Monday Spotlight: Christi J Jewelry

What sets Christi J Jewelry apart from other jewelry businesses? Where are you located?
I think what sets Christi J Jewelry apart from other jewelry businesses is that I really focus on designing for moms. My goal as a jewelry designer is to make pieces that are fun and fashionable but are also wearable for mothers like myself. I try to offer pieces that can be worn to a playdate, to the park, to the grocery store or dinner out, if you manage to get one! My Sentimental Silver line is all about celebrating and showing off those you love. I think our photo jewelry is unique and it gives women a fun and stylish way to keep pictures of the kids with them all the time.

We are located in Phoenix, Arizona.


How did you come up with your business name?
It’s not terribly original, as it comes right from my name. When I was deciding on a name, I just kept coming back to using my own. The business is a part of me, and I felt that using my own name made it a bit more personable. And the domain was available!

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
Ever since I was a child, I have been creating and designing all sorts of things. I find the creative process to be very fulfilling. For years people have been telling me I should put my talents to work and go into business for myself, and it finally seemed like the right time. I was making jewelry as a hobby, and started teaching other people to make jewelry as well. Soon people started asking me to make jewelry pieces for them. At first I thought I would just do enough business to pay for my own jewelry making addiction, but soon I started to see more possibilities. I would visit craft shows and boutiques and not see the types of products I was making for myself and friends, and realized there would be a market for my work. I did some research, obtained some additional training and then opened my doors. I launched Christi J Jewelry in 2006 and life has been very busy ever since!

How did you get started?
I started by doing jewelry parties at my own home and the homes of my friends. People could come and shop and I would teach them how to make their own beaded jewelry if they wanted to give it a try. From there I started doing some small craft shows and fairs. I am an internet junkie, so having a website and online store was a very natural thing to do, and is now the main focus of my business.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
I see a lot of possibilities in the future, and am working towards them, a day at a time. I feel like my business is my second child, it takes a lot of work but it’s very fulfilling to watch it grow and develop. While it’s hard to balance work and family, I love showing my daughter that you can pursue a dream if you want it and will work for it. I think a lot of people end up working in jobs and industries that they do not love, but feel are “safe”. I’ve been there myself. I want to show my daughter that you can love what you do.

Do you have a new product/design you are featuring on your website?
The main feature on the site at this time is the Sentimental Silver line. I am so in love with photo jewelry. I am terrible at carrying pictures with me, so it’s fabulous to always have a picture hanging around my neck or on my wrist. The response to the line has been fabulous. Moms really love it and I have a lot of people purchase items as gifts for mothers and grandmothers. They are great for baby shower gifts! The Sterling Silver Toggle Photo Bracelet is our biggest seller right now. It’s such a classic style and you can wear it with anything.

How do you juggle family and work at home?
It is always a challenge. I try and devote mornings to play dates and fun stuff for my daughter, but when nap time comes, it’s all about work. I’m lucky that my husband handles the bath and bedtime routine, so usually by about 7pm each night I am back to work, right up until it’s time to go to sleep. He’s also great at taking our daughter out on the weekends to do fun stuff – I could not do it without his help! I get a lot done on weekends, and just squeeze things in whenever I can. There’s not a lot of free time around here. I have a ten year old girl who comes over one or two times a week to play with my daughter while I work – my daughter loves it, and it allows me to squeeze more into my day. The return of preschool in the fall will be a big help as well!


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
If it’s what you want to do, you can make it happen. There are a lot of options out there, be it working for yourself or for someone else. It’s wonderful, but it can be a challenge. There’s not a day that goes by where at one point I don’t feel like I’m either neglecting my job or neglecting my daughter, it can be a lot to balance. It’s very helpful to have a support system of friends, especially other WAHMs to talk to, even if just by email, who are in your shoes and understand. I also think it’s important to have realistic expectations of yourself. I’ve had to shut down my inner Martha Stewart and realize that most days I won’t be able to serve a gourmet meal in a sparkling clean house, or chair a committee on the preschool board, as much as I would really like to. There are sacrifices you have to make, but I think they are worth it.


Visit Christi J Jewelry at www.christij.com

Stores (brick and mortar and/or online stores) that carry your product/provide your services:
My designs are also available online at Roseberry Creek Designs (www.roseberrycreekdesigns.com) – they offer an amazing selection of children’s gift and décor items, all handmade. I am also very excited about a line I am designing for Hip Chicks Boutique (www.hipchicksboutique.com). It is being made to match their coordinating mother and daughter outfits. It’s really fun to work with another designer, especially one with such cute stuff.