SARA JENKINS

What inspired you to start Gems by SJ?

I have always enjoyed sewing, crafting, and working with my hands. We have an RV which is one of my family’s most enjoyable things to do. Two summers ago, I just happened to bring along beads and supplies to play around with making necklaces (I don’t sit still well and there is a lot of downtime while traveling/driving). I made a rainbow necklace for my childhood best friend whom we were visiting in Denver. She is a nurse and wore it to work with her scrubs and basically started selling them off her neck and taking orders! She calls me the next week and says “Sara, everybody loves these necklaces, I have sold ten of them! You must start a business!” And that is what I did!

How long have you been in business?

I’ve been in business about one year. I started small by selling on Etsy and Instagram; adding in more product, ideas, and business practices each month. I launched an official website in November 2023. I am now in several local Austin and Texas boutiques, also in FL, LA, and AZ... with many more on the horizon!

I love your mission statement “Create a more colorful world”... what’s behind the bold and colorful jewelry selection?

Thank you! I have always been a colorful and vibrant person. Everything in my life since a very young age just screams color! When you ask my four year old daughter what her favorite color is, she will quickly state “rainbow”, well she gets that from her Mama! This is very apparent by my colorful jewelry. I have had a great career with several cool and challenging jobs, but none of them spread joy or brought a smile to someone’s face quite like my jewelry seems to.

How much has your company been able to donate with your fundraising efforts and dedication to give $5 from every purchase?

We have donated just under $4000 between product and monetary contribution. This is something big on my heart and a goal of my business to share our success as much as possible.

What has been your most effective marketing avenue?

I am honestly still trying to figure this one out. As im portant as I feel social media is, I find it exhausting. And constantly changing algorithms do not help!

I would say my most effective “marketing” is someone wearing a necklace. They make such a statement and grab so much more attention in person vs in a photo on line. Every time I have one on (which is always ��),I ge complements left and right. (Which is also an obstacle... how do I illustrate the beauty through a photo?!)

Running a successful business and raising kids can be difficult, how do you balance your time with your 3 children and meeting client and customer demands?

I am wearing many hats and learning there is a lot involved with this business! From the sourcing of the stones and findings; laying out the design; then putting together and knot ting the necklace (each necklace is hand knotted between the stones). I have become a photographer and also attempting to be decent at social media (I keep joking I need to

I do what I can from my phone or computer on the run and I have learned that when I plan and prep ahead, I can get a lot more of the physical making done. I do a lot of knot ting from baseball and soccer tournaments! Always balancing and juggling work and life,

Share a highlight in your journey that made you realize that you were on Right now, this is simple, as I am still in my infancy... when someone complements a neck lace I am wearing and I say “thanks, I made it”... seeing their reaction is everything to

People have been so very supportive of what I am doing (and “people” vary from friends/ family, customers to strangers.) I ended up randomly having coffee and sharing my story become my biggest cheerleader. When we left she said to me, “I don’t see why you can’t Goodness, when a stranger loves what you are doing and can make you feel the way she

What are some obstacles you’ve encountered in your business? How did you overcome that?

Starting a business in general, has been my largest obstacle. This business started very organically, so I have had a lot to learn. Down to the physical necklaces, most everything has been self-taught.

My dreams are a lot larger than the amount of time I have in a day. It is quite the challengetrying to do it all. I have such a hunger to grow this business, but I also have this beautiful family and three growing kiddos who of course, demand a lot from me.

Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?

I see my jewelry in boutiques and stores all across the country. I want SJ to be a household name and known for giving back.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice when you were first starting out, what would it be?

What I still tell myself daily... keep plugging away and stay positive. And continue to spread joy!

Rome wasn’t built in a day, it all takes time.

If something doesn’t quite go as planned, I try to move on and distract myself. I like to go to other maker’s pages and compliment them and what they are doing.

If I’m having a bad day, I am going to do my best to contribute to someone else having a good day!

I also love gifting a necklace off my neck. A few times when a stranger has complemented my necklace, I have literally taken it off my neck and placed it on theirs! Such a rewarding way to make someone’s day and spread joy.

What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to venture into the business world?

Ask for what you want. (What is the worst that can happen? They say no.) Support other women! By supporting each other, women can foster a sense of solidarity and empowerment. When it comes to business or motherhood- There is nothing like the support of a tribe on your side!