Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmin Martinez.
Jasmin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jasmin Martinez; I’m 33 years old and just opened my new small business market on February 3rd in the city of Orange, CA. Before I get into my business, I will tell you a little about me, I walked away from a 15-year career as a General Manager for a big box retailer to pursue my dream of owning a collective of small businesses. My passion and strength have always been forming connections with people, even as a General Manager I was highly effective however, I found the fun in my job within the associates I managed, which at that time, was about 160 people. My job was pretty intense, high stress, etc., and I needed an outlet, something that was for me, so I started doing pop-ups selling crystals, jewelry, etc. I really enjoyed that, again, I enjoyed the face-to-face interactions with customers verses buy and ship experience selling on Etsy. After having success in the markets and building a small customer base, I decided to go for it and sign a contract for my first brick-and-mortar experience in a market that was in the mall at that time. I did very well, mind you, I was managing to build my own brand while simultaneously climbing the ladder at my “real job”. Everything came to a head in 2023- this was probably one of the toughest years of my life. I was in my second year as a GM managing a $55 million store, my grandfather passed away, and I had a major health scare. Definitely a recipe for an awakening. I’ll never forget the buildup leading up to the day I resigned. I loved my job, and I had established myself as an amazing leader in the company, but I just wasn’t fulfilled- I literally felt myself outgrowing the company with each day that went by, and it started to really affect me. The day I resigned, all of that tension was alleviated. Not many know this, I resigned without a lease, the second I made space for more in my life THE LEASE CAME. I signed the lease, posted that I needed vendors, and the rest is history. We are now home to 45 small businesses from all over southern California, with a few vendors from the Bay and one from out of state. I like to believe the last 15 years prepared me for this next journey. I feel so equipped, and I have so much gratitude for my “past life” as a General Manager in retail. If you’re in Orange County we’re only 0.5 a mile from the Orange Circle, come find the magic upstairs in the Citrus Building and support 45 small business dreamers.
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?
Shockingly, it has been a pretty smooth ride so far. Like anything, though, there have been a few bumps in the road. The main one is establishing myself as a business owner and getting our location on the map. We’re tucked away in the historic Citrus Building, we’re located in a really busy, cute part of town- if you’re familiar with the Orange Plaza or Orange Circle, we’re half a mile from there- the hurdle is, we’re upstairs. I like to think of our shop as a little secret it, once you find it, I promise you will not be disappointed. I can’t tell you how many people come in, and the first thing I hear from behind the counter is, “Oh my gosh!!! I love this!” or “Oh my, this is beautiful.”
We’ve been impressed with Local Gem Collective, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Local Gem Collective is a small business market that gives a home to 45 small business owners. For many, this is their first retail experience in a brick and mortar, so it is very exciting. The average person will come in and see a little 5’x6′ space and think nothing of it, but I promise, the vision and dream behind that 5’x6′ space goes for miles in all of my vendors. I’m so proud to be a part of 45 different journeys and hope my space allows them to segway into their own retail stores or whatever their dream is for their business. What I want readers to know is, when you shop Local Gem Collective you are truly impacting 45 different local makers and dreamers.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Hmmm, this is a good question. I feel like in this business, what I’ve learned is there will be slow days and super busy days; what’s important is to act in gratitude despite the sales earnings. I have to personally remember, slow mornings are new to me, I’ve been in retail since I was 18, having coffee in the morning at home is a luxury and I’m grateful for all of it. I’m so grateful for all of the time I’ve gained with family and friends; I didn’t realize how disconnected I was from everything, even myself. I’m about 3 months post career and 3 months as a new entrepreneur, I’m learning and loving every second of it. Dealing with small businesses requires care, tact and understanding- just because you don’t like someone’s business doesn’t mean it doesn’t add value, there’s something for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localgemcollective/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminmartinez91
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/local-gem-collective-orange?osq=local+gem+collective
