053: Earrings, Permanent Jewelry & Everything In Between: Nikki’s Entrepreneurship Story
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with my friend Nikki, a fellow permanent jewelry artist who has turned her passion into a full-time business! We first met when she wanted to learn wire wrapping, and as it turns out, we were practically neighbors! Fast forward, and Nikki’s been in the permanent jewelry game for over a year now.
She got her start the way many of us do, by attending a permanent jewelry party her friend hosted. Instantly hooked, she threw her own party, got her hands on a welder, and jumped in. With entrepreneurial roots, Nikki dove in headfirst, made all the classic newbie mistakes, and came out stronger on the other side.
She started small, having appointments in her basement and even offering discounts for practice. What began with emailing and walking into pop-up spots turned into something much bigger: leaving her 9–5 and opening a beautiful studio space in August of last year to give her clients a true luxury experience.
Nikki and I also talk about dealing with impostor syndrome (shoutout to our PJX panel!), and how important it is to have people around you who get it. For Nikki, success came from connection, real conversations with customers, showing up consistently, and always treating people like gold.
Today, she’s expanding again, launching a wholesale high-quality earring line born out of her love for earrings and her passion for quality. She’s been working with a manufacturing partner to bring her vision to life, and we are here for it!
If you're looking for inspo to go from in-home appointments + pop-ups to running your own thriving studio, and how Google reviews can help! Nikki’s story is a must-listen.
Links:
Wholesale: Kaunis jewelry https://www.instagram.com/kaunisjewelry/
Adornable pj
ihttps://www.instagram.com/adornablepj?igsh=MTZxd3hqOHlhMjNidA==
Transcript
Ep 53_Nikki_GLP
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Jen Thyrion: [:This podcast is made to equip you with everything you need to succeed from actionable marketing steps to digging deep on your mindset. I know firsthand the heart hard work, and let's be real at times of struggle that makes up this amazing journey. You wanna know what has enabled me to shine the brightest coaching plus community here at Goldie Links.
to the Goldie Links podcast.[:Hey there. Did you know that we offer handmade permanent jewelry supplies? Go to goldie link supplies.com to view our beautiful chains, connectors, Bengals, and more, including our non-permanent stretchy bracelets that are available to you for wholesale. Everything is created by our tribe of mama makers.
What is a mama maker? Stay-at-home moms that create on their own time between raising their children, serving as a self-care creative outlet, and supporting their families. Your items come with signage on how these supplies are made, along with Gemstone property info, as each gemstone has a special meaning.
If you wanna level up your business with handmade. Supplies not made by a machine, but made by hand with love. Then check it out@goldielinksupplies.com. Now onto the show. Today we have the pleasure of speaking to Nikki Novak of a durable, permanent jewelry located just north of me in Parker, Colorado. We connected over Bengal talk on Facebook, and the rest is history.
I really love Nikki's [:So let's get to this amazing convo with Nikki. Hey, Nikki. I'm so happy you're here with me today. It's so funny. I'm looking right at you like we're, we're two, we're two inches away from each other. I'm so excited to be here. Normally I'm like on video, but I'm like looking at the video, I'm looking at you.
It's like, okay, where do I look? So Nikki, how did we initially meet?
Nikki Novak: It's because you had posted, no, somebody had tagged you in a Facebook group about how you have a guide for making like handmade connectors or something like that. Okay. And I was, at the time, I was like super interested in it. I've since learned making connectors is just not for me.
dress or location or mm-hmm. [:Jen Thyrion: I know, I think of course like classic me, I was voice memoing you or something. And then we were voice memoing back and forth and like one thing led to another. And here we are. Here we are. Yes. So Nikki is just, yeah, just north of me and Parker. And I'm in Castle Rocks. We're very close to each other.
Really? Like 30 minutes within, I think of each other. Yeah. So let's just start off like how long you've been doing permanent jewelry and tell me how the journey started.
Nikki Novak: Okay. I've been doing permanent jewelry for almost exactly a year and a half. And it started because about two years ago, my friend had a permanent jewelry party at her house.
ve a permanent jewelry party [:And so I kind of started looking to see if there was somebody that could come do it at my house for my birthday and my husband. So he's like, he's a welder, he's a diesel mechanic, he's Mr. DIY. I'm not gonna spend money on anything. Yes. And so he's like, it's just jewelry that's welded together. Why don't you just buy a welder and I'll teach you how to use it?
So I'm like, Brandon. That's ridiculous. I'm I'm not gonna do that. Yeah. So I did it. So I bought a welder and he taught me how to use it. Um, and it was great. I mean, I, there's still, you guys all know there's so much to learn Yeah. Like about metals, which also since he's a welder, he's very knowledgeable in but about jewelry, about running a business.
h, you know, I made a lot of [:Sure. Yeah. So, but I think
Jen Thyrion: the two, you know, like, because I talk about training and how much I really do, depending again on where you are, like if you had a business before, if you have jeweler experience before, like what your experience is. But it's so funny how your husband's a welder too. 'cause my husband's a welder and like, I feel like, I feel like I hear this more often than not, which is so funny with permanent jewelers.
But, um, so of course I had that knowledge from him. Because he yelled me too. But also I had the jewelry knowledge, so I think for me and business knowledge of the, we growing the boutique, so I was like, okay. You know what I mean? But I think that like what would you have benefited from if you did take training?
I think what, like,
Nikki Novak: I think it
Jen Thyrion: would've been
Nikki Novak: time. Yeah. I would've, so everything is gonna cost you somehow. Right. Um, and I say this even about, like, again, going back to the connectors and stuff. Yes. It's like, yeah, you can make your own connectors. Sure. But it's, do you have the time and the desire to do it?
Mm-hmm. Or would you rather just pay somebody to do it? Yeah. And so same thing with learning permanent jewelry, same thing. Do you have the time and the desire and the money to make the mistakes, or do you wanna pay somebody to teach you?
Thyrion: Yeah. So, so true. [:Nikki Novak: Yeah. I love jewelry. Okay. I love jewelry. Um, I'm Latina. I love jewelry. I had my ears pierced, probably like the second I got out of my mother's wo Before you were even out of the Yeah. Yeah. Uh, I love it so much. And I just loved the idea of permanent jewelry because just like all of us, if I have something with a clasp and I take it off, it's not going back on.
So true. But more than that, really, I loved the idea of mm-hmm. The connection piece. So for me and the personalization, because it was the first time in my life that I had heard about an accessible option for personalized jewelry mm-hmm. That I could afford. And so I was like, when I was gonna do my permanent jewelry party, I was like, I'm gonna get three bracelets, one for each of my kids, and I'm gonna have a birthstone in their initial.
t's really what called to me [:Jen Thyrion: Yes. So how did you, how did you start, like where did you have like a first party? Did you just tell your friends and family?
Like how did, how did you get it going?
Nikki Novak: Yeah, so bought the welder used in a Facebook group and luckily the girl who I bought it from, she also, I mean, she was just like, um, dissolving her business. Okay. So she was like, look, I'll just send you a bunch of these chains and whatever. Sure. So it came with everything.
And the day that it came, of course my husband is the first person who has to use it, but for me, I was like, we're just going for this and I. Put a bracelet on. My daughter love it. And I closed that jump ring. She's still wearing it. That bracelets amazing. She's still wearing That's amazing. Wearing, I mean, the metal now I know better.
ike, this is my calling. Uh, [:On Facebook. 'cause I was so proud of myself. Mm-hmm. And then once I was posting it on Facebook, I. People were coming out of the crevasses. Yes. People that I haven't spoken to in 20 years were like, oh my God, you do permanent jewelry? Well, you do my permanent jewelry. And my husband's like, you can really make a business out of this.
And then one day, I don't know, I got bold. Yeah. And I totally didn't feel confident in myself. I had my will for like a week, but I was like, I'm gonna go back on Facebook, like in the Facebook moms group in my area. Mm-hmm. And search permanent jewelry and see if anybody's been looking for somebody who did permanent jewelry.
Sure. So I was like bold. Mm-hmm. But also like not that bold. Yeah. So I found somebody who posted like six months before and was like, Hey, does anybody know anybody who does permanent jewelry? And I hit her up and I was like, Hey, I know this post was a long time ago, but I do permanent jewelry. Yeah. And she's like, oh, you do?
g that she had already found [:Jen Thyrion: I actually just booked up.
I just booked up. Yeah,
Nikki Novak: I did. Totally. Uh, and so yeah, she came like in my creepy basement. I had like no idea what I was doing. I was so, oh my God. I like looking back. It's embarrassing, but I'm so thankful to her because not only did they get their bracelets, but she came back with her other daughter. Yeah.
Again, like seeing how far I've come, I'm just like, whew. Humble beginnings.
Jen Thyrion: I know. And they just have to be, you know what I mean? Because that's how you just. Go. Because I think that, you know, just, you just went for it. It wasn't like you had to have anything perfect. You're like, okay, I need this perfect setup, or I need my perfect displays.
It sounds like you just were like, yeah, like yeah, just go for it. And I think that's
an hour. Yes. Dropping every [:I know in my half finished basement and people still wanted it.
Jen Thyrion: Mm-hmm.
Nikki Novak: So, yeah, just do it.
Jen Thyrion: And just like, honestly, business 1 0 1, where I tell people about this business too is that the fact that you even went to a Facebook group. 'cause people are asking like, how do you get business? Or how do you start?
That is such a beautiful place to start. Like everyone has like a local Facebook group and I, I talk, I talk about that all the time. Like, or whether it's like a mom's group or something that you can tap into. Like MOPS is around here, like Oh yeah, there's just kind of think about those local things and that'll like snowball because like basically, so yeah, what happened after that?
So you had this in-home and then you just start looking into an event like events, like markets and things like that or, so then I started reaching
Nikki Novak: out to like. Every business. Yes. Ev and, and 99% of them didn't write me back. Sure. But I had probably three that were like, yeah, come do a popup. Before I did my first popup, I invited like everybody I've ever met to my house.
hem a super discounted rate. [:Okay. And they're such, they're like some of my best friends now. Yeah. And so I just tapped on them also and I was like, Hey, we're having a mom's to get together. Yes. And I'm doing your bracelets. Yes. Uh, you give 'em an option. Yeah. You just tell 'em No, just you're like, put your wrist in front of me. Yes. And so, yeah, I had a couple opportunities to practice before my first popup.
And then my first popup was at. Dirty Dough Cookies.
Jen Thyrion: Ooh, yeah. How was that? How was that? It's, I've been there once. Now you say that. Someone told me about it and I went there with my daughter like a months ago. But yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about. I've been there. So how'd it go? It was, it was amazing.
cookie plate. Like how would [:The places, but yeah, people came to support me. Awesome. Yeah. And so I had a wonderful day. I had a goal, I think it was like $500 Yeah. Or something like that. And I ended up doubling it. Amazing. Or something. Or something. Yeah. That's amazing. I'm so proud of myself and I'm just ultimately so thankful to the owner for taking a chance on me.
Yeah. Uh, because doing that popup also allowed me to take photos mm-hmm. And have some credibility for future markets that I applied to. Yeah. Because some of the markets that I applied to were like, have you ever done a market before? Mm-hmm. Or we need to approve your setup. Mm-hmm. And so I was so thankful for that.
So I did that. Um, another one of my close friends from that mom's group, actually her and her sister had a permanent jewelry party. I did a craft fair at a high school. I did Buff City soaps. Oh, sweet. You know? Yeah. For those of you who don't know what it is, it's like you go in there and make your own soap.
It's [:Yes. All of those women owned businesses gave me confidence. They gave me exposure. Yes. And they didn't have to do it. I was nobody. Was it
Jen Thyrion: just purely like dms and emails, or how do these connections happen?
Nikki Novak: Yeah, I had either physically gone into the location. Okay. It's interesting though, 'cause when I went into the locations Yeah.
The owner was never there. Of course I know. Yeah. But I would either physically go into the location to get the owner's contact information. Yes. Or I would email them. Yes. Because. DM is hit or miss, like sure. Hard times. The owner is not the one who's in the industry. That's true. That's something to consider for sure.
Yeah.
Yeah. So mostly that. That's [:We trained and then I was like, you have a party. So we like would train for a day or so and then be like, okay, what day is your party gonna be? Let's set out invites like we're gonna do so that way I can stand with you and be with your, at your first party. Because that's the hardest part is like even all the things you listed, like reaching out, it's like everyone's like, what do I say?
How do I do it? You know what I mean? Mm-hmm. All these firsts are obviously so nerve wracking, you know? Oh yeah. So to have someone hold your hand or at least like kind of help you along the way, but it's like these, that is such a good idea to like, if you are nervous about starting. To just give your friends and family no choice, have them come over.
would kind of go through the [:So I don't know. How would you, I guess like when you would step foot in, like did you bring your welder or did you just bring anything to show them? Or did you just like pop in and introduce yourself and just try and take it from there?
Nikki Novak: No, I just popped in as a customer. Yeah. So like the cookie place, I had never been there.
Yeah. Before. Yeah. But I was like, I'm gonna go in and I'm gonna buy cookies. Yes. And then casually bring it up, Hey, I happen to own this permanent jewelry business. And I ha, I don't know. I think, yeah, I made some thing up about how it would be beneficial for them. Like, yes, oh, I have a following. Or I don't know.
Yeah, yeah. Or no, I think at the time I didn't say I had a following 'cause I didn't. I think I said like, this is something that's super popular right now, and so I think it would be mutually beneficial. Yes. And then I tried to make it really easy for them, so I was like, I'll create flyers. Mm-hmm. I will, I'd love to put a bracelet on you.
Yep. I will. [:Jen Thyrion: Yes. Where it's like, almost like, how can you say no? I mean, they have the space. You're gonna bring people in. Like you said, it's trending.
You're gonna make it easy, like supply all the, you know, you're gonna, you're gonna market for them essentially too, even though it didn't, but marketing's spark marketing. Yeah. I mean, I don't care who you are. It's like when someone tags you in shares like it's. It's everything, you know? Yeah. So I, it's amazing.
I think at
Nikki Novak: the time, you know, what I might've actually done is, I think I did say I had a following, but I talked about on my personal account. Yeah, sure. So I'm like, oh, I have a thousand people that follow me on Instagram. Yeah, yeah.
Jen Thyrion: Hey, it's my personal account or whatever. Yeah. It works. It works as a following.
Right. I love that. So let's talk about today is actually, do you wanna say it? What's today?
Nikki Novak: Oh my gosh. I've come so far. Today is my official, last day at my nine to five, I handed in my equipment and so
Jen Thyrion: crazy. Yeah. How does it feel?
Nikki Novak: Uh, it [:Yeah. I gave my notice in September. I remember you telling me that. Yeah. Yeah. I gave my notice in September and I've been working part-time for my employer and, and I gave my notice. Just so gracious for the opportunity Yeah. To have even worked there. I have really great working relationships and so I told them, you know, I'm not leaving for another nine to five job.
Right. And so I still have flexibility to support and help you through this transition. I really care about the work, and they took me up on it. That's amazing. And so it was on my terms ish. I worked part-time fully remote, which I was having to go in the office before. Yeah. But they were so thankful to just have my help.
a full stop. Sure. I'm, I'm [:Yes. For sure. Yeah.
Jen Thyrion: So what'd you do before? What was your, what was your job? What, gosh, what did you do?
Nikki Novak: Yeah. Organizational development and corporate training. Okay. Yeah, so I ran a team for the state of Colorado. Okay. I worked for a bunch of different companies in my tenure, but always in that space.
Organizational development and corporate training. Yeah.
Jen Thyrion: So different from Peral rate. Yeah. So different, I mean, I'm sure you're taking some skills obviously from that like we always do.
Nikki Novak: Yeah. I part is that a lot of. What I did before mm-hmm. Was relationship building. Yeah. Which is critical. Now critical. I also did a lot of leadership development and mindset work.
Yeah. So teaching it to others. Yeah. And now I'm teaching it to myself, reminding myself
why I talk about it all the [:It's so hard to coach yourself. Yeah. Like that's why it is. And me, me and Nikki actually, we were on a panel together at PJX. It was about imposter syndrome. And we actually, I kept bringing this up a lot and we were talking about that a lot of like having someone to talk to. 'cause once you speak these things out loud, sometimes you, uh, most, mostly you solve your own problems really.
And through, if you have someone who asks the right questions and kind of helps you work through it. Because if you let it fester in your mind and you try and coach yourself just even in your mind, I, it's not, I look, I'll tell you like 90% of the time I feel like it's not gonna work. You know what I mean?
Mm-hmm. And a lot of times though, when you vocalize too, you realize, and even I had mentioned one time when our panels, like, talk to yourself if you have to, because when you say it out loud. Sometimes you realize how ridiculous things can be too. Oh, the power of words. Both. Both positive and negative.
ink. Oh yeah. So absolutely. [:It's like the number one thing. Yeah. We can all buy and purchase. Amazing chains and connectors and like, you know, can even add different unique things to your business. But if you just sit there and stare at your customers, then don't attempt to, we're not gonna want your community and connect and also be customers of places and like show support.
Like I'm telling you, I can almost guarantee I hate, I hate to say I know 'cause I, you know, I don't know everything, but I know that that much I think, you know. Oh yeah. It's like, so it's, it's everything.
Nikki Novak: People will buy from you because they love you. Yes. You happen to sell permanent jewelry.
Jen Thyrion: It's so true.
be hiring someone, I'm sure. [:Mm-hmm. And I remember even one girl, I had trained to be a Goldie girl with a franchise. I remember that was also, and I had to coach her down from and be like, that people are not coming to you to get. Fast jewelry. Mm-hmm. It's not, it's, this is, this isn't like advertised as like fast custom jewelry, you know what I mean?
Like what? Like, it's not like freaky fast, like Jimmy John's. Like what? I mean this is not what we're doing. Like this is an experience. Like, so even if it takes you a while to make a weld, make it an enjoyable experience. And that's what they're gonna remember who's coming to you being like, wow, that inlet took 30 seconds.
I'm coming back to her. No one's saying that. And even when it is fast, I'll notice my
Nikki Novak: customers will hang out. Yes. Chat. Yeah. Well, it's almost
Jen Thyrion: like they're disappointed. Yes. Because, you know, if I get, like, if I'm in a conversation with someone, 'cause of course I'm always asking questions and being like, you know, it leads to something.
e coming to get this special [:And putting it off. So, yeah. Make it an experience.
Nikki Novak: I agree. I had a customer yesterday who, um, she had to get some permanent jewelry that she had gotten through somebody else. Mm-hmm. Um, resized and it, whatever. We were just having such a good time talking. Yeah. And it was here in my studio space and I didn't charge her for the rewild or anything, but she just was having conversations.
Yes. And then ended up buying, um, some of the stacking rings that I sell. But it was like, I could tell, it was like, she's like, I just wanna support you because I'm having such a good time. Exactly. She didn't need the ring. She probably didn't even particularly want, but yes,
Jen Thyrion: I know. And it's, I mean, and, and don't me wrong, like you, you offer quality things.
It's like someone's gonna buy something ugly from you 'cause it's, you know, they don't like it. But at the same time it's like, that is what, is like the like No. And trust factor. I mean, just think of people you follow too and like how you just wanna support them 'cause you like them so much, you know, like, yes.
You just. I don't know. So
Novak: we was talking about [:Yeah. That I wanted to support them. Yeah, for sure.
Jen Thyrion: Okay, so speaking of a studio space we're in right now, so when did you just make that decision to open a space and when was, how far were you into your business?
Nikki Novak: I. I opened the space in August of last year. So I had been in business Okay. For, I don't know, like six, seven months.
Yeah. That's pretty like fast too. Yeah. What made you make the decision? Well, because I was sick of taking people in my creepy basement. Yeah. Uh, I just felt, I felt like it wasn't the luxury experience that for sure wanted to be able to offer people. Yes. And I Sure I was doing markets. Mm-hmm. I worked so hard to get my name out there.
d me a message saying, yeah, [:Right.
Jen Thyrion: I know.
Nikki Novak: Ah, I know. But okay. So then I explored the idea of. Like a coworking space. So renting a suite and a coworking space, which is what I have now. Yeah. And in my mind I was like, oh, it's, it's gonna be ridiculous, the price. Mm-hmm. And a couple of them were, yeah. But then I found this location and the price was below what I had in my mind.
h money to be able to pay it [:Sure. So I did it. Yeah. I totally took the risk and I'm glad that I did. In retrospect, I wish I would've signed a longer lease because I would've had a better rate. Yes. Uh, I did not know or realize that when your lease comes up for renewal, they charge you more. Yeah. I don't understand that. I'll never understand that, but yeah, that happens.
Yeah. My mom owned a coffee shop for years and years, and so I had asked her that. I said, is that normal? And she's like, yeah. And I was like, so forever. Every year. I know. And she's like, yeah, yeah, yeah. I guess you can sign, you can sign like longer term leases. Yeah. Yeah. But, but I, I just didn't expect that.
Sure. And had I known it, I may or may not have signed a longer term lease. Yeah. But I've loved the experience here. Good. I feel really proud Yes. When people come in, because I don't have my kids and dogs. Well, no. Yes,
Jen Thyrion: I know. Oh my gosh. Yeah. She has a dog in a, in a, I was gonna say, a dog in a bag, which sounds so weird.
e he's in his. Little purse. [:Nikki Novak: Uh, yeah. I'm just, I'm really proud of it and that in turn helps me feel confident. Yeah. In the pricing, in the products, and in asking for reviews. Mm-hmm.
Jen Thyrion: So I love that. It's been great. So how are you?
'cause I think this is a question a lot of people like who are interested in o opening a studio space or have one. How do you get people in the door? Because I mean, you don't have like obviously like foot traffic per se. Yeah. Right. So how are you getting your customers in the door?
Nikki Novak: Several different approaches.
One of 'em is relationship building. Yeah. I cannot emphasize how important customer service is and really connecting with your people. Yeah. Because they love being able to say, I have a permanent jewelry girl, you gotta go see my girl. Yes. For sure. It's so true. Yeah. So referrals. Yes. And again, they love you, so they're gonna come back to you.
get back as much as you put [:And I was tired. Yeah. Because I was still working my full-time job. Mm-hmm. I was so tired, but now I'm seeing it pay back. Yeah. So even um, you know, like I did a couple popups at businesses where I didn't get a whole lot of customers, but six months later I'd have somebody reach out to me and say, oh yeah, you did a popup at such and such business.
Right. I saw that they posted it on their Facebook. So I scrolled back through to find the name of your business so that I could come see you. 'cause it's businesses that they love. Yeah. So they're like, oh, as this brewery endorses her, she must be good.
Jen Thyrion: Well, it's crazy. You never know. And that just make, makes me think, because that's what I always talk about too, is like if you have one customer, treat them like they are the.
e like, but if you're having [:Mm-hmm. But I have to say, I booked a lot of parties and different things from that because there were so many people that would just come up and chat with me. Yes. So it might not be right then, but take advantage of every person walking by. Be like, oh, you know, like, try to talk to as many people and make connections as much as possible.
But then also I just wanna re bring it up. Like even if you're not like, this is going into social media, but just you mentioning that person who is scrolling back and trying to find or whatever. I find that too, I'm always amazed how when people come in and say how they found me, and it's like this trail of things that like, oh my God.
Or they screenshot something. And so the whole engagement thing too with like social media, if you feel like you have zero F, like you have 20 followers, big deal. Those 20 people, like we always say like, imagine 20 people in the room kind of thing. Yeah. But still, you never know who came across and didn't, not everyone's gonna maybe like, or comment all the time, but you never know who's actually looking for and watching you.
lly. And just, and just like [:Scared to join because she's actually been obsessed with your business and was kind of like a girl fan of your business. I love that. So she was like, oh my God. I don't know if I could be in there too, because like she is like, I've been obsessing about her business and watching her, and I'm like, oh my God, no, she's super cool.
Like I think she'd be fine with that. You know what I mean? So like you never know who's watching you and guaranteed you're probably like. In your mind where you're like, I'm assuming, right, because she told me this even, you know, I don't know, however many months ago, but it's like, I'm sure you weren't like, oh yeah, I'm the top dog.
like, girl fanning over you [:That's so sweet. It's like you never know. You never, never, like who's watching you. And so just. Just keep that in mind. You know, it's like, 'cause I know that can be such an up and down journey as an entrepreneur and social media and all those things can kind of get to us sometimes, you know? Yeah. Yeah.
Just wondering like, who's watching? Like does anyone care?
Nikki Novak: Yeah. They're watching. Yeah. 'cause I'll have customers come in. Yeah. You know, and comment on like, oh yeah, I saw this post from Yeah. However long ago.
Jen Thyrion: And making that extra mile, like they'll take an extra mile too. 'cause even the fact, I thought about this too, when you said you DMed that girl and like went back and saw she posted six months ago.
Like, things will be posted in my local group too. People are like, oh, anyone know permanent jewelry? And someone will be like, I am, I am, I am. But I always take the extra and I DM them. Yes. And I'm like, Hey, I'm Jen. Oh my gosh, I have this, this, and this and this and you know, like love to meet. I'm popping up here, you know, and I give them more.
're like, I'll do I, me, me, [:Yeah. Like you taking an extra step to make that connection and say, and introduce yourself and kind of, you know,
Nikki Novak: and have a thoughtful message. Exactly. Like I would love to do your jewelry. Exactly. Here's here my website. Yeah. Lemme know if you have any questions. Yes. It goes so far. I mean, again, even with customer interactions, like if somebody has their bracelet break or whatever.
Yeah. There have been times when I'll just replace it. Like, uh, so here's an example. I had a customer and she had that, uh, you know, that dainty satellite chain? Yes. She loved it. And it broke like three times. Mm-hmm. And finally I just said. Look, uh, 'cause I know her and she's, she's a bartender. Yeah. I was like, this isn't gonna work.
mes out of it. Sure. Yeah. I [:Mm. About actually how she had this amazing experience and how I care deeply because I do, I care deeply about them having something they're happy with. Yes. So even if, I know sometimes it's so hard when somebody's like, oh, I lost my chain. Will you replace it? Or whatever. It's like, yes, I will.
Jen Thyrion: I know. And like, and I'd say that with, 'cause even with sticking to policies, I mean, this can go on another tangent too, but with, we talk about welds and free reels and whatnot.
I, I definitely gauge the situation, but I have to say actually, um, a similar thing happened to me. I had a girl who is really active. She, I. You know, I always warn people about handmade chains being on your inlet, but she insisted. She like literally three times it broke. Yeah. And I'm like, yep, we're done.
We're done with this. And I'm gonna put it on your wrist. Yeah. And I'm gonna let you pick out a chain that is gonna be suitable and I'll say yes or no to the chains you choose if it's gonna be good for your inlet. Keep in mind, she's a young girl. She works at Starbucks, but she's come in with her mom, her mom's friend, and their daughter.
They've come [:Yes. And just, and she's like, gonna go home and just be, and just be again, a forever customer who is, that was the type of customers I want Anyway. They're so fun by the way. So it's like every time they come in we have a blast. So,
Nikki Novak: um, yeah. But I think it goes back to really knowing. Your values and having a good heart.
Uh, yeah. I tell people all the time, if you're gonna get into permanent jewelry, don't do it because you think it's fast money or easy money or whatever. I'm sorry. Do it because you love making people feel special. And that will guide every difficult situation that you encounter going forward. It's so true.
And I'm
Jen Thyrion: not
Nikki Novak: saying,
nce based, people are coming [:Yes, of course. People are coming in for the trend too, and love the stacks and whatnot. Most likely they're bringing someone with them though. Yes. You know what I mean? It's the experience. Yeah. So it's like this is a different business. Even if you run it the way you said, like leading with kindness. Like, 'cause I say like, I.
Literally wanna make it like a tagline, like kindness of the business strategy. Mm-hmm. It really is. And so if you wanna look at it and you're more of a money person and that's like, that drives you more than maybe other parts of the business. The fact that, you know, you make, you might have a love for jewelry or you love this connection piece, like maybe you're just, your first thing is money, then you really should end adopt this as well because Yeah.
Kindness and doing it, it's literally gonna make you lots of money. Yeah. So that's what you have to understand. Maybe changing that mindset, you know, it's like, 'cause I understand people getting into this being like, this is an opportunity. Heck yeah. I mean the profit margin and what you can make in permanent jewelry is large.
ng permanent jewelry. Right. [:And you can do it 'cause your heart is
Nikki Novak: in the right place. Totally. Otherwise, find something that. Your heart loves. Yeah. Yeah, for sure.
Jen Thyrion: And it's so funny, it's because we all have our things that we, 'cause as you know, permanent jewelry has evolved so much, even in the, the small time you've been in it. Oh, right.
Because I've just been in it maybe just about a year more than you. And I mean this, the evolution, right? Like people adding piercing, which you've done. Yeah. By the way, so you have added handmade things as well. Yeah. Right. You know, people are adding hat bars and charm bar. We know all the things Right.
That are happening. Um, and that wasn't the case when I started. No one was doing that stuff. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Like three years ago or whatever. Even when I started, or even maybe a year and a half ago at this point, I don't know. But, um, everyone tends to fall into something they love about it and that's what's also gonna set you apart.
at, like how did that start? [:Nikki Novak: Okay. So if I can say it, yes. Yeah. Yeah.
I, as my business is evolving, one of the things that I'm most excited about is I am going to wholesale hypoallergenic earrings. So I've started a wholesale company called Kunis, K-A-U-N-I-S. Uh, my dad is finished, so that's the Finn word for beautiful. And it's because I, so once I started adding piercing, I also started retailing.
Hypoallergenic earrings. Mm-hmm. And it's been such a hit, and I love it so much because I'm Latina. Yeah. Um, you know, I mentioned that before we get our ears pierced the second that we're born. And earrings are such a part of like, our identity. Like, I don't even know what my ears look like without earrings.
ave a solution for you. Like [:Jen Thyrion: Yeah.
Nikki Novak: That you're gonna love. Right. So I don't want you to feel self-conscious because. Earrings bother your ears, these ones. Uh, so yeah, all of that to say it's been such a hit that earrings like fly off the shelf and so it forced me, didn't force me. Inspired me, yeah. To reach out to some manufacturers and production partners.
And so I am now in the design process of that. Yeah. And it's just such an opportunity. We all have earrings, but like the hypoallergenic piece and, and earrings that are truly hypoallergenic. And so, yeah. So I have like a really great manufacturing partner. It's amazing. So I'm excited to be able to add that.
And I think it's a great compliment to permanent jewelry. Yeah. 'cause we care about people feeling beautiful. We care about quality metal. So Yeah.
I think that if anyone were [:And I was, we were talking about this before we started chatting for this, but because I would have like I. I had purchased some gold fill and sterling and also plated surgical steel. Mm-hmm. Um, studs. And so I would have actually, I'd bring 'em with me to larger events, not everywhere parties and like larger events, I, I would have like a little like, like bucket of them.
People would just sift through 'em of them, like, and um, but people, like saw customers had seen me at bigger events with 'em, and I have some dms after being like, Hey, are you gonna have your studs at like the popup? And I'm like, actually, I mean, I'll bring 'em like, 'cause I like literally just having a big basket.
Like that's like, and um, and she's like, okay, 'cause I'm gonna buy a bunch for someone for Christmas. And I remember, 'cause I brought 'em first to an event that was in October. And I think after that, that people had reached out to me and 'cause a, they're, you know, in the end they're pretty in, they're such easy grabs.
or something. Yeah. [:We don't change our, that's one of the benefits of permit jewelry. Not only the connection piece. Obviously it's easy, it's on you all the time, but studs for the most part, I don't know about you, but I have these studs in my ears. I've had in for probably four months. Oh, don't, yeah. You know what I mean? I don't change.
I know. And they're not, not only for me, I'm not sensitive at all. Act at all to metals, which I'm so grateful for because I feel like I'd go crazy if I had to worry about medals. I wear, granted, I'm now wearing quality medals, but not in my twenties, I'll tell you. But like sometimes though will put cheap studs in, but they, and we know metal abrasion is a thing and it can happen with other things, but it's more obviously apt to happen with like crap.
Yeah. Crappy metals. And it'll get itchy. It'll, well, it'll get itchy, but it'll also leave that like green re Yeah. Around. Oh, I know. So like. That's why, of course now, of course the knowledge I have now and knowing I'm wearing obviously gold fill or, or you know, even solid some so solid studs. But it's like that's, hyperallergenic isn't gonna do that.
mean? Exactly. It's really a [:And also she's amazing. I didn't sell as much permanent jewelry. Yeah. But those earrings, like, so I have them labeled as hypoallergenic. Mm-hmm. And people would come and they're like, are these truly hypoallergenic? And they buy four pairs Yes. No questions asked. Yes. And it was amazing to me because there was actually another girl there who her entire business is earrings, but they're not hypoallergenic.
Got it. Okay. So people are always like, oh, earrings are cute. I can't wear them.
Jen Thyrion: Yeah.
Nikki Novak: And so it's so great to say, well, you should try these.
Jen Thyrion: And it's funny, that is becoming, 'cause actually my husband is gr his ears aren't pierced, but he can't even wear like a belt. Mm-hmm. In the, the metal touches his, you know, skin.
you know, when you, when you [:It's so and so like, and it's de Yeah. It's more common than I thought it was really. So I feel like I, and it's just like I said, if I were. If I were to take away anything and I could just, I could just have one thing that I offer customers other than permanent jewelry. It would be stud earrings. Yeah.
'cause this is what I thought of too. Stacking rings do really well for me. But the, the tricky part is if you don't have their size, you don't have their size. You know what I mean? Studs fit every ear. I, you know what I mean? It's like you don't have to worry. It's like, it's, it's almost like, uh, that's the luxury too, I feel like, of sometimes buying shoes.
'cause like, it's so much easier to, like, you don't have to worry about size of your jeans. Right. Like shoes, okay, cool. That's fine. Yeah. You know what I mean? But it almost feels the same way, a little bit at butt studs. Like, and it fits everybody kind of thing. And if that makes
Nikki Novak: sense. You almost don't even have to have that many styles.
e little diamond. The little [:Jen Thyrion: And they have, you know, three holes in each ear. I know. Yeah, I know. 'cause most likely, yeah, you don't just have one hole anymore, right?
Yeah. You have like, so obviously even like, even if you're not, you know, you're wearing a stud somewhere. Yeah. I'm trying to say, right? Yeah, totally. Somewhere in your ear. Totally. So that's exciting. Hey, busy entrepreneur. As you know, being a business owner, you have to wear all the hats. You're a social media manager, marketer, graphic designer, accountant, photographer, videographer, web designer, business code scheduler, and the list goes on.
I know how overwhelming it can be. And this is why I created the GoldLink Society. It's our monthly permanent jewelry membership. We have a weekly call to talk about all the things, but not only that, including monthly photography and video to use for your social media and marketing. Camba templates, monthly business ex.
I started my business almost [:If you wanna know more, check it out@goldielinkssociety.com or at all the things permanent jewelry.com. I hope to see you there. So we'll talk about where to find you and everything too, because once you announce that and kind of get that going, I know it's not officially like Right. You know you're not ready.
Yeah.
Nikki Novak: I have an interest form though, for anybody who's interested in adding it to their business and that I can keep them updated when we do look. I love that. Yes. That's
Jen Thyrion: amazing. Thank you. I know, 'cause I, the few permit drawers offer earrings as well. They also say that they. Just fly. They do. Now that I say that, I know the one friend of mine that offers 'em, she can't really speak a lot to the metal quality as much, so she, that does kind of like affect the sales sometimes, but I mean, in general, they sell really well.
Like in general. That's
Nikki Novak: why I'm super proud to like actually have a manufacturing partner because I know every part of the process. Yes. So I can educate and yeah, I just feel quite cool. So proud of it.
h. Thank you. So yeah, we'll [:So thanks. It's exciting. Going back to being at your last day of your job was today. Yeah. I know a lot of people maybe listening are either wanting to get there or feeling like, am I ready? Because obviously that security is so hard to leave. Yeah. I know. Even a few girls in my membership, we were just talking about this, like literally it seems like the time that people are taking the leap.
'cause I wanna say there's three women that have done the same, made the same decision this last like couple months. So what led you. To make this decision and feel ready, I guess. I mean, what made you feel ready to take the leap?
Nikki Novak: Yeah, so I did a lot of work last year on identifying my personal values.
Yeah.
Jen Thyrion: So good.
Nikki Novak: And I was struggling and I love my employer, so it's not just saying anything bad about my nine to five employer, but I felt like I wasn't able to fully live my values mm-hmm. In the job that I was in. So that was part of it. The other part though, is that I have three young kids. Yeah. And childcare ridiculous.
had the best. Caretaker for [:And so I, I did it. I did it. But after doing a lot of mind work for me, it was that obviously I had to have an established enough business that I was staying busy. Yeah. And I was getting to the point where my nine to five job was becoming problematic. Yes. Because people wanted to schedule appointments with me.
Yeah. So I did get to that point, but I think more than that, it was just my mentality. So I really had to shift my thinking around money and success. Like those are not things that are in limited supply, they're in abundant supply. You just have to find a way to bring it to you. So that, I mean, yeah. All of those things.
And then I just. I did it. I just, I just did
Jen Thyrion: it. Um, well [:Just like when they say law of at attract, I could just sit here and think about things and not do anything. It's gonna, yeah. Right. So having said that, of course, like you said, these things where even when it comes down to when do I hire, okay, are you getting, um, requests for events that you can't be two, you can't be in two places at once, like when you're getting that demand.
So obviously a you're getting the demand. Yeah. You know what I mean? Weighing like the options of Yes. Paying for childcare, staying at my job, knowing I'm turning this away, and then also working your job and not being away for your kids. Probably it was hard to say yes to like events on weekends if I'm speaking for you, like Right.
Because if you're already working your nine to five Yeah. And kind of putting all that stuff together, I'm assuming. Yeah. Be kind of like weighing the pros and cons I guess.
Nikki Novak: Yeah, that makes sense. Said, I will say, um, I still, I mean, this is a job, right? Yeah. So like, now that I really depend on the income mm-hmm.
'm also finding I still need [:No, totally. They're monsters when they're here. Yeah. And I love them dearly, but you know, we have to limit our time. Exactly. So, yeah. I'm still having to pay for childcare and stuff. Yeah. Yeah. But I am glad that I made the plunge. Yeah. It's scary. Of course. Okay, so for anybody who's like on the edge, I would say probably from the practical standpoint, the biggest thing is at what point mm-hmm.
Is your regular job getting in the way of your permanent jewelry? Yeah.
Jen Thyrion: I mean, gr maybe can't speak to this 'cause you already, you were working part-time up until this point, but how many appointments. Were you taking in the studio on average a week since
Nikki Novak: I opened
Jen Thyrion: my
Nikki Novak: studio, I've had appointments every day.
ere I was having like three, [:Jen Thyrion: Yeah. So did, were you getting to the point where it's like you knew how much, just even besides of events?
'cause events is one thing. I feel like, of course booking those, but like actually having the consistency of having appointments I think is important compared to events. Yeah. So it's like were you kind of doing the number thing where you, are you a numbers person where you're like, oh, if I'm bringing in at least X this, this like per week, then I feel like I'd be ready to take.
Nikki Novak: I'm not
Jen Thyrion: a numbers person. You're not. Okay. I'm not a numbers person. I know I'm not either, but, but
Nikki Novak: I am. I, I care about my customers. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And so it would kill me. Yeah. When I would have customers that were like, Hey, I want an appointment before five. Right. Do you have any availability? Mm-hmm.
ke last several weeks mm-hmm.[:I've, I've just been like, man, I am losing out on these opportunities to work on my SEO to offer more time slots to customers to invest in myself. Yeah. While I'm investing in somebody else. And
Jen Thyrion: I think the hardest decision you made too, is that because I used to be a massage therapist, right. That I talk about in the end.
I did not like doing it. Okay. I was, I was done rubbing bodies. Okay. So, so I was like, it wasn't hard for me. To be like, I'm outta here. Yeah. I, even though I'm not ready financially, I'm gonna just focus on, and granted, I was before kids, so it was a lot, you know, my life looked a lot different, but it was like, I'm gonna just go all in on this boutique space.
It's really not making me any money right now, to be honest. You know what I mean? I wasn't making money doing it. Yeah. But I just didn't wanna do that anymore. But for you, it's like, you're like, oh, my, my, my corporate job was actually okay. Yeah. Love. Like, I actually didn't hate I
Nikki Novak: do. And honestly, that was a, a hard decision for me in quitting, is that my corporate job has been a large part of my identity for so long.
gonna lie, I feel important. [:Jen Thyrion: in a meeting all day?
Well, it's crazy. It just, this leads to a lot of conversations. I like you said that because you do adopt these identities, like even as a mother we can adopt, you know, it's like, who am I? Once they get to a certain age, you're like, what do I do with my life now? You know what I mean? We can adopt these identities that make us, you know, or just who we are or make us, like you said, feel important.
Yeah. Where it's like, gosh, like yeah. Like who would I be without this title or without these people looking to me to like, yes. Direct them, you know?
Nikki Novak: Yeah. I was so thankful. One of my very best friends, he told me, 'cause he had also, like, he had started a bakery and he did it for a while. Yeah. Until he. You know, he was like, I am done with it.
lked to him about leaving my [:Jen Thyrion: So true.
Nikki Novak: Whereas in my mind I was like, no, I can't. If I'm out of the, you know, quote unquote workforce, sure, I'll lose all my skills, nobody will hire me. Mm-hmm. And he's like, what do you mean? Of course you can go back. Yeah. So that also, thinking about that, that like leaving my job doesn't mean I have to leave it forever.
So True. Although now that I'm out of it, I'm like, bye. Yeah. I don't even know who that part of me is anymore. Right.
Jen Thyrion: I've
Nikki Novak: been out of it
Jen Thyrion: for what, three hours. I'm just so funny. Oh my gosh. I'm a permanent jewelry business owner now. I don't even like my CEO of my own company. Exactly. Yes. Oh my gosh. I know.
And just really thinking about, 'cause I know it is so scary and I, I think back to even just myself, like I'm even speaking to myself, right. It's like, but rather than thinking about, it's like the, it's a whole mindset shift. Like I said, when we talk about perspective and mindset shifts. Yeah. It's like, normally we always go to like, what's the worst that can happen?
[:Nikki Novak: You know what I
Jen Thyrion: mean?
Nikki Novak: I'm so glad that you're saying that to me right now. Yeah. 'cause one thing I've found myself. Saying a lot to people is, you know, they'll say like, oh, so you're, you like, you're doing this permanent jewelry thing full time. I hope it goes really well. And I'll be like, yeah, either that or, you know, I'll be homeless and I need to stop saying that.
'cause even though I'm saying it to joke around, yes, I know I do need to stop.
Jen Thyrion: Yeah.
Nikki Novak: Yeah.
Jen Thyrion: It's putting it out there. Yeah. And yeah. Yeah. I, I'm not gonna be homeless. I know you're not, you're gonna upgrade. Yeah, sure. Yeah. I think it's just because it, it is like, it's more of like, it's a comfort thing, you know?
It's totally like, we, we know what to expect. We have this, but it's like, really with you freeing up and also speaking of time, and you being a mom, mom of three, I mean, not to say you're gonna have, you know, you're still to spend time on your business, you're still gonna be within that. Like you said, it's like you're, you know, but you have the flexibility now.
Being a business [:Right. You hear it all the time, but it's just so true. You know? It's like, and that's why they say it 'cause it's so true. Yeah. And I work
Nikki Novak: my tail off. Yes, for sure. Yeah. But I get to create. You know what, what hours I'm accepting appointments. Yeah. So like for the summer, I'll be open from two to 8:00 PM mm-hmm.
Which means I have all morning to Yeah. Be at the pool with my kids. Yeah. And,
Jen Thyrion: and I have this conversation with, I just had it with my daughters. My, my oldest is more sensitive than my youngest who doesn't give a, you know, so I say that about all the time. Goldie, that, that second born man, but she's really, and she's very much about anytime I have to go somewhere for work, she gets really sad.
s off for the summer and you [:And I was like, you know what, that would be nice. But I have to say, and I always talked about how much I love what I do. Yeah. Nice. I created this, I wanna share this with you. Like I had this whole talk with her about it because I'm like, I know it's hard for you to understand, but a lot of people go to jobs they don't enjoy.
Yeah. Most people do. Yeah. I was like, but I made the, it gives me chills and I could start crying, but I was like it. I literally love what I do so much. Like I love being with you guys, but it's so crazy 'cause when I'm not with you guys, I also love what I do. Yeah. So I'm always loving what I'm doing and that is what I want.
For you. I was like, so whatever you wanna do, I want you just to love it. I don't care what it is. If you're, you're, if you're a garbage man, but if you freaking love that, yeah, cool. You know, because we can't gain this life back. You know what I mean? Yeah. Like this is our time, this is how we're spending it.
like your time. Because now [:Once you keep evolving in your business and realizing you're loving it, it's like, well, where are you gonna fit that in when you're trying to grow? Do you know that my son,
Nikki Novak: he's six years old. Yeah. He told me the other day that when he grows up, he wants to own my business. He wants to do permanent tour.
Perfect. And it like, it was so sweet. 'cause I was like, this is my legacy. I
Jen Thyrion: was gonna say legacy. That is such a good, yes. That's the word, right? Like, and I mean, I have two girls and watch. Neither one of 'em wanna, you know, who knows. But I'm like, it's like I really hope that one of them wants to take this on.
Right. It probably would be Harper. Harper loves. Oh my gosh, she didn't even tell you this. She got a hand change. Oh, yesterday.
Nikki Novak: Fancy.
she like, literally her like [:You could tell her eyes were barely open, and she's like, has her hand chain in her hand for me to put on. I'm like, you're, you're the best thing ever. It's so like, yes, you are gonna own this business. Kidding. I love that. That's the first thing you're thinking about is your hand chain when you wake up.
Like, yes. You, I love that. You're my daughter anyway. It's so funny. Oh no, it's so exciting.
Nikki Novak: He'll talk about like, our customers, like should I give our customers the jewelry polishing cloth? I'm like, you should.
Jen Thyrion: That'll definitely get you a larger tip right there. You know, like little kids and puppies and you have both here, so it's like, it's fine.
Oh my gosh. I love that. But yeah, I mean. I don't, is there anything that, what is your, I don't know. I'm gonna say like, what's your plan, but where do you see yourself, I guess, like in a year from now with like now that you're kind of freed up your time a little bit?
Nikki Novak: Yeah. I would love to be able to hire on one or two people.
ing our time in exchange for [:But also I would love to be able to hire, I don't know, like a dedicated sales person Sure. To help me with the earring part outreach there. Yeah. I dunno, I, it's so interesting, like when I think about a year from now, because a year ago mm-hmm. I never would've seen myself where I am now.
Jen Thyrion: I know. And that's what's so crazy.
Like, uh, like it's, and it, this goes to anyone in what's in any stage of business you're in. That's why I say like, part of me wants, say like, if you're just beginning, you never know. Like a year. Seems like a long time. It's really not. I mean, a year is like that. Yeah. But so much can happen in a year.
Nikki Novak: You guys, 18 months ago, I did not know what permanent
Jen Thyrion: T jewelry.
ack to like a year ago, like [:I mean, I mean even the year ago, being that I, I didn't think I was gonna open a brick and mortar a year ago. Like that really wasn't. I know. You know what I mean? Like that wasn't, and now here I am, I'm like, holy crap. Like that's pretty crazy. You're doing it. Yeah. I mean, really a lot happens in a year. I mean, a year ago we had just really were gearing up.
And like getting the mama maker. I only had two mama makers a year ago. Are you serious? Yes. Like oh my gosh. At this date, because it was before PJX last year and I was just making stuff for my business and yeah, we were selling a little bit here and there and it was kind of something I'm like, oh, maybe once we went to PJX and then I kind of geared up like it just took on life of its own.
And I look back, I'm like, man, we have like 20 something women now. You're always just one step in front of the other. So that's why motion, I mean I always Yeah, just keep going and make, you know, make moves. Yeah. Whether they're even small because it's gonna lead to something.
Nikki Novak: Yeah. You what mean? So when I think about a year from now, like I don't know what it's gonna look like.
I
his and I went to a business [:So Cool. And kind of like talking to yourself too, like where are you at? Speak to your like highest self. Like talk about where you wanna be a year from now and when you we got those, I was like, whoa. Like. It's just so wild. What can change? Isn't it exciting though? It's so exciting and that's why I always advise people to either talk about, but especially write it out.
Because when I talk about Word of the Year, and I'm so big about that, that's why I love that is because when you're writing these things out and can look back at the end of the year of how far you've come, oh my gosh. And get clarity around where you wanna go. It's priceless. Like I said, don't keep that crap in your in your head.
Yes. You know I did a vision board for
Nikki Novak: the
Jen Thyrion: first time this year. Did you?
Nikki Novak: I love that. And I am like checking things off that board. Thank you. I look at it every morning when I wake up. So good. And I am so it makes me so proud to say we're like, what, in June now? Mm-hmm. And I've accomplished a lot of things on my vision board.
I love that. And in January they were literally
Jen Thyrion: just [:And on my vision board I had, 'cause I've always wanted to own, I was, I. Like very early on I realized I'm an entrepreneur. Like there's no way I'm working for someone forever. Like there's, it's not gonna happen. So I was like, and I realized early on I thought maybe I'd wanna own a spa and all this stuff.
And I was like, you know what? That's really actually not my jam. And then when I started making jewelry, I was like, I can picture myself owning a boutique. This is it. I was like a boutique. So I had pictures of like boutiques on my vision board. And of course I, in Vegas, I lived in a house with like 10 people.
I literally lived in a living room. It wasn't even a room, it wasn't a bedroom, whatever, guys. But anyway, so I had, but I had it hanging on my wall. I'd look at it like every day. It was obnoxious. I had feathers on it, like literally like just so extra. Funny enough though, I moved to Colorado the next year and I didn't even know I was gonna open the boutique space.
what I mean? Like, it's not [:It was like, oh, vision of like, I don't know, the next 10 year plan. Yeah. You know what I mean? It never was on my radar because it didn't even seem possible. I would love if you had that vision board and you like hung it in your shop. Should, oh my God. I should find, I, I definitely have it. I'll find it. Aw.
Oh my gosh. Yes. We should have like a virtual vision board party at the place. Yes. Yes. That would be so fun. Anyway, um, okay, I think I cut you off when we were talking about earlier because I just wanna touch on this really quick before we say goodbye. 'cause it's been, I can't believe it's been an hour.
Oh, oops. No, it's okay. It always ends up that way. I'm like, oh, it's been three hours. So, getting traffic into your space, because I feel like we got on a tangent, so it was like, um, I know you just talked about connection and whatnot. Yeah. But anything else you wanna give advice about that?
Nikki Novak: Yeah. Okay. So the biggest, yeah.
ting your name out there, do [:Do you use Square? I use Gloss Genius. Oh, gloss Genius, okay. Yeah. And I pay for the upgraded plan. Okay. And as you're like, as part of that plan, you can, um, attach your, like Google reviews link. Okay. And then, yeah, it just automatically, like after the transaction, it'll ask them for a review. I love that. I mean, you have to.
Provide a five star experience, of course. Sure. But I'm finding like when you do that, people want to leave you a review. Oh yeah. Because even if I wasn't asking for it, if people love you, they wanna leave your review, they wanna refer you. Like how many people are already walking out your door saying, Hey, can I grab your card?
I wanna tell my friend, or whatever. So Google and I would,
I haven't brought myself to [:I, I can't leave a bad, I mean, I've been so close sometimes, but I'm like, ah, I don't know. I mean, my heart, you know. Because it affects small businesses so much. It really does Anyway, but like, but if someone asked me, and especially like a place I go to all the time, like actually there's a coffee shop that opened in Castle Rock and I had known her, speaking of I should have her on the podcast.
'cause she's definitely, she started off as a little coffee hut and now she has this amazing brick and mortar with like a rooftop patio and all this amazing stuff. So I've been with her throughout her journey and you know, and she like straight up dmd me and asked me to leave a Google review when they first opened.
Yeah. I was like, yes, of course I'll like, but I had never thought, even though I go in there and love her, I'm like, I'm leaving her a Google review. Like I never had that thought take out. Yeah. You know, had to ask for it. So you do have to, don't be scared to ask for it. You know, reviews or feedback or you know, 'cause people just don't, and it's not ill intended, like I said, I mean I'm just not one to do it.
ve that. Oh, I would assume. [:Nikki Novak: Yeah. Assume. Yeah. And I've even seen, like my kids' pediatrician office, they have a QR code up. I actually love their verbiage 'cause it was like, if you had a five star experience here, we'd love if you'd leave us a review.
Mm-hmm. And it's something, they worded it really nice, but it's like, if not, reach out to us because we wanna make your experience a five star. I dunno. Yes, yes. I don't know what it's, but it's really cool. Right. And
Jen Thyrion: they have a QR code, and I feel like I need to, which we, we are so happy about now that we have a brick and mortar, I feel like, although I had a Google profile before, but I never, I think just having the actual shop or something, we're getting more Google reviews, but, but makes me think, is it because I'm like, I have a little sign I made for the shop that it says, did I spark some joy?
Ooh, I know, right. Leave me a review. You know, so I don't know. That's at our like little checkout counter. So, I mean, maybe that's getting some, some responses, but again, I really wanted to make it part of the spiel, right? Because getting those things and habits like. Again, I always speak to my habit of taking pictures of stacks.
you're like, oh my God, grab [:Literally everything they need to know about our business is on this one card. Right. But part of the spiel, I would like it to be like, you know, talking about the Google Review. Yeah. You know what I mean? At the very end, just them checking out and be like, you know, I don't know, just kind of like interjecting that somehow.
I don't know. Because it does make a difference when
Nikki Novak: people are searching.
Jen Thyrion: Mm-hmm. '
Nikki Novak: cause there's a million permanent jewelry people that come up. Yeah. And so if they see. Yeah, you actual testimonials, it makes a difference. And then same thing with on social media, you know? Mm-hmm. Um, if they see that people are loving what you're doing, you can post your testimonials on social media.
And
e, Hey, if you've stopped in [:In general. Can you please leave a Google review? Maybe asking, but also I. Thought of doing like a giveaway. And I'm like, but I don't know if that's too, 'cause again, I still think the same thing. I'm like, oh gosh, am I, you know, trying to, just because they wanna be a part of this giveaway and get something for free there, that's why they're leaving a review.
Like, is it genuine? But at the same time, if I saw that, say I, I went to you and I was like, I loved my experience and you asked for that, I wouldn't feel like I'm leaving it. I would leave a genuine review. Yeah. You know what I mean? Yeah. I still would leave it on. I just got asked to do it. Well,
Nikki Novak: either way, like the person who's searching for you isn't gonna be like, oh, you know, that's fake.
If they only did this 'cause of a contest,
Jen Thyrion: they're not gonna put in the review. Like, I just hope I win. So I'm leaving. Oh my God. I hope not be like, I've had people actually, Etsy purchased from Etsy like a million times, right. Sometimes when they send you something, they'll leave a card and be like, we really appreciate a review, but please don't mention this free gift that, 'cause they don't, oh
Nikki Novak: my gosh.
Do you know what? I've been [:Jen Thyrion: It's so true. That's a great way to say it. 'cause even like whether you're at your pop-up brick and mortar, but I'm just thinking of also my own verbiage of like, you know, we're just so happy to be here and you know, I hope you loved, you know, we're, we're new.
So if you feel like. You know, you feel called to leave a review. Yeah. Because you can find us. So leave Jenna a review. Leave a review on her podcast. I've never asked for that. Please leave a review. Oh, don't say I asked you to. Oh my God. That's hilarious. Okay. So anything else? Google? I know. 'cause that's huge.
I think that's, yeah. Actually, I don't think it's talked about enough is Google reviews is huge. Yeah. Yeah. You know, one thing I wanna say, which I don't even know if you have it in your profile or not. Um, but one thing that changed in our go Instagram putting, you know, the little line below your business, right?
what I mean? The one like in [:I know. This is why I speak from experience. I was Kristen, who I talk about who does our social media and photography. I was trying to find a photographer. I was two months into my business and I was like, I knew how important it was. It's like I really, having the boutique business, I'm like, especially for photographing jewelry is so difficult.
So I'm like, but I just knew I wanted the social help and I wanted someone, so I literally went to Instagram, which is rare to like search for something through that, but not really, I guess a photographer. It's so visual. So I went in and searched Castle Rock photographer. Oh. And she popped up and she said she had just changed that 'cause they were moving from Austin.
She was literally in the U-Haul. She's like, I'm not kidding. I changed that that morning and then you DMed me and I was like, Hey, I'm this like business owner. I has around like, you know, that's how I talk. Like, ah, you know, so that's, that's your Instagram voice. I, I probably left her a voice memo, like 10 minute voice memo explaining my life story.
But yeah, so it's, it's so crazy we talk about that because that was like legit how I
I have my location in there [:Yeah. You know, like, where
Jen Thyrion: are you? Yes. So I know, it's funny you say that. Yeah. Because even I'm annoyed with my own profile right now because we don't have our hours listed for a shop. And I'm like, and I recently went to this new shop that opened in Casser Rock. It's like a flower slash tea place. And I went to their profile and I'm like looking everywhere because I'm like, are they open on Sundays?
And I'm getting so frustrated and I'm like, 'cause they had just their grand opening the day before, we couldn't make it. So I'm like, are they open today or not? Because I'm not dragging my girls there if I don't know they, you know what I mean? Yeah, yeah. So I'm like, oh Jen, you don't even have your hours listed.
Like, you know what I mean? So anyway, just like that little tidbit. 'cause I feel like it's easy, you know, if they're searching on Instagram, which is possible, I feel like more and more people, I mean, I think Google's number one for something like that, you know, if you're in a search. 'cause I know just being in San Antonio for PGX, of course I was searching like Mexican food.
tonio, you know what I mean? [:Nikki Novak: one of your customers tags your business and then they have one of their followers, look, they wanna know like, are you an hour away from me?
Are you outta town? Are you, please just gotta have it in there. I agree.
Jen Thyrion: Anything else about getting people in your studio? No, that's all I got. Okay. No, those are great. I think that's great. I just think that's a question that comes up a lot because especially when you don't have, again, the foot traffic and if someone's wanting to take that leap into getting a studio space or like, oh my gosh, how am I gonna get the word out?
Yeah. 'cause I don't have a store front, so like you have to know that I'm here. Right. Like, that's what I'm saying. Yeah. It's so different than, you know, again, like in my situation where you literally can see, you know, from the street. Yeah. And but also too the luxury I have to say. 'cause if I were in your situation, right, and I did this prior to doing what I'm doing now, I probably would've connected with people around me too though.
Yeah. Like, you know what I mean? Have you met people around here? I dunno if people are pretty private. I don't know.
't know that I've gotten any [:Your lease is gonna go up or like, maybe, you know, other information like that. Yeah. But it's a lot of like therapists mm-hmm. And stuff like that. Yeah.
Jen Thyrion: Yeah. But it is nice to like even say, I have to say it does kind of, you come out like a little bit more, I don't even know, I wanna, I wanna use the word legit, but I feel like there's a better word for it.
But I remember when I would do popups all the time, people are like, oh, do you have a brick and mortar? I make sure people get asked that all the time. Like, oh, where do you, how, what's, well, how does this work? Like, are you always here? You know? And so I remember for me, I had staple places I was always at, so that's what I would say.
And I like, oh, I do in-home appointments here and there. But how nice to say like, oh yes, I have a studio space. It's actually like two miles away. Yes.
Nikki Novak: Like, I guarantee the welds for life. Yes. A studio in Parker. Like, I can't tell you how many times I say that to people. Mm-hmm. And they're like, oh, you do.
Yes. And so they're more likely to buy because they know that they can come back and see me or get it repaired or get it adjusted. Yes, yes.
n: It's like looking beyond, [:What's happening right there in the second of the monetary stuff. It's like what that's going to lead to. Yeah. It's like thinking outside that, because even just having this space and paying the rent and all the things you're thinking about up front, like again, like, oh my God, added expense, da da, dah.
But the thing is, is that that's gonna be more of a selling point to people who wanna come back and get things from you. So it's gonna again, it's gonna like, yeah, pay off. And some
Nikki Novak: people don't wanna buy permanent jewelry spontaneously. Yeah. They have some time to think about it, or they wanna come back with a loved one.
And so it is really nice to say like,
Jen Thyrion: oh yeah, I can't tell you Mike, wait this, wait, such a sweet mother, a daughter that came in a few times, so they've come to popups too, and the daughter, she's like 16. She came and got her first piercing from us, which is awesome. But before that, even at popups, she got jewelry and her mom would always come and she'd always like, look at the chains endlessly, but she's like, I'm not ready.
nd it was so funny, she came [:Like, so yeah. You're definitely gonna have those people that, you know, see it, they think about, that's why again, it's so helpful to be, of course, try to connect with everybody because they might just see your chains in love, what you have, but they're like, not right now because of this and that. You don't know what's going through their head.
Yeah. Whether that be financial or whatever. Yeah. And or thinking, oh no, I wanna bring my friend so I'm gonna wait for her. Yeah. You know what I mean? Yep. Like, so, so knowing that you have a space, they're like, great. Now I don't have to like search for her and see if my friend are off on a Saturday together where I can go see her at this market.
Yeah. Like, she's more available to me, you know? Yeah. So, yeah. There's so many, there's a lot of benefits to think about, again, what's the best that can happen?
Nikki Novak: Yeah. And just the personalized experience that you cannot provide at a market. Yeah. So true. Yeah. I mean, you know, you do the best you can at a market, but it's not, it's not the same.
It's not the luxury. It's
so much. Yeah, fun. This fun [:Nikki Novak: Social kunis jewelry. Okay. K-A-U-N-I-S. Jewelry. Okay. Is is where I'm at on Instagram. Okay. Otherwise, adorn pj. But I don't know if anybody will find any interest in my. Permanent jewelry, Instagram because
Jen Thyrion: probably people like to, you know, just see. Yeah, see, see you. Do you have you on your Instagram? Is there a picture of you?
Girl, it's the first thing I have pinned on there. There you go. Yeah. Okay. That was one thing I was gonna say. If it had nothing to do with people fighting on Google, but I have to say. Is that like if people are finding your Instagram, they most likely want to see you? Yeah. So like having a pin post, and I can tell many times I've come across permanent jewelers where they'll DM me for some reason.
Right. And I go to their account because I'm like, shoot, what's their name? Yeah. And I'm searching and searching on there. It's just find a post about themselves. I'm like, I have no idea what this girl's name is and we've been DMing and talking for like two weeks. Yeah. And I had no idea what her name is.
[:They know who they're looking for. They know who they're gonna be meeting and they're not like, you know, 'cause you know, I mean depending on where you are and how much true crime you listen to, I mean, there's always like so much true crime. So like you never know. Right. Anyway, all right. It's been really fun.
Yes. And. What is your dog's name again? Gizmo. Gizmo. That is a perfect name for this dog. We'll have to show a picture of him when we post the podcast to be like, this was our partner today and this, do you have anything to say, gizmo? No. No, I, okay. I'm just fighting. All right. This has been fun. Thank you.
from you. Let's link up. You [:Okay, I will see you next time. Have a golden day.
