Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Salcedo
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Stephanie Salcedo. Owner and jewelry designer of OG Jewels Collective. A jewelry brand started in 2021 while sitting down fixing a bracelet that had broken for my step daughter and little did I know what fire that would ignite. For so long I heard of my husband mentioning making bracelets of some sort and I would think to myself how, where would we even start. Little did I know that his words sparked an interest in my head to run with a brand and create something, a legacy for our children. September 1st 2021 OG started. I began by making beaded bracelets of all sorts, evil eye jewelry back then which now being baptized and a born again Christian I no longer make. But, those designs made OG Jewels what it is now, the clients, the journey I’ve been through with my business, the experiences. I will always remember where I started and where God brought me to where I am now. The hard work, the efforts, the dedication, sleepless nights, all worth it. I closed for almost a year last December and with my reopening this past October I am dedicated and ready to bring more to the table than I already have. As a mom, I don’t fail I have the most precious beings looking up to me and the most supportive husband cheering me on. I could never lose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing worth having is easy. Social media could be a cruel place aside from being exactly what it should be, a place for networking, making friends, discovering new friendships etc. If you don’t have tough skin it’ll eat you alive. Prior to having my website this year I would only sell and promote my brand on Instagram, which ended up limiting me and the audience of people I wanted to reach. Not everyone has social media, and I didn’t have a website. At first I looked at it as being intimidating and I didn’t know how to navigate creating an entire website. I didn’t let that stop me this time around, it was a goal that I told myself if I was going to come back we had to expand out of the little box I had put myself and business in. I knew coming back I wanted everything to be different, it had to be. Starting wasn’t easy I started with no knowledge of how to run a business, what would entail in running a business and how to keep the business open. That all changed December 2023 when I had a life changing experience and a journey deeper into my faith with God.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Handmade, personalized, beautiful unique jewelry. I make all kinds of pieces from necklaces, bracelets, baby pins, earrings, to children’s jewelry and men’s. I take pride in everything I make because I design every piece even when doing custom jewelry I add a little touch of my own creativity. Another important part of my business is always establishing a meaningful connection with everyone I come across. Sometimes I have personalizations that include an important part of someone’s life, a celebration, a remembrance of someone, a loss, a persons child, a mother. I’ve really taken time to master my craft and create jewelry that inspire others, that make them happy, here for me it’s always been more than just the jewelry. I’ve sourced quality material at affordable prices, I never wanted to be a business that others couldn’t afford or a basic brand that could easily be found elsewhere. Everything I do is with faith, love, and Jesus. The dedication shows and my hard work ethic of dream to achieve has gotten me far. Prior to being a mother I was a career driven individual working to climb the ladder of success where I was thriving to push through adversities and hardships. I’ve watched my grandparents who raised me do it themselves all my life. When I had my first, I was in a sense born again, life changed completely and it was no longer just me. Meeting my husband I met a man that allowed me to really soak in what motherhood truly meant, raise children without having to rush to work, miss any firsts, worry about anything other than creating the core memories that involve being with your children daily. He’s worked hard to give me the beautiful gift of being a stay at home mom. He’s also supported me in this endeavor of business owner and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the life I get to live.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The best book that has helped me and guided me, the Bible. It is the first book I read daily in the morning to start my day and in the evening as I settle down. Might sound cliche, but it has spoken life onto me and because of God I am where I am today.
Other books I enjoy are always business success self help books, motivational, financial I like to take biweekly trips to my local bookstore and dive into books that teach me something that I can apply to my daily life and business.
– Secrets of a six figure woman
– The art of thinking clearly
– The power of discipline
– Atomic habits
– The 48 laws of Power
– The 7 habits of highly effective people
Some of my favorites.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ogjewelscollective.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogjewelscollective/profilecard/?igsh=enh3emZ6bHEwOWtn
