Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Narbonne.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
T. Jazelle all started as a dream fueled with passion. I have always been very into fashion especially jewelry. I felt that no outfit was complete without a stack of bracelets, each piece I’d wear would always have a different meaning to me whether it was a gift from a friend or family member or just something personal to me. While working in the city at a corporate job in Boston, I began making “gifts” for friends and family, pairing some of my favorite gemstones and charms to create something that held not just one meaning but two special meanings, I would include the meaning of each stone then write the meaning of each charm. I thought to myself how sweet it would be to create something that not only looked good but made you feel good too. As I kept creating, I realized this was more than a hobby of mine, it was something that I had to do,
I loved it. I had this feeling of passion and felt as if I finally found what I loved to do. I knew next I needed to come up with a name for my brand, I decided to use my first initial T. for Tiffany then my middle name, Jazelle which I share with my mom who is my best friend and biggest believer. I then started up on social media and shortly after, a jeweler from my hometown in Quincy, MA approached me about carrying TJ. Shortly after, I felt that I had something special here, something all ages could connect with.
I began traveling to retailers I researched without ANY sales experience. I started to get my brand into stores in MA, RI, CT, NH and as word started spreading more and more retailers began to find out about my company. During this time, I used social media as a platform to share my story and this journey. I wanted others to feel not only connected to my brand but also me as well! Sharing the good times and the tough ones, but to show others that with passion and dedication anyone can make their dreams come true.
Now, years later, this “dream” that started out of my house has become a reality. I have the most amazing team besides me day by day whom without them TJ wouldn’t be possible! This year, some exciting things have happened including partnering with the Boston Bruins & Boston Celtics which you can find TJ exclusively at the TD Garden. We opened our first retail store on Cape Cod, MA right next to our office, and we have added to our growing list of retailers across the country!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In the perfect word… everything would run smooth but I realized this wasn’t going to come easy. I knew my passion was there but it was going to take a lot of hard work and dedication to make it happen. My first major hurdle was I knew I had something special but how do I share my story and brand with others. I started doing events and trunk shows 2-3 times a week, this was a way for me to not only show my brand but to connect with others and share my story. I then began to exhibit at trade shows as well which allowed us to meet with retailers on a national level. To make what you love to happen, you need to be fully committed and dedicated, my advice for other women and entrepreneurs would be even when the times get tough NEVER forget why you started, and when something tough gets thrown at you… use it as a way to take a step back and remember everything always works itself out… sometimes, these hurdles lead us to something bigger and better.
Please tell us about T. Jazelle.
I am the proudest when I see people in my jewelry, stacked with their own story… seeing how all ages connect to TJ, is the best feeling in the world to me! Even on my toughest days, that’s what fuels my fire, the fans that believe in my brand. Daily, we have received the most amazing stories from people from all over and all ages of what their T. Jazelle means to them, and that is why I love what I do. Knowing someone I have never personally met is finding something within my brand as a way to put a smile on someone’s face… whether it’s a gift during a tough time, the good times, a memorable day, whatever it may be, that is what I truly am the proudest about!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
One of my biggest mentors I would have to say was my dad, he was a sales rep and did product development for shoe brands such as Selby, Nine West, and Reiker. As a little girl, I would travel with him to visit stores and also I would attend shoe shows with him. As a kid, I always admired the way he treated the ones he worked with and his passion for sales and design. When I told him my idea about starting my own business, he wanted me to go for it and believed in me chasing my dreams and didn’t make me feel in the slightest bit that I couldn’t do this, he always pushed me. Every day, I strive to make him proud knowing he’s watching over me.
Pricing:
- $39.99
- $49.99
- $42
Contact Info:
- Address: T. Jazelle Boutique 416 Main Street West Dennis, MA 02670
- Website: www.tjazelle.com
- Email: info@tjazelle.com
- Instagram: tjazelle
- Facebook: T. Jazelle
Image Credit:
T. Jazelle
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