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

Joniece, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Joniece and her business, J’Renee Bejeweled has revolutionized its presence in the Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) industry by leveraging the power of unique branding and an innovative approach to sales through the Bling Bus. Unlike the conventional method employed by many in the MLM sector, where the focus is predominantly on going live and selling products on platforms like Facebook, J’Renee Bejeweled decided to literally bring its sparkling array of products to the doorstep of its customers. This mobile boutique, affectionately known as the Bling Bus, not only serves as a mobile storefront that offers convenience and a personal touch but also acts as a moving billboard that captures attention everywhere it goes.

By shifting the focus from online saturation to tangible, in-person experiences, J’Renee Bejeweled stands out as the “purple cow” in a field where differentiation is key. Seth Godin’s concept of the purple cow—representing something truly remarkable and distinctive—perfectly encapsulates the strategic pivot Joniece has made. Her approach of targeting companies and groups instead of individuals on social media represents a paradigm shift, emphasizing quality interactions and unique customer experiences over quantity. This not only enhances brand visibility but also fosters a sense of exclusivity and community among its clientele.

The Bling Bus is more than just a means of transport; it’s a statement of innovation and customer-centricity. By making the shopping experience both accessible and memorable, J’Renee Bejeweled has set a new standard for what it means to be genuinely engaging and distinct in the MLM industry. This direct-to-consumer model not only bypasses the clutter of online sales but also creates a novel narrative around the brand, making it a game-changer in how products are marketed and sold in the modern business and event landscape.

Joniece, 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?

My journey into the heart of J’Renee Bejeweled began quite unexpectedly, fueled by a simple love for earrings and a desire for something engaging to do on the side. With a background as rich and varied as mine—holding an MBA, a Masters of Organizational Management, and a Master of Education in Special Education—you might not immediately connect the dots to owning a business like J’Renee Bejeweled. As a former Girl Scout employee and teacher, I’ve always been deeply involved in leadership, growth, and fostering potential in others. Yet, when COVID-19 shifted my career path away from teaching, it serendipitously opened the door for what was merely a side hobby to blossom into a full-time pursuit.

Initially drawn to the business by the simple allure of a discount through a friend’s online earring sales, I stepped into a world I hadn’t anticipated. This casual interest quickly evolved into a profound journey within the MLM landscape—a field I had previously steered clear of. This venture turned out to be a testament to the unexpected paths leading to significant opportunities. I discovered not just a business, but a platform for personal and communal growth, witnessing and contributing to the empowerment of women and men alike, helping them to cultivate their ambitions and achieve financial independence.

My pride lies in seeing others thrive, crafting wealth in diverse ways for their families, and fostering leadership among my peers. My story is one of unexpected turns, demonstrating how flexibility, a willingness to embrace change, and a passion for helping others can lead to fulfilling outcomes.

Leveraging my skills and background in education, management, and leadership, I’ve enriched my journey in the MLM domain. I’ve even written two books through this journey. Through J’Renee Bejeweled, I’ve not only found a new career path but have also deepened my community involvement and supported other women in business, fulfilling my desire to see people flourish in their chosen paths. Who knew that with all my academic accomplishments and professional experiences, owning J’Renee Bejeweled would be the most fulfilling thing and make me the happiest?

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within my market and setting myself apart from others in the same industry boils down to one simple principle: doing what I say I’m going to do. If I commit to supplying your event with raffle rewards or promise to support your event in any specific way, I ensure those promises are fulfilled. Beyond just fulfilling promises, I distinguish myself by always showing up early, being immensely helpful to event coordinators and groups in need, whether they seek technical advice or support on committees. I consistently go above and beyond to stand out from my competitors.

My dedication to being punctual, reliable, and going that extra mile for those I work with is designed to make an impression. When someone thinks of a professional in my field, I want their first thoughts to be of someone who is not just on time and helpful, but also uniquely equipped with the Bling Bus, setting me apart from anyone else. This combination of reliability, helpfulness, and the distinctive presence of the Bling Bus ensures I am not just another name in the industry but the first name that comes to mind for quality, commitment, and service.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

In the diverse landscape of selling products within my industry, there are numerous resources available, from home-based solutions my company offers to platforms like Square. However, I’ve chosen to utilize Shopify for my business, primarily because it offers me a unique way to stand out from others in my industry. Shopify enables me to share facts about myself and what I offer, such as a subscription service and the ability to book my Bling Bus, directly on the platform. This level of customization and personalization is pivotal for differentiating my business.

Moreover, Shopify’s integration capabilities are a game-changer. It connects seamlessly with platforms like ShopPay, Amazon Pay, Sezzle, Sold Live, After Ship, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok. This connectivity not only supports my diverse marketing strategies but also simplifies live selling, should I choose to engage in it, by allowing content and products to filter across these platforms, thereby enhancing sales opportunities.

Choosing Shopify was strategic for its versatility in sales channels as well. It supports both website and in-person sales through its POS system, crucial for maintaining accurate inventory management. This is incredibly important in my field, where immediate stock availability can make or break a sale. Whether I’m selling online or at an event, Shopify’s system keeps me informed in real-time about my inventory levels, allowing me to confidently inform customers about product availability and process sales on the spot.

Shopify has been instrumental in allowing me to fine-tune my business operations, keep a close eye on my numbers, and meet all my selling and differentiation needs. Its comprehensive suite of features ensures I can operate efficiently in every aspect of my business, from inventory management to multi-platform sales, making it an invaluable tool for standing out in a competitive market.

Contact Info:

• Website: onhand.jreneebejeweled.com, www.jreneebejeweled.com
• Instagram: jrenee_bejeweled, bejeweledblingbus
• Facebook: J’Renee Bejeweled

Image Credits
Christine Lowell Photography https://christinelowellphotography.com/