Today we’d like to introduce you to Alissa Eck.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
People often ask how I ended up in the jewelry business, especially since I have opened my own boutique. What immediately comes to my mind is the thought of me as a child running around my parent’s jewelry and antique store, which was nearby our home in Michigan. Even though jewelry was a big part of my life, all growing up I thought I was supposed to be a police officer. But after finishing my degree in Criminal Justice at Northeastern University and being diagnosed with brain cancer, I was drawn back to the jewelry business. No longer able to be a cop, I began working for a luxury jewelry store in Boston. It was then I realized how much I appreciated all I had learned about jewelry and one of a kind collectibles growing up and that I could combine those passions with my love for working with people.
I was then employed by Cartier on Newbury St. where I worked in sales and management for 7 years. Their training, personal development and the international prestige of their brand made me grow in substantial ways. My experience with Cartier allowed me to travel to Switzerland, Paris and NYC. I was trained in customer service, management, fine watch-making, high jewelry, and also received a Graduate of Diamond Degree from GIA. I gained invaluable knowledge and I learned to appreciate luxury quality and fine craftsmanship. During my time at Cartier, I was also able to experience the joy of being rated the top salesperson in Boston for 5 years, and the top salesperson on the East Coast of the U.S. for one year.
Combining my 10 years of retail experience with my passion for uniquely designed jewelry and art inspired me to open my own store here in Boston. At Exclusive Jewels Gallery I can express my different interests while still offering high quality, well-crafted luxury goods. We offer many other services as well, whether its repair work, custom design, or finding a particular piece a client is interested in, I look to build a relationship with clients that allows me to be their trusted neighborhood jeweler for years to come.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am not sure starting or running a business is ever thought of as a smooth process 🙂 I believed enough in myself 5 years ago to take the huge leap of becoming a business owner, but as I look back, I was a bit naive as to the extent of the challenges that would await me. Not to mention little time to yourself.
Financing has been a huge struggle. I didn’t want to amass a lot of debt so I was determined to find jewelry and art from local designers and individuals on consignment. I have been blessed with enough pieces to fill the store but I have had to make sure they are both high quality and unique. Over time, in order to ensure I have had the right pieces to meet my clients’ demands, I’ve had to invest in my own lines.
But without a large budget, staffing has been difficult also. In order to pay someone of the caliber necessary for a fine jeweler who wants to provide excellent customer service, I’ve struggled with quality staff at a rate I can afford. Last year I was set to take a rare trip to celebrate my grandma’s 99th birthday and my sole salesperson left without notice. I closed for the weekend with a life-size sign on my door of my grandma saying “celebrate life.”
Lastly, without much capital I’ve had to rely upon word of mouth and my location to grow. Advertising is expensive and it’s hard to know if it pays off. You have to become creative to bring people in the door by doing interesting events and let your store speak for itself.
Exclusive Jewels Gallery – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Exclusive Jewels Gallery was founded in 2012 with the idea that a “jewel” is something that is precious and treasured over time. Although jewelry is often thought of first, everyone is unique and has a different idea of what is special therefore we carry a range of unique items including a line of all natural handwoven textiles. Every jewel in the store is carefully curated to fit perfectly within an elegant and thoughtful lifestyle, viewing each jewel as a work of art.
Exclusive Jewels Gallery is unique because we offer an eclectic blend of vintage and modern, ranging from exquisite antique pieces to stunning contemporary designs. We specialize in the one of a kind piece that you don’t see every day, ensuring that each piece is great quality so no matter its age, it will last.
As the owner I curate the store with interesting and special jewels but I really enjoy helping clients fix pieces that they no longer wear. As jewelry is an emotional treasure, it is rewarding making it even better than they remember and able to wear for many more years. I pride myself on providing exceptional customer service, willing to go the extra mile whether it’s bringing pieces to a clients’ home or rushing a repair. Whatever we can do to make working with Exclusive Jewels a joyful experience, we do.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is when my clients feel at home in my shop. When they are able to trust me with their treasures it is meaningful but the most rewarding is when they share about their lives and we become friends. I love to be able to connect them with the perfect piece or redesign something they have had for years and make it their favorite again. If clients can feel the love and warmth when they come in the gallery then I feel I’ve succeeded. The next best thing is when they share the experience with their friends and we get new clients. Word of mouth is so critical in my business and makes me feel that I am doing something right.
Contact Info:
- Address: Exclusive Jewels Gallery
107 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114 - Website: www.exclusivejewelsgallery.com
- Phone: 6173678181
- Email: info@exclusivejewelsgallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exclusivejewelsboston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExclusiveJewels/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExclusivJewels
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/exclusive-jewels-gallery-boston-2
Image Credit:
Cheryl Clegg Photography
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