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

Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I started Gemara’s Gems in 2002. I was selling two dozen toe rings plus a display postcard and stand for $80. I had just moved to Florida from Los Angeles and didn’t really know anyone or my way around. I would hop in my car each day and while driving around, stop at every hair & nail salon I saw. I would walk in, ask to speak to the owner, stick out my foot and say “have you ever seen these?”, while pointing to the crystal flower toe ring sparkling on my toe. Not the best sales pitch but girls love jewelry and toe rings were the trend of the summer and so it began. There was no google maps, GPS or social media back then so I got all my clients from cold calling. I built a rapport with them, the product sold and these clients trusted me so I started adding jewelry to the line and the rest is history.

Rachel, 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 come from a family of entrepreneurs. My great grandfather and grandfather owned Friedman Jewelers (before it was a chain), dating back to 1915. Between family members in jewelry and fashion, I was destined to do something in this industry. I sell trendy costume jewelry wholesale to hair/nail salons, clothing stores and gift stores. I help women feel beautiful and confident through adding to their outfit by accessorizing. What sets me apart from others is I take pride in building relationships and supporting other women. I believe in community over competition and empowering, inspiring and supporting women. I am proud that I have sustained this business for 21 years and people still trust me to bring them the latest in jewelry trends. I love what I do and am passionate about helping others follow their purpose. What I do is so much more than just selling jewelry.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

When I started I was in my 20’s and “looked the part”. When I would walk into places of business with majority females, they would notice my jewelry and comment which was always a great segway for selling to them. What helped build my reputation was the fact that my jewelry sold well and so my clients trusted that I was always bringing them coveted merchandise at great prices. I also was one of only two people in the area doing what I did when I first started. I also believe a key to my success is being personable and relatable. When people like you, they trust you and that turns into sales.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve worked since I was 15. I have always considered myself a workaholic. Many times I put business before my relationships and my kids. Since divorcing in 2013, as the sole provider to my now 14 and 16 year old, work was my life 24/7. During the pandemic, God was showing me I needed “balance” in my life. I was working too much and it was affecting me mentally and physically. Turns out I had kidney cancer. November 4th, 2020 I had a partial nephrectomy where they made 5 incisions and removed 3/4 of my kidney. In 2021 God was showing me “more” so I signed a lease on a showroom. That’s where the balance came in. Since my work was no longer in my home, I would close the showroom door and be done for the day. I got that balance I so desperately needed. In June of 2022, I broke my heel sliding down a mountain while hiking in Sedona, and was unable to walk for three months. I am the business so not being able to work for those months was extremely stressful. It was my worst year in business in 21 years. I felt so defeated I even contemplated selling my business. I realized I needed to move out of the showroom because the rent was killing me and bring my work back home. I believe to bloom where you’re planted.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gemarasgems.com
• Instagram: gemarasgems
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/gemarasgems — private group to join that I sell in
• Other: Ig personal — @rachelgemara FB — Gemaras Gems

Image Credits
Celebrate Everything by Valerie