Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanne Lomboy.
Deanne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was never interested into being in the business industry, let alone run one myself. I was going through a lot in my personal life, especially with my family. I started seeing people do these small businesses on social media, soon to realize I then became inspired to start one! In the beginning, I saw this as an opportunity to possibly keep myself busy and distracted due to my grandfather’s situation who later passed a month later of opening up the company. My cousins and I want to give back to help our family in the Philippines and reconnect with them. I want to continue this creativity and arts because my grandfather had that quality in him! During this challenging time in my life, I was able to connect with Olivia Quido, also known as ‘Miss O’. She is very well known for her Skin Care Line, being Top 8 Women Entrepreneur in La, and so much more! Miss O guided me to jump start DeanneJewels by sharing her wisdom and knowledge about common business skills!
Most of all being able to give back to the Lord and include him in this whole thing! After much deliberation on how to find the perfect name that best represents my products, we came up with ‘DeanneJewels’. From there, I began to scout different pieces that I could sell to others. It was tough to get the things that I wanted because I was not financially stable. But I really prayed and asked if this is something I should do if I wasn’t even prepared for it! So I really put my trust in the Lord and started to promote my work to my friends and family off of social media. I was only selling earrings at first, but then I started to venture out and was able to provide my customers keychains, necklaces, bracelets, and now airpod cases!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel that if you want to become successful, there will always be obstacles you have to face, most definitely! For me, I doubted myself and would already think about the negative outcomes right away. I wasn’t sure on what other products I should get next, am I spending more than getting profit back? I couldn’t decide on what are the right prices for my products, I had to change up my packaging style a couple of times, and more! I got discouraged from a comment someone told me about starting a business and I really took that to heart. Even though my family and friends were supporting me 100%, I decided to focus on that one comment. However, I learned to not let anyone or anything put me down on what I want to achieve in my life. I learned that it’s completely okay to say the word “No”, that I can’t grow up to become a “people pleaser”, but to grow out of being in those situations. In the beginning, things are going to be chaotic and super overwhelming, at least it was for me! I always have to remind myself to not give up and keep going, and know that everything, the hard work, determination, and commitment will pay off!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about DeanneJewels – what should we know?
DeanneJewels is a small business that sells different kinds of pendants or charms that can be turned into whatever the customer desires! Whether it would be earrings, keychains, or necklaces, I apply the pendant or charm manually! I also now provide rhinestone bracelets, sneaker airpod cases, and customizable resin keychains! Each purchase comes with a free velvet scrunchie(s), depending on how many items the valued customer gets. For example, if they purchase three items, they receive three scrunchies of any color they’d like! My company is known for its packaging and the variety of different colors I service with each item I provide. They love the extra add ons I give, such as the scrunchies, stickers, along with the free alcohol pads I provide them for their jewelry! They state that they can tell how much time and effort I put into packaging their orders, making sure they arrive safe to their new destination! I would say the thing that sets my business apart to others is the type of products I am selling and their names! The products that are really high in sales right now are my “Boba Tea”, “Butterfly Fantasy” and the “Yummy Gummy Bear” Collections! My products are unique, fun to wear, and definitely will be getting compliments when people see you rockin’ pieces from ‘DeanneJewels’!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First one to deserve all credit for this business is the Lord! I believe everything happens for a reason and doing this business has changed me a lot! I was able to really put my trust in him and always praying for this business! I want to thank my parents, Santos family and my boyfriend Who were the first ones to really watch me grow and see how I manage with the company. Next, Miss O for being my business mentor, guiding and critiquing how I run things with the company even until today! As well as getting to connect with new people and providing the help to start up! I want to thank my other friends and family who purchased from me in the beginning, seeing how I packaged and laid out their orders, and hoping they see an improvement from today! I want to thank Rowena for being the one to make my earring and keychain cards, as well as my logo stickers! Without the group of people that are willing to help, support, and love you for who you are on the inside, that person can easily give up. So I am super thankful because who I have surrounded in my life makes me motivated to work harder and to make this business known!
Pricing:
- Boba Tea $10
- Butterfly Fantasy $11-$13
- Yummy Gummy Bear $8
- Mask On $8
- GetThatDough $8
- Resin Keychains $9
- Sweet Tooth $8
- Egg-Citing $6
- Rhinestone Bracelets $15
- Sneaker Airpod Cases $15
- Elegacy $23
- Velvet Sea Shell Case $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeanneJewels
- Email: deannejewels@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannejewels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/688241681904841
Image Credit:
Katrina Lomboy, Older Sister, Jocelynn Santos, Cousin
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