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

Shantal, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It all began as a mistake, literally. In the midst of trying to save for our wedding, I found myself in a tight spot. About a year ago, I watched my now husband put in long hours working as an electrician for seven full days a week… a real grind. We had an agreement: I’d take care of all the household chores and make sure he had lunch and dinner during those work-filled days. But once my part in this routine was over, I felt a bit lost because I wasn’t bringing in any income.

Quick side note – we’re both hustlers by nature. At the time, we each had side businesses that were doing okay, but they weren’t bringing in enough to significantly boost our funds for the big day. One day on TikTok, I stumbled upon a video and thought, “Hey, this is something I can do.” My current business was somewhat similar, but my passion was always jewelry. So, I figured out what it would take, took a leap of faith, and put everything on a credit card.

I dove headfirst into the permanent jewelry business and became one of the first permanent jewelry shops in our area. Despite fear and uncertainty, I was excited. I knew it would work because I had no other option but to make it work. There was a greater desire to marry my best friend, so every doubt I had was overshadowed.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello, I’m Shantal, the proud owner of Xvida Jewelry located in Andover, MA.

As a first-generation Latina and business owner, being the first in my family to venture into opening a business is a source of great pride. My family serves as my driving force! My parents came to America from Mexico in the hope that their children could dream big. The fact that my parents never had the chance to pursue their dreams always motivates me. I aspire to provide them with everything they deserve and more, I am so blessed i get to dream.

Running my business has been a whirlwind of passion and hard work, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. X vida Jewelry ( short for Por Vida) specializes in permanent jewelry, and we’re excited to announce an upcoming expansion with more stunning pieces to choose from. Unlike traditional jewelry, our permanent pieces serve as a wearable testament to endurance. Crafted as bracelets, anklets, or necklaces, each piece is seamlessly fused, symbolizing lasting strength and style. We offer a variety of sterling silver and 14k Gold Filled chains.

Clients choose Xvida Jewelry because I believe in providing a unique experience. When someone sits down in my chair, I take the time to get to know them. I share all the information they need about their chosen piece – how to care for it, how to clean it, and how to take it off. I want all my future clients to be confident that they’ll receive the best service and accurate information about our exquisite jewelry.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I have a degree in marketing and I work full-time in the field. I’ve applied what I’ve learned by carefully planning a soft launch, creating some social media buzz, and running ads. It’s important to note that you need to invest money to make money. Balancing a full-time job with a business requires careful planning, so I schedule my days meticulously.

Once a week, I take the time to plan my social media content, posting reels daily and engaging with my audience. I ensure there are interactive stories and occasionally go live. I often share glimpses of my life as a permanent jewelry artist with posts like “Day in the Life of a Jewelry Artist.”( I also create vlogs on youtube about my life as a permanent Jewelry business owner)

I recommend taking your social media seriously. If you can’t fully invest in ads or a social media person, start by dedicating one day of your week to filming, scheduling, and make it non-negotiable

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

I believe what helped me build my reputation in the market is the immense knowledge I share with clients. When a new client comes in feeling shy, I engage in conversations that help them relax, and I can see their personality come out. I understand that it can be weird to walk into a new space and get a service from a stranger, so I make an effort to have genuine conversations and be myself. This has significantly contributed to my reputation.

Clients who have had positive experiences with me often recommend me to their friends, hire me for private events, and more. Additionally, I attend networking events to further connect with people in the industry and expand my reach. Don’t underestimate the power of networking, it can lead to so many new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.xvidajewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xvidajewelry/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/xvidajewelry
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtUMzKe5sbn8EcR3jYgPJTA