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

Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Right now, I’m not yet making a full-time living from MaxCo Gold, but that’s the goal. Building a business takes time, and I’ve been focused on laying a strong foundation—learning the jewelry industry, digital marketing, and refining the brand’s identity. It’s been an evolving journey, and I’ve embraced every step, knowing that growth doesn’t happen overnight.

MaxCo Gold actually started with a different name and by a friend who originally launched the business and invited me to join when she started nursing school. We learned so much together—figuring outsourcing, design, and what it takes to run a jewelry brand. Eventually, she moved into full-time nursing, and I took over and rebranded the business, shaping it into what it is today. I miss working with her, but I’m grateful for everything we learned side by side in those early days, and she still helps me with ideas and advice.

One of the biggest hurdles was learning the jewelry world. I knew I needed some experience, so I was lucky enough to work for a jewelry store with great owners who taught me a lot about materials and what customers truly look for. Another challenge was digital marketing. I didn’t just want to sell jewelry; I wanted to build a brand that connects with people on a deeper level. That meant learning the language of marketing, which I tackled by taking a digital marketing course and leaning from my Women for Women (W4W) entrepreneurs group for support and insights.

Looking back, could I have sped up the process? Maybe. But I also believe that every step—every lesson—has shaped MaxCo Gold into what it is today. If I had to give my past self advice, I’d say: start marketing sooner, build a strong online presence from day one, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there before everything feels ‘perfect.’ The reality is, growth is ongoing, and I’m excited for what’s next as MaxCo Gold continues to expand.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always been drawn to gold—it lasts, it holds meaning, and it never goes out of style. When I took over and rebranded MaxCo Gold, my goal was to create a go-to spot for solid 14k gold pieces that are built to last, both in quality and design.

I curate a collection of standout pieces and have started designing more of my own. Jewelry should feel personal—something you actually want to wear every day, not just save for special occasions. That’s why I focus on well-made, meaningful designs that won’t just sit in a drawer but will be part of your life.

What makes MaxCo Gold different? I’m all about quality and customer experience. When you buy from me, I want you to love it—no doubts, no regrets. Whether it’s a gift, a self-reward, or just because I want every piece to feel special and every customer to feel taken care of.

I also believe business should stand for something bigger, which is why I’m working on a way to give back through MaxCo Gold. Jewelry is about connection, and I want that to show up in how I run this brand—not just in what I sell, but in the impact it makes.

I’m proud of how far this business has come and excited for what’s ahead. At the end of the day, MaxCo Gold is about pieces that last, look good, and mean something.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that pricing isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about valuing what I do. (Thank you, W4W community!) I’ve always wanted to keep prices as low as possible because I believe everyone should have access to high-quality, lasting gold jewelry. But the truth is, if I don’t price my pieces in a way that makes MaxCo Gold sustainable, I won’t be able to keep doing this in the long run.

I used to give way too many discounts and had a hard time marking up my products. I love making people happy, and it’s easy to think that offering a lower price is the best way to do that. But what I’ve realized is that people aren’t just paying for the material—they’re paying for the design, the curation, the service, and the experience of buying something that lasts.

Now, I’m working on finding that balance—keeping my pieces accessible while also making sure MaxCo Gold grows in a way that makes sense. At the end of the day, I want every piece to feel worth it, both for my customers and for the business.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The people. Hands down.

I’ve met so many incredible, kind, and collaborative women through this journey—women who don’t see each other as competition but as support, inspiration, and motivation. That’s exactly why a few of us started the Women for Women (W4W) group. We wanted a community where women could genuinely cheer each other on, share knowledge, and lift each other up. And honestly, that kind of community makes all the difference.

Being and entrepreneur can be a solo grind sometimes, but having people who get it—who share their experiences, ideas, and even struggles—makes it so much more rewarding. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about the connections, the collaborations, and the energy of building something alongside others who truly get it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.MaxCoGold.Com
• Instagram: MaxcoGold
• Facebook: MaxCo Gold

Image Credits

Tiff Pemberton Photography – Photographer
Addie Traylor – Model
Family Dogs and business namesake – Max and Coco