TrailBlazer: Sheena Moton

Exclusive interview with She Love Gems

YOU ARE VALUED FAR ABOVE RUBIES

SHE LOVE GEMS

Meaning: She Loves the value and the quality, not only of the jewelry but of every person that she encounters or has yet to meet.

N.A.I.: How did the idea for your business come about?

SLG: I became very fond of the $5 jewelry when showed by a dear friend of mine, Lawanda Armstrong (click on video link at end of article). She shared with me that the jewelry was nickel and lead-free as well as affordable. Due to my having a high sensitivity towards nickel- I said I would try out the jewelry that she featured in her business. From that day forward I was hooked. I enjoyed being her BEST customer and then she shared with me the opportunity in which I could start my own brand. And that’s exactly what I did in October of 2017, $5 fashionable jewelry for women and men. Also, check out my exclusive Zi Collection necklace sets and starlet shimmer for little girls. There’s a little something for everyone for sure.

N.A.I.: What motivates you to do your business?

SLG: Seeing the happiness and joy in those who wear the jewelry, especially during the 2020 pandemic. Many of my customers and customers to come shared with me that they were thankful for me showing up and giving them compliments and suggestions on ways to wear their jewelry. They have deemed me the Jewelry Coach!

N.A.I.: What 2 major challenges have you come up against in running your business and how did you overcome them?

SLG: Well, I choose to make this more personal as it relates to challenges that I have been faced with while running my business. The 1st major challenge was when I was diagnosed with a rare disease- Idiopathic Hypersomnia in 2017, “Excessive Daytime Sleepiness”. This resulted in immediate evaluations and being on medical leave and eventually loss of my full-time job. The 2nd major challenge was when my husband had a stroke in 2020. Amid both of those challenges, it was SheLoveGems that brought forth not only additional income, but the love from my business partners, encouraging hands, and prayer warrior sisterhood that helped me to overcome those challenges and a part of the pathway to healing has begun by way of the Gems.

N.A.I.: Who/What has been your greatest inspiration and why?

SLG: My grandmother, Elizabeth Beckwith, who passed away in 2016 and my mother Phyllis J. Winston, who are huge lovers of jewelry. My mom is my best customer. If my grandmother were still alive, she would beat my mom in her purchasing activities. I really enjoy the reaction that comes from others when they are adorned with jewelry, whether it be earrings, rings, necklaces, or bracelets. And now that I have jewelry for men, I get to be a part of that very reaction that my husband and sons give to me when I order new pieces of jewelry for them as well.

N.A.I.: What is the most satisfying aspect of your business?

SLG: The most satisfying aspect of my business is the fact that my sons and husband help me to manage the business. We thoroughly enjoy the family times and togetherness that it brings, from the unpacking and organizing of the jewelry to the virtual showcasing of the jewelry, and not to mention being able to mail out the orders.

Each customer’s order gets its own custom packaging and handwritten greeting card which makes our consumers feel more like family. We enjoy being able to make people look and feel beautiful. I am thankful that I get to share this opportunity with others every day that God grants me breath. And let us not forget about being able to exclusively purchase items that we love to Rock as well.

Video: My Why ...

Sheena is an independent consultant with Paparazzi Accessories. She can be contacted via the information below: Sheena Moton, CEO SheLoveGems Phone: 202-903-6758 E-mail: shelovegems@gmail.com Website: www.shelovegems.com @SheLoveGemsbySheena