WHERE I STARTED (Lori's Journey as a solo-entrepreneur)
Jewelry by Lori (my first company) was established in August 2016 during a time where I was itching to bring my creativity out into the universe. I dabbled in art my entire life and was always a creative soul - I also always LOVED jewelry for as long as I can remember.
Since 2016, Jewelry by Lori has collaborated with many stores in which I sell my jewelry in, attended so many markets throughout Newfoundland (including the St. John's Farmer's Market).
FIRST PRODUCTS
My first ever products sold were half a dozen handmade crystal chokers. I saw a few Youtube videos during this time of really trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do and decided to jump in and try to make some necklaces myself. If they don't sell, I have some cute jewelry for myself - no loss!
Turns out they not only sold, but they sold out plus I was asked to make custom orders. I was invited to my first craft fair in 2017 and things started really blooming from there while I went to the trials and tribulations as an entrepreneur working 2 or 3 other part-time jobs as a university student.
CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES LEADING TO SO MUCH GROWTH
During the COVID pandemic, I struggled at first like so many other small business owners. During the first month of 2020, our city was in a state of emergency due to an significant snowfall we had. My business was on hold completely after taking the leap and quitting my other full time job only 3 months prior. This time was difficult and not long after, we went into lockdown due to COVID. I had to pull myself together and think outside the box. How could I get through this? How could I make sure Jewelry by Lori would survive?
Thankfully, during COVID, I was supported by my community and so many loyal customers throughout Canada and decided it was time to evolve. My community really came through and showed me they really do support small businesses especially during such a difficult time.
TIME TO SURVIVE AND BETTER YET, THRIVE
During the blur of 2 years when COVID ruled so much around us, I wanted to reach more customers than those who just love jewelry. I was blessed to be given the opportunity because of my beautiful jewelry customers and knew it was time to expand my business into a boutique - Lavish Boutique and now Lori & Co.
TESTING THE WATERS WITH A PHYSICAL BOUTIQUE STORE
I chose to open a suite at the Majestic Salon Suite in St. John's as a sort of tester- pop-up boutique where my customers could pickup their online orders and I could dip my toes in the physical retail store environment in May of 2021. Shortly after, I outgrew this suite and decided to open a larger boutique space in an office rental in July 2021. Give it a few more months, and myself and my team were tripping over boxes and simply ran out of room in this space. I am grateful for all of the time I spent at both of these locations and I am now proud to say my boutique is located on Hamlyn Road in a gorgeous boutique location with an amazing space for production in the backroom.
WHERE WE ARE IN 2022 and present day
My passion project turned full-time career has since turned into "we" as our brand has expanded and we have an amazing team. Come into the store and have a chat with us as we love seeing your beautiful faces!
Thank you for supporting the Lori & Co. Team, we couldn't have done this without you!
