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

Dayle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

The art of saying “no” & doing what is best for you and YOUR family. I was a “yes” woman, which lead to burnout and stealing of the love I had for my job. I oversaw the youth programming, tournaments, and in-house programming at a local volleyball club for 3 years I was great at what I did, but it took a toll on me driving 2 hours a day, constantly being gone, pouring into everyone else BESIDES my family, picking up others slack…and all because I was scared of letting people down and not being able to “do it all.”

Dayle, 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 tried to be a full-time stay at home mom and that’s not me. Through A LOT of prayer and self reflection, I stumbled upon the permanent jewelry concept at a local boutique and fell in love. So much so, that I called my husband in the parking lot once I left and told him I was starting my own business and his questions would have to wait! In two weeks I had everything up and running.

The Welded Company has an array of items to choose from to make your pieces truly custom! On hand at each event we have sterling silver, gold-filled & enameled chains to choose from along with an assortment of charms and connectors. We can always custom order anything customers want as well (rose gold, solid gold, specific add-ons, etc.) To take your pieces even more to the next level, we also have our engraving machine! This allows customers to bring their sentiments to life. Whether it’s a significant date, initials, name, symbol we can engrave it on a high-quality blank of their choosing. If permanent is not your thing, no matter worries, there’s some options for you too! We also carry handmade (by yours truly) beaded as stretchy bracelets in sterling silver and gold-filled. We also have clasps that we can weld on to make each piece removable like a “normal” piece of jewelry! And last, but certainly not least, we have just launched a custom trucker hat bar. Pick from an assortment of hats, patches, chains, pins and hand it over to us and we will construct it for you onsite and you get to walk away with it in minutes. Options are truly endless with The Welded Company, which is what I think helps us stand apart from the competition. We have literally something for everyone! Plus when you purchase anything from us it has a lifetime warranty on the chain/hat. You are investing in The Welded’s success so we want to take care of you too. And the cherry on top of that what helps us stand out is what you see is what you get! We genuinely care and want to get to know you & about your pieces. This is probably the thing that I’m most proud of. Not wavering from my beliefs and keeping my “brand” as a reflection of me!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I set up a meeting with my dad and gave him a “Shark Tank” pitch. Even had him sign a contract including interest and everything! I wanted him to know how serious I was about this business, but also wanted his grace in case I failed and needed a little extra time for repayment.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

I had just had my launch party with friends and family on December 30th of 2022! Mind you, prior to that I was practicing on my sister and cousins occasionally for a month or two (if that). I got the wild hair to sign up as a vendor for the two-day Grand Rapids Bridal Expo on January 6 & 7 at DeVos Place! This event sees thousands of brides. Definition of fake it until you make it! I told myself if I’m going to fail I’m going to do it big…well I didn’t fail. Haha Learned a lot, met some amazing people, and was ready for more insane events just like that one! Since then I’ve done several events of the same caliber and even had the opportunity to be a vendor at Faster Horses country music festival.

Contact Info:

• Website: Theweldedcompany.com
• Instagram: @theweldedcompany
• Facebook: The Welded Company, LLC

Image Credits
Lexie Marie Photography