Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Williams.
Hi Jill, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my healing gemstone jewelry line, jillijewels, in 2003. I was looking for a new career that would be creatively fulfilling after deciding my current career of singing in Musical Theatre wasn’t working for me anymore. “Be honest with yourself about what you are naturally curious about” was the quote that inspired me. I always had a special love for jewelry and design and was always interested in the energy of crystals and gemstones.
The impetus for my business was to make a special healing jewelry line that was also aesthetically beautiful. I also decided to include a personally handwritten intention card for each jillijewels to remind the wearer of the energy. I landed the prestigious Ron Robinson account at the original Fred Segal store right away and remained there selling jillijewels for 17 years. Over the years, creating special jewelry for my clients has been more fulfilling than I could have imagined. My line can be found in a few stores across the country, but now with COVID closing many of them, I am updating my website on a regular basis and custom designing for my private clientele. I am very grateful that I am able to remain safe and creative in my studio.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My business has definitely gone through changes and evolved over the years. I think it’s important for staying relevant. Sometimes going with the flow or embracing a suggestion that feels overwhelming can be difficult, but I have learned it’s always better in the long run. If not, it will just come up again. Trusting the Universe is a big part of operating a small business. I have also developed a deep understanding of abundance through operating my business. That used to be a hard one for me. Now I have a deep knowing that as the sun is shining on you, it doesn’t take the sun away from me, there is more than enough for all of us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love all my creations from the time I handpick the gems individually, bring them to my studio, make the design, write a personal energy card, price them all the way until they finally find their homes. My clients love this about my jewelry. Every piece is unique. I do not create a line that is manufactured over and over. This is what I am most proud of. The specialness of a jillijewels. It is more labor-intensive hand making each design, for example having to take a picture of each one individually, but it is what I care about. It is the part that matters to me. I love seeing gems find their human, and I love seeing the joy on my client’s face when they know ‘that’s the one’! It is said that the energy of love that I use in the process is absorbed and felt when holding the pieces. I believe this is true. Everything is energy. Like water picks up our thoughts and energy around it, so too do gems and crystals.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Well, there has definitely been a shift to online business and sales, even before the COVID – 19 hit. Now that it’s more difficult to gather in person, this trend is definitely going to continue. I am excited about continuing the work on my website to make it more user-friendly and expanding my social media presence for a broader reach. Of course, this means great photographs. I also enjoy a balance, designing and creating alone and also being out in the world with other humans. I think once we are able to gather safely again, the trend will be toward events and destination shopping experiences, especially around wellness. Also, as we are seeing more resistance to big business and blind corporate profiteering, it seems there’s likely to be a shift towards supporting homegrown local businesses. Relatable roots and conscientious supply chain sourcing are getting more of the attention they deserve. People want to feel a connection to what they spend their money on. Convenience and speedy delivery are hopefully just passing trends.
Contact Info:
- Email: jill@jillijewels.com
- Website: https://jillijewels.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillijewels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jillijewels-223939341040238
Image Credits:
Jonathan Mash (headshot) Josh Neill
