We were lucky to catch up with Zamar Martinez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zamar, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Z Jewelers was born from a dream—literally. In the middle of the night, I had a vision of myself as a celebrity jeweler in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time, I was just getting by, working as a service dispatcher and living paycheck to paycheck. But that dream sparked something in me. Fast forward a few months, and I was laid off from my job on April 7th, 2020, due to the pandemic. I had little to my name—just $51.80 left from my final paycheck. But I knew this was the moment to take a leap. I invested that last bit into the business, and by May 1st, 2020, Z Jewelers launched.
I won’t lie, I had doubts. I questioned whether it would take off, but I believed deeply that God was guiding me, and that everything would work together for my good (Romans 8:28). Within 30 days of launching, I had generated $30,000 in revenue. It was the confirmation I needed that this was not just a dream, but a legitimate opportunity. I wasn’t just offering jewelry—I was offering something unique: luxury and craftsmanship that connected with people on a personal level. And that’s what made this endeavor so exciting: it wasn’t just about selling pieces; it was about creating a brand that people could trust and connect with, no matter where they were in their lives.
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.
My name is Zamar Martinez and I’m a 31-year-old wife and mom of three. My brand, Z Jewelers, was born after losing my job due to COVID, I knew I had to create something not just for myself but for my family’s future. That’s when I turned what originally started as a dream into a business—one that brings luxury and convenience straight to people’s doorsteps.
At Z Jewelers, we specialize in custom solid gold and diamond jewelry. What makes us stand out is that we’ve made high-end, custom jewelry accessible online, giving our clients the ability to order timeless, luxury pieces from the comfort of their own homes. We provide a safe, trustworthy experience with quality craftsmanship, and that’s something I take great pride in.
But for me, it’s not just about the jewelry—it’s about the relationships I’ve built with my amazing clients over the years. I’ve had the honor of creating special pieces that mark major milestones, celebrations, and even memories of loved ones. Knowing that my work brings joy and meaning to people all over the world is what truly drives me.
Z Jewelers is more than a business—it’s a reflection of my journey, my resilience, and my passion. I want people to know that when they shop with us, they’re not just buying jewelry; they’re investing in a piece of art made ethically with care, intention, and love.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience on social media came down to two major strategies: live broadcasting and giveaways. I realized early on that going live was a game-changer. It gave my audience a chance to connect with me on a personal level, see the face behind the brand, and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at my work. More importantly, it created a space where potential clients could ask questions that may have been holding them back from making their first purchase. Over time, these live sessions built a strong online community of supporters and loyal clients who weren’t just there for the jewelry but for the experience and connection.
Giveaways were another big factor in growing my audience. I made sure that one of the entry requirements was to follow my account, which led to consistent growth—sometimes hundreds of new followers each week! Plus, it created excitement around my brand and allowed more people to experience my jewelry firsthand.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is to show up and engage. People want to connect with real people, not just a brand logo. Go live, talk to your audience, and let them see who you are and what you stand for. And don’t be afraid to offer value—whether it’s a giveaway, an exclusive look at your process, or helpful insights related to your industry. Consistency and authenticity will take you far!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was keeping all my money in one place, thinking it would help me track it better. When I first started my business, I had everything—business income, personal expenses, savings—all in one account. I thought it made things simpler, but in reality, it made managing my finances much harder.
After nearly five years in business, I’ve learned the importance of separating my finances into different accounts—one for business, one for personal expenses, another for savings, and one for investments. It’s helped me stay organized, track every transaction with clarity, and stay on top of my financial goals. Now, I have a clear picture of where my money is going, how much I’m reinvesting, and what I’m saving for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopzjewelers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zjewelersofficial?igsh=aWd6eDk4aWZwcm15&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/191VTishxb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Christopher Pollard – Studio7onethree