Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Schultz.
Lindsey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had never intended on every growing a career in the jewelry business, it just happened! Looking back, everything strangely aligned for me to be in the industry. In high school, I worked for a local goldsmith in Houston melting gold, after college, I managed a local jewelry store and then went off working in custom engagement rings. I loved the buying side of fashion jewelry in the industry and also the custom side for all things bridal. I decided to launch my own company to merge my two worlds together and have a unique, stress-free space to do so.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. The biggest obstacle I had in starting the business was getting the seed capital to buy my first dozen or so diamonds. Luckily, my family always focused on teaching to save from a young age. In 1972, my grandfather started an office furniture company (Carroll’s Furniture). Originally, he and his partner were going to obtain a loan from the bank to get the seed capital to launch the company. His partner showed up empty-handed. because my grandfather was prepared, he was able to take it on himself and start the company. Now, 43 years later, many of my family members are still working there. I knew I wanted to be my own boss and making sure I had a foundation to do so was of paramount importance.
Another obstacle was creating new relationships with diamond dealers around the world and obtaining their trust to receive diamonds on memo. In the jewelry industry, a retailer can obtain diamonds on loan for a short period of time (on memo), but this trust is typically only given to established retailers. With some connections, I had in the industry and a very important visit to the diamond trade show in Las Vegas, I was able to establish my initial pipeline of diamond sources.
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry is a custom based jewelry company that specializes in diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and other high-end jewelry. It all starts with a consultation, I meet with my clients, discuss exactly what it is they are wanting to make and then I begin sourcing the stones. I am known for creating unique engagement rings and wedding bands and adding a personal touch to each ring.
I also seek jewelry designers that I am drawn towards and begin a relationship to sell their pieces. I carry moderately priced diamond fashion lines to meet all budget needs. I am slowly building an in-house inventory and developing an online retail presence.
I am most proud of the fact that I was able to launch this company on my own and in a few short months Lindsey Leigh Jewelry is already profitable. I am also proud of the surrounding cast that helps me with all things not jewelry related. Because of this, Lindsey Leigh Jewelry now has a functioning website, online store, a bank relationship, a FaceBook with a built-in shop, and a local magazine advertisement.
What sets me apart from others is that I am not a high-end jewelry store or an intimidating national brand. I meet with my clients one-on-one and we walk through the process together. We are a lean company which allows us to keep overhead low and prices down.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Every day is a proud moment because I am reminded that I started this from scratch just a couple of months ago. After a trade show in Las Vegas, I was enthralled to gain the trust of many diamond brokers across the world; with nothing more than my story and my word, they took a leap of faith in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindseyleighjewelry.com
- Phone: 832-646-0232
- Email: Lindsey@lindseyleighjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstondiamondgirl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindseyleighjewelry
Image Credit:
Kirby Trapolino Fine Art Photography, Giovanni Arias Photography
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