We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gina Ferranti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gina below.

Alright, Gina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

I have recently designed a re-make for a ring for a dear friend. She inherited her mom’s engagement ring and she wanted to wear it but the style was outdated. She came to me to re-design using all the diamonds, but was apprehensive to take the diamond ring apart because it represented her mom. We discussed how it would make her happy to enjoy the stones but in a more modern setting. Her mom would have wanted her to wear them. So, she decided to do it. I just finished the new ring and she could not be more happy with the new design . It is so rewarding to see clients enjoy what I create!

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

My first career was in fashion, I owned a luxury boutique in Brooklyn, NY. I dressed women for a living and it was very rewarding. It was time to move on, so I closed the store in 2010 and decided to pursue another passion, gems and jewelry. I attend GIA institute to get my Gemologist Degree before I embarked on this new career. After graduating ,I worked in the industry for David Yurman and an Antique Jewelry store on park ave for 2 years. While working , I started to design my own pieces and it sparked me to return to GIA for jewelry design , where I learned how to sketch the pieces and the design process.

I started my business in 2015 and I sell direct to consumers through my website, privately and also wholesale to jewelry stores. I also create one of a kind custom pieces and re-make modern designs from taking out the stones of out dated jewelry.

The discipline and hard work that goes into my business is unparalleled. I wear many hats and my duties include; creating the jewelry, managing the website, clienteling and distribution to retailers, trunk shows, managing social media and a lot more. I think what sets me apart from other jewelry designers is my jewelry aesthetic and the fact that I dressed women and are able to put together collections that are wearable and timeless based on my previous experience. Being a gemologist and having that education also sets me apart and give me an edge in the industry as well.
Since I also had a business for many years, I have experience also in the business end of my work not just the creative. I feel this gives me an upper hand and a more well rounded approach .

I am most proud of how far I have come in a short amount of time as well as my business integrity. I feel being trustworthy and doing the right thing is always center of mind for me. My jewelry is made in the USA and I manage each piece one at a time, its not mass produced, and I am very proud of that. I choose great quality gemstones and diamonds for my pieces and my gemology schooling has helped in this area. My jewelry has earned numerous prestigious industry awards which I am grateful and proud of.

I love what I do and I want my clients to be happy and love their pieces. I am an avid philanthropist and give back to American Cancer Society as well as Futures in Education .

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I started in 2015 I really didn’t know the importance of growing my audience via Instagram, Facebook and email marketing. I had an appointment with a consultant and she asked me how many followers I had on IG. At that time I had 200. Sh said to me how are people going to find you, If you only have 200 followers. So at that moment I realized how important it was to be seen and get the right audience to your website. So now I grow my Instagram by being consistent with posts, stories and reels, but this changes all the time, so you need to be really paying attention and active. When I say active you need to spend time on the app. and target like minded audiences that got your target consumer and or retailer. You must engage by commenting and liking others posts all the time. It is also great to do live or taped videos, mix it up as best as you can. Social media is great but you should not put all your eggs I none basket and try to grow your email list anyway you can. Announce a new collection launch and make it available only to your subscribers first. A good way to get people interested in signing up. Its also great when you have an opportunity to do a live trunk show or event to meet people in person, they will be more willing to follow your progress by connecting with you in person.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients by many means. If I become friendly with them on Instagram , I tend to message them about new collections or items launching. This makes them feel special and they will be more wiling to make another purchase. I also send out email blasts with brand info, new products , gift ideas etc. I think the best way to get clients to be loyal is to meet them in person and connect , weather it will be at a trunk show or a private showing with them. They really get to know you as a person and if they like you and what you have to offer they will buy from you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gigiferrantijewelry.com
• Instagram: @gigiferrantijewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiGiFerrantiJewelry
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-ferranti-g-g-79997125/

Image Credits
lenflash Photography