Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriela Rodrigues. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gabriela , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I always wanted to have a business, but I didn’t know exactly what to do. At the time, I was an air traffic controller at a major Brazilian airport. I was very stressed by the routine in the control tower and experienced a big loss in my family. I was completely burned out, and I found out that my small hometown had a jewelry school. I went there looking for some peace of mind. I really believed that working with my hands could help me with my high level of stress. It was there that I discovered jewelry as a hobby, which then became serious. Friends wanted to buy my designs, and I started to think of it as my calling.

When I decided to go ahead with this business, it was time to decide how I wanted to show my creations to the world… what I wanted to share with people. It was then that Latitude Jewelry was born. I mix my favorite things in my creations: aviation, travel, culture, and history. I believe that this is a unique and interesting combination.

Gabriela , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I didn’t start out dreamin’ of diamonds and pearls. No! I was a flying around and collectin’ treasures from every port. But these weren’t your typical gold doubloons. I was drawn to trinkets with tales to tell, souvenirs that whispered of faraway lands and forgotten cultures. As i told you, feeling stressed as an Air traffic controller, I found on the jewelry bench my scape, and then the spark ignited. When I was already in love with the jewelry world, i felt the urge to capture all tthese stories in my own designs. So here I am, craftin’ unique pieces that sing of adventure, connection, and the tapestry of human experience. Each pendant, bracelet, or earring is a mini-world, waiting to be explored. The World Pendant, for instance, ain’t just a piece of metal – it’s a canvas for your own story, a reminder that we’re all connected by the vastness of our shared world.

My greatest joy? Seein’ the look on someone’s face when they connect with my work. It’s like unlockin’ a treasure chest of stories, both theirs and mine. My jewelry ain’t just an accessory, it’s a conversation starter, a bridge between strangers, a way to weave our individual threads into the grand fabric of humanity.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

In the bustling marketplace of Brazil, Instagram has been our captain’s compass for growth. This treasure trove of visual connections allows us to showcase Latitude’s unique stories and directly engage with potential customers. Think of it as a digital doubloon chest, overflowing with opportunities to forge new connections and strike deals through friendly DMs.

But a savvy captain knows they can’t navigate the vast sea alone. That’s where influencer partnerships come in! We carefully choose our “crew” based on their alignment with Latitude’s values and target audience. These brand ambassadors help us spread the word and resonate with like-minded adventurers who appreciate the stories woven into each piece of our jewelry.

we’re also constantly exploring new horizons to expand our reach. We chart new courses on the marketing map, experimenting with innovative strategies to stay ahead of the curve and attract new treasure hunters (a.k.a. customers!)

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Being a small business owner can feel like navigating uncharted waters alone. You shoulder immense responsibility, invest heart and soul into your vision, and often face long-term horizons with uncertain outcomes. It’s a journey that demands incredible resilience.

For me, this has meant countless moments of self-doubt, battling feelings of isolation, and constantly adapting to unexpected challenges. There were periods where the weight of financial pressures, marketing hurdles, and operational complexities felt overwhelming. It’s easy to get drawn into the day-to-day grind, losing sight of the bigger picture and questioning the validity of the dream.

However, what keeps me afloat is a deep-seated resilience. This isn’t blind optimism, but rather a steadfast belief in the value I offer and the positive impact I strive to make. It’s about finding strength in solitude, cherishing the small victories, and celebrating the community that forms around a shared passion.

The most crucial lesson I’ve learned is that adaptability is key. Sometimes, realizing a dream requires deviations from the initial plan. It’s about embracing detours, learning from setbacks, and constantly realigning strategies to stay on course.

Through thick and thin, resilience has been my compass. It guides me through the storms, fuels my determination, and reminds me that the journey itself is filled with valuable lessons and unexpected rewards.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.latitudejewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latitudejewelry/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-jewelry/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits
Ricardo Carotta