We were lucky to catch up with Aun’Jenelle Weaver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Aun’Jenelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
I do wish I would have started earlier. When I first started 21 and The Moon I was working a corporate job. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled career wise and knew that I wanted to start a jewelry line. I had been making pieces on the side and would give them to friends and family, but kept putting off on actually launching the brand. I couldn’t decide on a name or logo so I just kept pushing the brand to the side. Looking back I wish I would have just started it sooner. That’s the hardest part, to just get started because you want everything to be perfect. But I’ve learned that when starting a business nothing is ever going to be completely perfect. You learn to adapt as you go along, and things tend to work themselves out.
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 name is Aun’Jenelle and I’m the creator behind 21 and The Moon. 21 and The Moon is a jewelry line that offers high vibrational adornments such as mala beads, bracelets, anklets, and waist beads made from crystals and gemstones. I launched the line back in 2016. I had been making jewelry for myself years before that, and decided to make a business out of it since I would always get compliments on the pieces I would wear. When I first started making jewelry I would use hemp, and make bracelets and anklets. Eventually I started learning about and working with crystals, and incorporated that into my jewelry pieces. With 21 and The Moon my goal was to make intentional pieces that would inspire people.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn the notion that i need to say yes to every opportunity. In the beginning I thought I had to say yes to every business opportunity I was offered. At one point I was offered a spot in a monthly small business marketplace. The market organizer was explaining how it would be such a great experience for me and that I could gain exposure for my business. I wanted to be in the market, but the timing didn’t work with my schedule at the time. I kept trying to figure out a way to make it work, but then I realized that if it’s meant for me it will work out. It’s ok to say no sometimes. More opportunities will always come around. If it doesn’t align with the goals and values of my business then I won’t do it.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Referrals have been one of the best ways for me to gain new customers. A lot of my existing customers will refer their friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.21andthemoon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/21andthemoon/
- Facebook: @21andthemoon