We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lizmar Almonte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lizmar below.
Alright, Lizmar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
Reflecting on the journey of starting my business, I can’t help but wish I had embarked on this path sooner.
Let’s take it back to April 2022 I had just been fired , I was completely lost.
After graduating high school during the pandemic, I found myself in a state of uncertainty and feeling unfulfilled. Going to college seemed financially out of reach with zero support from family, paying bills and living on my own I felt as if god consistently was testing me, but I guess he knew what he was doing since he only presents the toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.
Faced with this reality, I made the bold decision to channel my entrepreneurial spirit one night and start my own small business with the last 200$ I had in my savings (yes that was completely all I had).
I had previously deleted social media the year before meaning I was completely starting from scratch literal zero, the thoughts of “Are people gonna buy from me?” & “ Will anyone ever follow me?” never crossed my mind. I was so positive and proud of the extensive research, long nights, & all the ins & outs I had learned on my own with absolutely no fear in my heart Spiritual City Jewelry was born.
Being unable to purchase accessories for myself , during this time I wanted to find something to make me feel beautiful and expensive although I couldn’t afford it but I definitely could create it.
My desire to sell high-quality yet affordable items stemmed from a belief that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and stylish, regardless of their budget.
I recognized that there was a gap in the market where many people struggled to find fashion-forward pieces that didn’t break the bank. This realization fueled my passion to provide accessible options that didn’t compromise on quality or style.
The experience of building and growing my venture has been nothing short of incredible, filled with countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to meet and connect with a diverse range of people from all walks of life.
Each interaction has been enriching, offering valuable insights, inspiring stories, and meaningful connections that have fueled my passion and drive.
Building relationships with customers, collaborators, and fellow entrepreneurs has been a source of inspiration and support, reminding me of the power of community and collaboration in achieving success. While I may have wished to embark on this journey earlier, I am grateful for the experiences and connections that have shaped my experience and business thus far, and I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Being an affordable jeweler has a profound impact on the community by democratizing access to beauty and self-expression. Spiritual City was created to serve the community tools for self expression through wearable art and accessories, at an affordable cost. We specialize in the utmost stunning all things necklaces, bracelets and much more!
What sets us aside the most at SCJ is offering high-quality jewelry at accessible price points, you empower individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to adorn themselves with pieces that reflect their personality and style.
This accessibility fosters inclusivity and enhances self-confidence among community members who may not have been able to afford luxury jewelry otherwise.
Our biggest priority is too bring enlightenment to your emotions through jewelry, it’s so important to feel good on the inside and look good on the outside. Our customers and clients wear our pieces with pride and joy as they know they can trust us to deliver satisfactory products each and every time. We enjoy being able to make them feel comfortable asking questions and always knowing we are as honest of a brand as we can be!
Moreover, supporting a local affordable jeweler stimulates a sense of pride and connection within the community. Overall, being an affordable jeweler contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of the community, making luxury and elegance accessible to all.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I started extremely small with just 200$ I carefully allocating every dollar to purchase essential materials and tools needed to bring my vision to life.
I watched as many TikTok’s & YouTube videos about how to begin I was nervous to ask for any help or advice, I pulled all nighters and spent my entire day researching in silence. I learned to create a website, logo and off I went into a sea of uncertainty & the gentle desire to succeed.
As sales started trickling in through various outlets I praised god for allowing those people to find my business and shed so much love & Iight towards it.
I automatically made a conscious decision to reinvest every penny back into the business, rather than pocketing all of my earnings. This reinvestment strategy allowed me to expand my product line, improve the quality of my jewelry, and reach a wider audience through strategic brand marketing revenues.
With each reinvestment, the brand grew stronger, more recognizable and my customer base expanded. It was a slow and steady process, but over time, my business flourished, fueled by a relentless commitment to quality, design, and customer satisfaction.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Unlearning and derooting all of my pass ancestors negative mentalities or wrongful viewpoints, but I can’t blame anyone not even my parents. It’s our first time living as it is theirs, they only know as much as they were taught.
Embracing our latin heritage while challenging limiting beliefs fosters a sense of empowerment and authenticity, ultimately paving the way for greater success and fulfillment in both personal and professional aspects.
The backstory of being in a lady in our Dominican culture, women have often been expected to prioritize household responsibilities over career aspirations, perpetuating a belief that their worth is tied solely to their roles as wives and mothers as that’s all they should ever be, that’s absolutely incorrect, we as women as so strong & resilient. Initially unlearning these ingrained beliefs, women can empower themselves to define their own paths & contribute meaningfully to society.
Embracing a mindset of self-worth, ambition, and resilience allows Dominican women to shatter stereotypes, defy expectations, and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams without expected boundaries or limitations.
“Como va la tiendita” my grandma consistently asks me as she’s grown the mentally to acknowledge the community that has developed behind SCJ’s presence, to me that’s so motivating and means everything to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.spiritualcityjewelry.com
- Instagram: SpiritualCityJewelry
- Linkedin: Lizmar Almonte
Image Credits
Micheal Gee, Bagmore Studios Reyna Delacruz J. L studios