Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Novak-Roesgen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

In some cases, yes — I wished I would have started Novaura Jewelry right after we closed our family’s electronics business.

However, I believe that the moment I chose to turn my love for wearing and creating jewelry into a business coincided with a period in my life where I craved a creative outlet the most.

I have an engineering degree and since I didn’t pursue the path of an art degree or get training as a silversmith, I didn’t consider myself an artist or a creative person.

Several years ago I was listening to a podcast and the guest said she believes every person is creative and that creative people could “rule the world”. I am not sure why this message resonated with me at the time, but it did. I began to change my mindset and started to think of myself as a creative person. It took a while for me to call myself a jewelry artist.

I remember the day I said to my family that I wanted to start a jewelry business. It was no longer a secret wish that I would do “someday”. The support from my family was overwhelming and I knew it was the right decision for me.

My family has been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders and their love and support is what keeps me going. I just turned 60 years old and I feel it is never too late to start a new career that brings me joy.

Laura, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a mom of 3 adult children – Rachel, Jessica, and Robby. My husband Richard and I are about to celebrate 35 years of marriage. We met at our first Engineering jobs after graduation. We live in the serene community of Coto de Caza, CA and I have been a California gal since my family moved here when I was 4.  I live an active life as a triathlete and runner.

Novaura Jewelry was born out of a passion for creating timeless and elegant jewelry that can be worn everyday. My journey into jewelry making started when I was 12 years old, creating a Puka Shell necklace to show off my sun-tanned skin from lounging on the Southern California beaches in the 70s. I loved to shop at the bead shops and make colorful beaded jewelry to wear and give to others. Over the years, my love for crafting beautiful jewelry pieces grew, eventually leading me to start Novaura Jewelry.

You know that quiet girl in high school who aced Physics & Calculus? That was me. Being the daughter of an electrical engineer, it was only natural for me to follow in my father’s footsteps and pursue a career in engineering.

As a mechanical engineer, I bring a unique perspective to the crafting process. Each piece is designed with precision, with an emphasis on durability and longevity. My collection features handcrafted gemstone and pearl jewelry, made with genuine gemstones, freshwater pearls, and gold-filled and sterling silver metals. From necklaces and earrings to stacking bracelets, each item is crafted to ensure it not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time.

My customers are confident, high-achieving women who appreciate jewelry that is personal and expressive. They understand the value of celebrating life’s moments with meaningful pieces. At Novaura Jewelry, I solve the problem of finding high-quality, long-lasting jewelry that is easy to wear and mix and match. My pieces are designed to uplift your mood and complement your style, regardless of the occasion.

What sets Novaura Jewelry apart from others is my dedication to crafting jewelry that speaks to the heart. I believe that jewelry should be as multi-faceted as the woman who wears it. My pieces are designed to be layered and mixed, allowing women to express their unique style and personality. Moreover, my commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that every piece I create is not just a piece of jewelry but an heirloom to be treasured.

In addition, my roots in a family-run business have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the relationships I build with my customers. I provide personalized service and ensure that every customer feels valued and appreciated.

I take great pride in showing my children that it is never too late to follow my dream of turning a beloved passion and hobby into a thriving business. This is a second career for me as I recently retired from my engineering job.

In essence, Novaura Jewelry offers more than just beautiful jewelry; I offer a unique experience that honors the individuality of each customer while providing high-quality, durable pieces that can be cherished for many years.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Crafting and designing jewelry becomes truly fulfilling when I create something extraordinary for someone, marking a significant milestone in their life, or when someone wishes to present a cherished piece of jewelry to a loved one, commemorating a precious moment.

Creating a unique necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings for someone brings me far greater joy than simply making a sale. The act of crafting a personalized piece of jewelry is a source of deep satisfaction that goes beyond the transactional aspect of my work.

Have you ever had to pivot?

This pivot encompasses my life and career.

For most of my career, I worked alongside my parents and sister to bring my father’s model airplane hobby from our living room to a multi-million dollar company that thrived for nearly 4 decades. My parents started the company when I was in middle school. Our company, Novak Electronics designed and manufactured electronic products for model airplanes and radio-controlled race cars.

These model race cars were fast! And for a while in college, I not only spectated at the race events, I picked up a transmitter and raced the 12th scale electic cars myself.

After graduation, I worked in the aerospace field for two years until I was fortunate to return to Novak Electronics – now as an engineer. Our company was still relatively small, and my father took on all the engineering design work. I was thrilled to be back to help with the engineering of our products.

In my opinion, family businesses are the ultimate blessing! Not only was I able to work with many fabulous people over the years that became close friends, but I cherish the memories working alongside my dear sister Linda and our parents Bob & Joan.

When they were old enough, Linda’s and my kids stepped in to help at Novak Electronics – just like we did when growing up. The work and life skills it gave us – and our own kids – is invaluable, and I honestly cannot think of a better career than in a family business. You might even say it’s ingrained in my DNA!

Closing our family business in 2016 was an emotionally difficult time, not just for our own family, but also for our cherished employees and dedicated customers, who had become an integral part of our extended family.

Fortunately, I was offered an engineering position at a company where our former Engineering Manager for Novak Electronics, was employed. I was grateful for the job, but it was just a job to me now. I no longer had a passion for the engineering career I once had with my family.

It took me a while to get over the feeling that we somehow failed in keeping Novak Electronincs going for our loyal employees and customers. I eventually came to the realization that it is essential to focus on the positive. It is a remarkable achievement for a small business to thrive for nearly 40 years.

Then in 2018, Linda was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, which devastated our family. We spent as much time together as a family to support her and her grown children. To this day, I still have twice weekley lunch with my parents and her family to support each other and to stay connected.

I also discovered that engaging in the craft of jewelry-making with my hands provided some relief from my anxiety and grief caused by her illness and the heartbreaking loss of my only sibling.

It was during this difficult period that I re-discovered my creativity and passion – crafting jewelry. It wasn’t long before I decided to pursue a side gig in jewelry-making, and Novaura Jewelry was born.

I recently retired from my engineering career and I feel I am living my true identity as an entrpreneur. My husband and adult kids help me at the craft markets. My mother imparts her years of business wisdom to me. My father is proud that I have carried on the family tradition of owning a business.

And, I hear the whispers of gentle encouragement from Linda to embrace a life filled with joy and a life that bring me true happiness.

I chose the name Novaura Jewelry to honor the legacy of my birth family and Novak Electronics.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.NovauraJewelry.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/novaurajewelry/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/NovauraJewelry
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraroesgen/
• Other: www.pinterest.com/novaurajewelry

Image Credits
Amanda Jo Anglen, owner of Still Shots