Today we’d like to introduce you to John Tran and Lynn Duong.
John and Lynn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Our story starts like any other family business, except we’re not going to keep going down the same road as everyone else. I like to people watch and to learn everything I can — what works and what doesn’t work. What do I need to become successful? What can I do to make sure we don’t flop? I’m a risk taker with logic and I do what I say and say what I do. We’re just started restructuring our company a few months ago. Yes, we have been in the business for 14 years, as wholesale — behind the scenes in private trade shows. We’ve been running it like a “Mom ‘n Pop’s” store, but last summer as I walked into the Jewelry District in downtown Los Angeles, I felt that it was time. Time for the first few steps of our dream to come true. Our office is in the heart of the Jewelry District with a superb view. Sure there will be difficulties and high hurdles, but where’s the fun and excitement if everything goes according to plan?
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth is boring. Challenges are exciting and have built the company to where we are today. Yes, there have been many struggles and sometimes we don’t get that perfect royal flush to win the game. However, these experiences are what made my wife and me so successful today. You can call us workaholics if you like –working 24/7 all 365 days a year. We genuinely appreciate hard work and sincerity. I like to keep it simple and as our company grows — work smarter, not harder is a good rule to strive on.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My wife has a great eye for design. She has good attention to detail and she designs a lot of the pieces with me. We work very well together and she makes up the other half of the company while managing the different departments. Our business is based on the concept that jewelry is not only worn by the individual as an accessory but needs to submerge itself into that individual’s world. We are known for our wide selection of ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamonds — all 18 karat gold. We like to think of ourselves as trendsetters, we venture into different designs without knowing it will sell. My wife is starting her design department this year and our goal is to create new designs as well as predict the future trends. I would think what sets us apart is our work ethic and excitement for challenges. We’re no strangers to failure and are open minded to all ideas–good or bad. How do you know an idea is good or bad without trying it first? Worst case scenario–you fail.
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
I believe good luck plays a key role in my life and business. Everything one is born with a gift whether they know or not. It’s part of the challenge to realize it internally and once you do — you bring out the best in yourself. Meeting good people, to me is considered good luck. Time is too short to dwell on negativity and bad people. You never know when the right person for the right role will appear and I am fortunate enough to have met good people.
Contact Info:
- Address: 550 S. Hill St. Suite 1593 Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Phone: 626-712-9940
- Email: [email protected]
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