Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Colby.
Dana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been in the jewelry industry since 2003. I started working for an incredible jewelry designer right after finishing college: Cathy Waterman. It was like going to business school, as I learned several aspects of the jewelry business. I helped with wholesale sales, public relations, and celebrity placements. I then worked for another wonderful jewelry designer: Andrea Fohrman. From there, I started consulting for several brands – helping with wholesale sales, branding, design ideas, public relations, and private sales. Ultimately, I decided to start my own company in 2017, doing it full time. My favorite part is connecting with clients. I started hosting private trunk shows and representing really creative and unique fine jewelry designers. When I started, I worked with about three designers, and I now work with about 30 . Before the pandemic, I travel across the country and set up private, curated jewelry trunk shows in homes. Many of the people I meet in person continue to work with me remotely, so this past year, business has been busy, albeit from a distance.
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?
It has been a relatively smooth road, with some speed bumps along the way. I have two small boys – ages 7 and 4 – so the balance of it all is always a challenge. Doing something I love and am really passionate about has made it easier, since none of it feels like “work.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Being in the jewelry industry for almost 20 years has allowed me to meet so many wonderful designers and others in the industry. I have grown such an appreciation for the art of jewelry design and a love for beautiful colored stones. One of my niches is curating pieces that are interesting and unique as well as finding new and up and coming designers. Because I base my business on relationships, both with designers and clients, I plan to continue to grow organically. I am a big believer in quality over quantity.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
With so many large department stores and retailers closing, I expect private sales and direct-to-consumer to increase. But, with something like fine jewelry it is not as simple as just bringing the retail store to a house. Understanding your designers and clients and helping them come together is ultimately what it is all about.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danalovesjewelry/
