Today we’d like to introduce you to Tri Distinction

Hi TRI, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

At TRI Distinction, we embrace diversity and inclusivity in our collections. Our jewelry and accessories draw inspiration from various sources such as femininity, masculinity, culture, and affinity groups. By utilizing materials like beads, wire design, resin, clay, and fabric, we craft vibrant and exclusive pieces. Our aim is to make every client feel exceptional and truly unique, as they are the sole wearer of their one-of-a-kind jewelry.

We are grateful for the opportunity to once again collaborate with Canvas Rebel and share our journey. Since 2020, we have broadened our involvement and are continuously solidifying our position as a reputable women-owned enterprise.

Our participation as panel speakers at The 49th State Women’s Forum: Unfinished Business – Ladies Who Launch, which showcased Alaska entrepreneurs, was a significant milestone for us. Additionally, during the reopening of the Anchorage Museum, TRI Distinction proudly supported the Anchorage Museum Gala: Upcycled event by contributing earrings made of vintage denim to their charity auction.

Another notable event was our presence as guest speakers at Abraham Lincoln High School’s Annual Black Heritage Month Celebration, where we had the opportunity to impart our business insights and emphasize the importance of developing a professional roadmap. Currently, we are in the running for the prestigious Anchorage Daily News Best of Alaska for 2024 in the category of Best Local Jewelry Store. Having secured 1st Place Platinum for the past two years, we are eager to continue our winning streak and emerge victorious in 2024.

Our passion for business is deeply rooted in our family’s rich history in Philadelphia and New York. With a lineage of fashion designers, models, seamstresses, jewelry designers, fascinator creators, and tailors, creativity runs in our blood. We cherish the memories of exploring the fashion districts in New York and attending fashion shows, where we were captivated by the unique garments, bold designs, and fearless styles. These experiences continue to inspire us as we create exclusive jewelry pieces for our clients. By offering only one version of each design, we aim to provide our clients with a truly special and personalized piece that makes them feel extraordinary. It is this approach that keeps our TRI DIS Family coming back and sharing how our jewelry has made them feel distinct.

Our custom orders are some of the most exciting and challenging design projects we undertake. While creating our own designs is one thing, transforming a client’s vision into a timeless piece of jewelry is a whole new level of creativity that we embrace with honor. Whether it’s for proms, weddings, funeral memorials, or cosplay events, we have catered to various occasions with unique and personalized pieces.

Anchorage, Alaska is where TRI Distinction proudly calls home. Our business is a true reflection of our core values, which include benevolence, inclusion, exceptional customer service, and unwavering ethical standards. Generosity runs deep within our company, as benevolence is not just a value we uphold, but a foundational pillar that guides our every decision. We are committed to making a positive impact on future generations, as it is our family’s overarching vision. The culture at TRI Distinction is centered around giving back, and we are proud to support local non-profit organizations that empower underrepresented youth. With every purchase made, a portion goes towards these initiatives, allowing us to not only enhance our clients’ personal style but also make a meaningful difference in our community through charitable contributions.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

TRI Distinction was established amidst the pandemic peak, we were unable to engage with clients through traditional networking events and bazaars due to strict isolation protocols, pushing us to explore alternative avenues for business promotion. Consequently, we turned to social media platforms and virtual interactions as our primary means of reaching out to potential customers and expanding our clientele base. Recognizing our lack of expertise in utilizing these platforms effectively for business purposes, we proactively sought out online courses, attended Masterclasses, and dedicated hours to watching educational YouTube videos to equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape successfully.

To strengthen our relationships with customers and potential followers, we have focused on improving our social media content. Our approach includes creating engaging TikTok videos regularly, and hosting live sessions on Instagram and Facebook to engage with our audience. One of the highlights of our social media engagement is the TRI Tea Time Tuesday LIVEs on Instagram, a weekly event that allows us to connect more deeply with our followers. Additionally, we introduced TRI DIS Look Thursdays, a client-suggested initiative to showcase our jewelry styled in various ways.

By prioritizing consistency, transparency, and openness, we have noticed a positive impact on our social media presence. The number of followers can vary daily, which requires us to maintain a flexible and resilient approach to managing our social media platforms. Through these efforts, we aim to build a loyal and engaged community that resonates with our brand values and offerings.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

TRI Distinction is a unique jewelry and accessory brand located in Anchorage, Alaska, owned and operated by a family of talented female designers. Our team takes pride in handcrafting exceptional and creative pieces that cater to the individual styles of our customers. The breathtaking landscapes of Alaska serve as a boundless source of inspiration for our colorful and vibrant creations.

Our specialty lies in crafting one-of-a-kind wearable art using a variety of materials such as faux leather, genuine stones, polymer clay, and metal components. From earrings and bracelets to necklaces and accessories, each piece is meticulously handmade with love, attention to detail, and responsibly sourced materials to ensure lasting memories for our clients.

What truly sets us apart as designers is our commitment to creating pieces that not only enhance our clients’ unique style but also tell a story. We take great joy in hearing our customers proudly mention TRI Distinction when asked about their accessories, knowing that each item is truly one-of-a-kind. Our goal is to elevate our clients’ fashion sense while promoting the importance of supporting local small businesses in a meaningful way.

At TRI Distinction, we prioritize exceptional customer service, transparency, and a strong sense of community within our TRI DIS Family. This close-knit bond has allowed us to pursue our dreams with unwavering support from our loyal customers. We are confident in the quality of our creations, our products, and the overall experience we provide, from the moment our clients start shopping to the excitement of receiving their purchases.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

Taking risks and betting on ourselves is an essential aspect of running a business, and for TRI Distinction, this was evident from the very beginning when we decided to launch our business amidst the COVID-19
pandemic.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we took the leap of faith by showcasing our original
jewelry designs at a fashion networking event, which turned out to be a turning point for us as we received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from the audience.

The decision to embark on the TRI Distinction journey during such a tumultuous time was driven by our desire to create a positive outlet for the feelings of isolation that many were experiencing. However, the
limitations imposed by the pandemic, such as restricted networking opportunities and limited access to materials due to store closures and reduced hours, could have easily deterred us. Nevertheless, we remained steadfast in our belief that we had made the right choice, and this unwavering confidence in
our vision propelled us forward despite the obstacles we faced.

In September 2020, we established our business and carefully selected a launch day. At that time, we
were uncertain about the public’s response to our designs and whether people would be interested in purchasing our products. As a female black-owned company, we initially hesitated to disclose this aspect
of our business, fearing that it might restrict our potential clientele and hinder our chances of success.
However, despite these concerns, we decided to take the risk and make it an opportunity.

This decision turned out to be incredibly rewarding as we had the privilege of connecting with numerous talented artisans, creators, and fellow business owners who warmly embraced us into the community.
By betting on ourselves, we have not only faced challenges head-on but also honed our skills, pushed the boundaries of our designs, and demonstrated our resilience. We firmly believe that taking risks is essential for the growth of our business and provides us with the confidence to participate in business
panels, engage with our clients, and continue creating our fashionable designs. We refuse to let unrealistic fears limit our abilities and instead place our trust in the Lord, who has blessed us with this
incredible opportunity.

Pricing:

• $30-50 – Handmade Bracelets
• $30-70 – Handmade Earrings
• $100 – 200 – Handmade Necklace Sets
• $5 – 75 – TRI Distinction Merchandise

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tridistinction.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tri_distinction/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRIDistinctionAK
• Twitter: https://x.com/TRI_Distinction
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tridistinction/featured
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tri_distinction

Image Credits
Team Jones Photography

Photo Names
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