pearls of wisdom.”

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

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In Episode 80 of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast, we meet Mike and Elise Rose, owners of Grace Marie Jewelry & Design in Lynchburg, Virginia. What started as an inherited jewelry store in a small New York town has become a thriving family business built on grit, learning and dedication to their craft.

In this episode, Mike and Elise share their story of how they took over Elise’s dad’s store with no formal training in the jewelry business and learned through real-world experience and mentorship. After several years in upstate New York, they moved to Lynchburg in 2020 and opened Grace Marie Jewelry & Design in the middle of a pandemic. Despite the challenges, they’ve grown their brand, community presence and capabilities and just moved into a historic Main Street location that was once home to Lynchburg’s oldest jeweler.

You’ll get a behind the scenes look at how this family run business works – from their kids helping in the store (including an 11 year old who’s already got fans among the customers) to how they scale a business, who to hire and when and the balance between growth and sustainability.

They talk about their adoption of new tools like laser engravers and CAD design software, community collaborations like bridal boxes and their approach to customer experience. Their passion for personalization and custom work shines throughout the conversation as does their commitment to supporting other downtown businesses.

They also share valuable lessons for small business owners – finding a mentor, buying groups like RJO and continuous learning in an ever changing industry.

Whether you’re in the jewelry business, run your own family business or just love entrepreneurial stories, this episode has got it all. Grace Marie Jewelry & Design is not just a store, it’s what happens when tradition, innovation and community come together.

Listen to the full episode on the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast and if you’re in the Lynchburg area, go visit Grace Marie’s new location and experience it for yourself.

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

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• Amazon Music/Audible = https://www.audible.com/pd/Pearls-of.-..

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