We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robert Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Robert , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My Story Behind Starting to Wire Wrap
It all started with curiosity—and a little bit of frustration. I’d always been drawn to handmade jewelry, especially pieces with crystals and intricate designs. But every time I found something I liked, it was either out of my budget or didn’t quite reflect my personal style. So, one day, I thought, Why not try making something myself?
I didn’t know what I was doing at first. I watched a few YouTube videos, bought some basic tools, and ordered a handful of wires and stones. The first piece I made was clumsy, uneven, and honestly, a bit of a mess—but I loved it. There was something meditative and satisfying about bending the wire, shaping it around the stone, and watching it transform into something wearable.
With every piece, I got a little better. I learned how different gauges behave, how to secure a stone without glue, how to let the wire “flow” instead of forcing it. And somewhere along the way, it stopped being just a hobby. It became a passion, a creative outlet, and even a way to connect with others who appreciate handmade art.
Wire wrapping, for me, isn’t just about jewelry. It’s about patience, practice, and the joy of turning raw materials into something beautiful.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Growing up I wanted to be many thing. Basketball Player, A Navy Seal, a Guidance Counselor for kids, etc. Wire wrapping Jeweler was the last thing in the universe I thought I’d become! Covid 19 was the start of many businesses, Cubanlinks was the birth of my business as well, I had many friends having stone necklaces and a style I haven’t yet acquired, but very interested in! For starters I had a friend wrapping stones knowing of my interest in design this new found craft of wire, stones, & necklaces, on my behalf he gifted me with his inventory of stones, & gave me a huge head start to become a Jeweler!
The confidence on the craft was high but the outcomes on my first pieces were damp, I loved the designs that I saw, but something called me to do something different in the craft. I researched I tried, later down the line I found my style and kept it. My first sale was $100, only because the customer offered it to me in the admiration of what I started to do! You can imagine how that made me feel!
The entrepreneur in me exploded! & focused not only on funds but to stay creative! I never did anything for the money, I did it because I was good at it & wanted to get better at it. The things that came after was just a blessing from God himself!
5 years down the line I have over 10 Categories to buy from, over 100 sales, a great amount of return customers, and nothing but growth to continue on! I love this craft I’ve grown into! It’s brought me places, I’ve met new people from it, changed the Game on Jewelry Wear! Which was my biggest Goal.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
This is the fun part! The building of my audience is what I prize this business on Because the majority of my customer, I’ve met in person & till this day have Great Connections with!
I was a Bartender at a local restaurant called Capital Craft & I was pitched the idea to bring my work to work! I had a small bag full of my jewelry, my pendants, bracelets, rings, etc. the box was called “The Cuba-Cool” like a cubicle, so the questions would come what do you do outside of work! So I’d show one the box! Then others would ask what’s that? Then someone else would say “don’t leave me hanging i want to see” Getting to being behind the bar making drinks getting tips, and growing my business at the Same time! Giving out cards, growing my following! Enjoying my job, but growing my business was a-killing two one stone kinda deal! I’m also a rap artist, & headline plenty shows & have attended many shows where I’d vend as well! And sell out, & grow my following on Socials. But Mostly being Behind that bar top grew my business for sure & my sales! One day In one shot I received a $700 sale at work but all from Cubanlinks. 6 pendants, 4, Bracelets. Jewelry bought for her family & herself! One of the Best days of my life!
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Did my side hustle turn into my main business? Yes. Being in the restaurant business started at 18 years old, until 26 I had a lot of trust in the funds worked for daily Bc it made ends meet. Having an apartment, bills, ideas, being a server/ bartender made things a tad easier, but somedays my side business did more that my 9 to 5, I’d wake up somedays from customers purchases and realized “this is exactly how much I’d make if I worked all day at work”
I recently, back in December just quick my job to pursue being a Jeweler Full time! It was a risk but I had bright eyes for what the outcome would be, it’s been nothing I’d expect. It’s been hard. Very Hard. But what I created has not ended! Going from the sales, connection, in person interactions, to not knowing when the next sale will come, or are you their top choice from something unique to wear in the jewelry world. Somedays it stinks, do I miss the lucrativeness, Sometimes. But the independents allows me to stay more discipled than I’ve ever been! Created control! It takes alot to run a business, it take a lot more to believe in your business!
I made the side, my main, Bc I believe it’s made a difference in others lives including mine enough to try it out & see where it takes me! I love what I do enough to enjoy the good days & bad!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cubanlinksofficial_
- Facebook: Robiio Brown
- Youtube: PRNC PRODUXTION
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/RcNoEDxnMSKC6I7Qyh