We were lucky to catch up with Evette Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Evette , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The inspiration for Jada Gems originated in a heartfelt moment. When my daughter Jada desired a bracelet for her 13th birthday, my desire to gift her something special led to crafting a handmade piece. The joy she expressed, thinking it was purchased, sparked the idea. Recognizing the limited options for nickel and lead-free jewelry suitable for sensitive skin, I saw an opportunity to address a common problem. The logical step was to create a line of 18k gold filled and sterling silver jewelry, ensuring both style and skin-friendliness. Jada Gems isn’t just a business; it’s a solution born out of a personal experience, offering a unique and thoughtful approach to jewelry for those with sensitive skin. The excitement lies in combining craftsmanship with care, providing a meaningful and stylish option for individuals facing a similar challenge. Naming the business after my daughter adds a personal touch, making every piece a reflection of that initial heartfelt creation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a retired police sergeant with 23 years of service, my journey into the jewelry industry, crafting Jada Gems, was sparked by a personal and meaningful experience. When my daughter, Jada, wanted a bracelet for her 13th birthday, I handmade one, inadvertently laying the foundation for what would become Jada Gems. This transition from law enforcement to jewelry-making was driven by a desire to offer a solution to a common problem: the scarcity of stylish, skin-friendly jewelry for individuals with sensitivities.

Jada Gems specializes in 18k gold filled and sterling silver jewelry, meticulously crafted to be nickel and lead-free. Our products cater specifically to women with sensitive skin, providing an elegant and comfortable option. What sets us apart is not just the quality of our jewelry but the personal touch and care infused into each piece. The brand is named after my daughter, symbolizing the heart and authenticity behind our creations.

I take pride in combining craftsmanship with a commitment to solving a real-world problem. Jada Gems isn’t just a business venture; it’s a passion project aimed at offering a unique blend of style and sensitivity. My 23 years of policing have instilled in me a sense of dedication and attention to detail, traits that seamlessly transition into the artistry of jewelry-making.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Jada Gems is more than a jewelry brand – it’s a story, a solution, and a commitment to providing not just accessories, but meaningful expressions of style and comfort. Every piece is crafted with care and expertise, reflecting the values of authenticity, quality, and elegance that define the essence of Jada Gems.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Absolutely, my side hustle of crafting jewelry evolved into my full-time business, Jada Gems. It all began when I handmade a bracelet for my daughter Jada’s 13th birthday. Her genuine joy sparked the idea to create a line of jewelry that caters to individuals with sensitive skin.

The transition from a side hustle to a full-time venture involved several key milestones. Initially, positive feedback and demand from friends and family prompted me to explore the potential of turning this passion into a business. Recognizing the niche market for skin-friendly jewelry, I refined my designs and launched Jada Gems.

Key milestones included establishing an online presence through a dedicated website and social media platforms. Engaging with customers and receiving positive reviews helped build credibility and attract a wider audience. Collaborations with influencers and participation in local events further expanded the brand’s reach.

Scaling up involved investing time in marketing strategies, refining the product line based on customer feedback, and enhancing the overall customer experience. As the brand gained recognition for its unique offerings, Jada Gems became not just a business but a go-to destination for those seeking both style and comfort in their jewelry.

The decision to make Jada Gems my full-time career was fueled by the growing demand and the fulfillment I derived from providing a solution to a common problem. Today, I take pride in the evolution of Jada Gems from a side hustle born out of a heartfelt moment to a thriving business that connects with individuals seeking quality, stylish, and skin-friendly jewelry.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I have chosen to sell on Etsy, and my shop can be found at Jadagems1.etsy.com. Etsy provides a platform that aligns well with the handmade and unique nature of Jada Gems’ jewelry. Here are some pros and cons based on my experience:

**Pros:**
1. **Established Marketplace:** Etsy is a well-known and established marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items, providing built-in visibility to a wide audience.
2. **Ease of Use:** Setting up and managing a shop on Etsy is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for small business owners.
3. **Community and Networking:** Etsy fosters a community of buyers and sellers, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and customer engagement.
4. **Payment and Security:** Etsy handles payment processing and provides a secure platform, reducing the administrative burden on the seller.

**Cons:**
1. **Fees:** Etsy charges various fees, including listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees, which can impact overall profitability.
2. **Limited Branding:** While Etsy allows some customization, the platform is still Etsy-branded, limiting the extent to which a seller can establish a unique brand identity.
3. **Competition:** The popularity of Etsy means increased competition, requiring strategic marketing efforts to stand out among numerous sellers.

Overall, the choice of Etsy aligns with the nature of Jada Gems’ products and provides a convenient platform to reach a broad audience. The cons, such as fees and limited branding, are balanced by the advantages of an established marketplace and ease of use. I do plan on opening my own stand alone site soon. Be on the look out!

Contact Info:

• Website: Jadagems1.etsy.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Jadagems1
• Facebook: Facebook.com/jadagems1