Monica’s LunaLuxe Jewelry

There are many jewelry vendors at craft fairs, but LunaLuxe caught my eye. First off, I hadn’t heard of permanent jewelry before. Apparently, it’s a thing. But as soon as I stopped at the booth, I was greeted by Monica and her positive energy. Even though the craft fair was over and the booths on both sides were already packing up, she calmly answered all my questions with kindness. We exchanged cards, and when I emailed her the next day, she also responded right away. Now that’s the kind of customer service that makes a difference.

Can you describe what your business does?

At LunaLuxe, we create timeless, elegant jewelry designed to inspire and empower. Our collections feature high-quality materials like 14k gold-filled and gold-plated pieces, alongside natural stones such as jade and freshwater pearls. Whether you're shopping for a special occasion or looking for everyday pieces, our jewelry is crafted to be versatile, stylish, and meaningful.

Every piece at LunaLuxe tells a story—combining luxurious designs with a focus on personal connection. We offer permanent jewelry, where pieces are custom-fitted and welded seamlessly to ensure they stay with you. From delicate necklaces to standout earrings, every design is made with care, quality, and the belief that luxury should be accessible.

LunaLuxe isn't just about jewelry; it's about creating moments, expressing individuality, and cherishing the beauty of natural stones. Experience the luxury of LunaLuxe, where elegance meets meaning in every piece.

Where did the idea come from?

LunaLuxe and Permanent Jewelry were born from an idea I heard about a couple of years ago. I’ve always loved delicate gold jewelry and the concept of permanent jewelry resonated with me. I knew I wanted to start a business that combined my love for jewelry and my passion for connecting with people.

As someone with a small wrist, I’ve always struggled to find bracelets that fit, so creating a personalized, custom-fitted piece stood out to me. Permanent jewelry allows people to wear a piece they can cherish daily, without the hassle of removal and it offers the opportunity to make it uniquely theirs with personal touches like birthstones or charms.

What motivated me to start LunaLuxe, though, was the flexibility it would offer. After getting pregnant with my second child, my mother-in-law could no longer help watch my kids, so instead of returning to a traditional 9-5 job, I decided to create something of my own. I wanted a business that allowed me to control my schedule, be a present homemaker, and still pursue my passion on the weekends.

LunaLuxe was also a way for me to reconnect with myself and reclaim the part of me that was sometimes overshadowed by motherhood. It’s a business inspired by my daughter, Luna.

Although no specific training or licenses are required to perform Permanent Jewelry, I did take training courses to refine my skills. Ultimately, my business is driven by a social interest in meeting new people and celebrating their milestones. I love the idea of being part of a memory and fostering connections that last a lifetime. For me, a career has always been about human interaction, sharing stories, and learning from others.

Can you describe your typical work day?

During the week, my focus is on sourcing materials and creating new ready-to-wear pieces for my jewelry collection. I also spend time researching pop-up markets to apply for, as well as working on marketing and content creation to help promote my business. On weekends, I attend pop-up markets where I meet clients and create permanent jewelry pieces. These markets typically last 4-6 hours, but with setup and breakdown, it's a full day of work.

I work from home in our guest bedroom, which has been transformed into my office space. Since I don't have a storefront, the only time I can showcase my products is during these weekend events. Additionally, I offer private at-home permanent jewelry parties, and while I haven’t secured one yet, I’m hopeful to do so soon. I source most of my gold-filled items from the USA and my natural gemstones from overseas.

What is your best-selling product?

My best-selling products are my permanent bracelets, which I offer at pop-up markets. The cost for sterling silver starts at $55, and gold-filled starts at $65. I also have a popular collection of freshwater pearl earrings. These products truly represent my business—permanent jewelry is the heart of LunaLuxe, while the freshwater pearls symbolize the delicate beauty of nature.

In addition to permanent jewelry, my ready-to-wear collection features freshwater pearls and natural stones such as jade, ranging from $30 to $100. While I have an online website where customers can purchase my ready-to-wear handmade jewelry, my permanent jewelry is only available in person, as it requires custom fittings.

What sets you apart from other businesses?

What truly sets me apart is me. While many permanent jewelry businesses offer similar products, it’s my customer service and my ability to make meaningful connections that stand out. I’m genuinely passionate about what I do, from creating jewelry to connecting with my clients. I go the extra mile to satisfy my customers, always striving to make adjustments or rewelds without pinching pennies.

Another unique aspect is my small selection of solid gold chains, which is not something most permanent jewelry businesses offer. While the competition in the permanent jewelry space can be tough, I don’t shy away from it. I think about how, in the grocery store, there are so many bread brands, but each has its loyal customers. I know that while I won’t be for everyone, the right customers are out there.

Customers can be confident that I offer high-quality materials and that I’m always here to make things right if they’re not completely satisfied. I want them to feel taken care of and valued in every interaction.

How is social media important to your business?

Social media is crucial for my business—it’s my lifeline. Since I don’t have a storefront, I rely heavily on platforms like Instagram to connect with clients and showcase my work. Social media has been an invaluable tool for attracting customers and raising awareness about my business. While Instagram is my primary platform, I’m working on expanding to Facebook and TikTok.

I create content by drawing inspiration from other businesses and my everyday life. My mind is constantly buzzing with ideas, so I keep a notebook full of content concepts to work from. It’s all about sharing my journey and creating relatable content that resonates with my audience.

What are your thoughts on technology today?

Technology is crucial for growing a business, but I admit I’m not the most tech-savvy. Luckily, YouTube and friends have been invaluable resources as I learn and step outside my comfort zone. I handle every aspect of my business, so it’s been a learning curve, but tools like Google and ChatGPT have been game-changers for me.

I mostly use my iPhone to create content and manage my business, but I also rely on my MacBook for ordering and making website updates. As my business grows, I’m starting to research ways to improve online security. Even though I’m still learning, I know that embracing technology is essential to growing and succeeding.

Regarding all the work that the business requires, do you hire contractors or does your family participate?

Right now, I handle most aspects of my business, from inventory and sales to content creation and bookkeeping. However, my friends and family, especially my husband, have been crucial to my success. My husband helps with market days, and my close friends and family often watch my kids so I can focus on my work.

I’m incredibly grateful for their support, as it’s been a big part of how my business has grown so quickly. In less than a year, I’ve already reached a point where I need help at my markets, and I’m starting to look into adding physical support.

For finding new customers, doing outreach, and marketing, how do you manage this?: I don’t currently have a sign-in book or an email list, but it’s something I plan to start soon. Right now, I mostly find new customers through market pop-ups, Instagram, and word of mouth. I’m lucky to have returning clients who recommend me to their friends and family. Since I’m still learning about marketing tools, I’m excited to explore new strategies and software to grow my outreach and bring in more customers.

Practically speaking, how do you balance work, growth, and personal time?

During my first year of business, my focus has been on working relentlessly to grow LunaLuxe, which has meant that my personal life has taken a back seat. I’m fortunate to spend a lot of time with my two kids and husband during weekdays, and I really cherish those moments. I’ve put vacation and leisure plans on hold for now, as I want to make sure I give my first year of business my all. When I do have time with friends and family outside of work, I fully appreciate those moments.

Regarding the environment, social issues, and being a partner to the community, do you have any specific things your business focuses on?

At LunaLuxe, I’m committed to being environmentally conscious and giving back to the community. While it's a challenge to balance sustainability with cost, I source most of my natural gemstones from overseas, and I carefully select gold-filled and gold-plated materials from trusted USA suppliers. This helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping and ensures I’m supporting businesses that follow ethical practices.

In addition, I aim to create meaningful connections with customers from all walks of life. I embrace diversity and love getting to know the unique stories behind each person I work with. Giving back is also important to me; for example, my recent collaboration with Ettie Lee nonprofit to sponsor Christmas gifts for over 80 kids helped make the holidays special for families in need.

For other business owners, I would recommend starting small with initiatives that align with your values, such as supporting local charities or sourcing products responsibly. Customers appreciate businesses that prioritize people and the planet, and these actions often lead to a loyal customer base and positive community impact.

What do you see as the outlook for the future of your business?

The outlook for LunaLuxe is very promising. In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision expanding the business beyond just pop-up markets to include more private events, collaborations with other local businesses, and possibly even a small storefront or studio space. I’d love to continue growing my online presence as well while maintaining that personal, hands-on connection with my customers that has been so rewarding.

For me, success is not just about financial growth—it’s about fulfillment. I define success as creating a life that balances my passions with providing for my family. It’s about being able to help support my husband and children while doing what I love and contributing to the community whenever I can. In my industry, I see a continued growth in the demand for personalized, meaningful products like permanent jewelry, and I’m excited to be part of that. I’m always open to learning new skills and adapting to market trends to ensure LunaLuxe thrives for years to come.

Do you have any final thoughts for the readers?

My final thought for readers would be this: Be 100% authentically you, because people will see that and be drawn to your genuine energy. Don’t view other businesses as competition; instead, see them as part of a community. There’s enough room for everyone to succeed.

Keep an open mind, share knowledge, and remember that the positivity you put into the world will come back to you. One of my favorite quotes is, “The sun shines on everyone.” It’s a reminder that there is abundance for all, and success is about supporting each other.

To anyone starting out, my advice is to make meaningful connections. Ask for help, but remember that relationships should be mutual, with give and take. It’s not just about taking information but building a support network. Balance is key to maintaining both your business and personal life, so always take care of yourself as you grow.

Where can people find you online?

Right here:

 
 
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