Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Liu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started off my career as an attorney, but while on leave after my kids were born, I quickly realized that I wanted to do something more creative. I began taking metalsmithing classes–which had become readily available online during the pandemic–and taught myself how to make jewelry every night after the kids were in bed. I’ve always had a bit of an entrepreneurial bug, and so I thought it would be fun to launch a brand of my own. I worked on building up a few collections, creating my website, and I was up and running by Summer of 2021.
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?
The biggest challenge has been learning to wear all the hats as a small business owner. Website designer, social media manager, PR person, photographer, bookkeeper, customer service rep, sales rep…in the beginning, you pretty much have to step into all of these roles yourself. On top of that, it’s a constant juggling act with motherhood and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As an entrepreneur (and for anybody who has been working remotely since the pandemic, really), it’s easy for the work/life lines to blur into each other. The key has been prioritizing and setting a work/downtime schedule that you stick with and being really present in each scenario.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create handcrafted jewelry for sensitive skin, but beyond jewelry, I believe in delivering an entire experience. From start to finish, I wanted Petit Anjou to be set apart by its focus on quality and customer service. I use only precious metals in my work (i.e., no brass), so the pieces will always feel comfortable against the skin and will stand the test of time. In terms of design, I’m inspired by flowing, sculptural lines and textures, which get incorporated into many of my collections.
In these days of fast fashion, the retail experience has become dulled. I’ve aimed to bring the focus back to the customer and to elevate their experience. Shopping for fashion–particularly jewelry–should feel indulgent and luxurious. I think that’s the differentiating point that has made Petit Anjou so popular. Many clients will hear about the service and the packaging and come to the site looking for gifts but find themselves enjoying the seamlessly refined experience so much that they end up purchasing for themselves as well.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Industry reports have shown us that jewelry sales went up during the pandemic, and they’re expected to continue growing. In terms of styles, I’ve seen statement jewelry making a comeback, with people wanting to wear bigger and bolder pieces. Pearls have also returned in a big way, and I’m happy to say that I don’t see that trend going away anytime soon. Finally, colorful gemstones are being coveted now more than ever, and I look forward to introducing fine jewelry and gemstones into Petit Anjou’s collections soon as well. There’s a lot to look forward to in the years ahead!
Contact Info:
- Website: petitanjou.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/petitanjou
- Facebook: facebook.com/petitanjoujewelry
- Youtube: youtube.com/@petitanjou
Image Credits
Modeled jewelry photos by Stephanie Williams
