Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessal Salas.
Hi Jessal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
A year after graduating with my bachelor’s degree from Cal State LA, I was constantly in and out of full-time jobs. In the jobs I had after graduating, I felt I wasn’t using my skills. It was hard to “fit in” with others due to my age because others would see me as inexperienced. I was constantly badgering myself and feeling like I was working extremely hard to please others with no recognition and stopped paying attention to what I needed and what benefitted me. After some time, I worked up the courage to quit my full-time job and create something of my own. In previous years, it was trial and error starting something of my own. Fast forward a few years, I created Sencilla Jewels which is an affordable e-commerce jewelry store that carries gold-filled and gold-plated items. Sencilla is definitely not where it was when I first created it. It’s taken a rebrand and some definite TLC (tender, love, and care) to have it where it is now but I still work every day to grow Sencilla. It has been my biggest accomplishment that I have been so proud of. The journey that I am on with building Sencilla has allowed me to grow as a person and create so many beautiful relationships. I look forward to what the future holds for Sencilla.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been some struggles! I’m not sure if other small business owners feel this way but I feel the main struggle of running a small business is the uncertainties. Every day there is something to do for Sencilla whether it is prepping packaging materials, packing and shipping orders, creating content for social media, etc. But there are moments when doing all these things I wonder: Am I interacting enough with my followers? Is it possible for Sencilla to be a successful brand? Am I doing enough for my business? What if people don’t like my items? How can I compare to all these other big brands? It’s these constant questions that become a struggle for me every day but what I try to do is look back on where I was when I began Sencilla and where I am now.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sencilla Jewels. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As the owner of Sencilla Jewels, I would want people to know that we are not just a jewelry store. I am a believer that everyone has a golden light within them and they are the real love and light behind Sencilla Jewels. I try my hardest to let people know through my platform that they are special and are one of a kind. I also try and build relationships with those that support my brand in any way. Without those that support and continue to support my small business, there would really be no Sencilla and they are the ones who allow me to build my brand. Sencilla has allowed me to meet so many beautiful and wonderful people and I hope with my growing platform and brand that I can create even more relationships!
What are your plans for the future?
For 2021, I had only one goal for Sencilla Jewels and myself which was to participate in pop-ups at least once a month and meet more small business owners! I had my first one on January 27th and as overwhelming as it was for it being my first one, I met so many new people and met some of my supporters who have been with me since the beginning! I’m currently confirmed for two in February and one in March and I am so excited to meet even more people! It’s definitely been a way for me to showcase myself and my brand. I plan to continue this and grow my pop-up presence and experience even more!
Pricing:
- $30 and under
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.shopwithsencilla.com
- Instagram: @sencillajewels
