1. What inspired you to launch La Bella Gem?
I have always been inspired by my parents. My parents have always worked above and beyond to give us the American Dream. My mother has always been very crafty and I remember as a young child, waking up at 5 am with my family and heading out to our local flea markets and selling different things. Mom was a fashion designer and had her own clothing line. Although, she saw it more as making ends meet. She never did get around to getting labels or anything like that, she just designed and put everything together, and off the rack they went. My father was the finance guy. He always taught me the value of a dollar and always encouraged me to make $2 out of ever dollar I had.
So, my parents inspired me to be a business woman, but La Bella Gem would not have existed if it weren’t for a friend who actually pushed me into making my jewelry designing a business. Helen is a dear friend and was my very first customer. I designed some jewelry for myself and she began ordering and ordering and ordering… and so Viola! La Bella Gem was born.
2. Tell us a little about the line.
Our Fall 2006 has not been publicly revealed yet, but it involves intricate gold and silver pieces with exquisite style and class. This years Fall collection will dazzle you with spirals, loops, drops and fancy, yet, versatile styles comprised of semiprecious stones, wood, shells and crystals for casual, formal and everyday attire.
3. What is your favorite part about jewelry designer?
I love creating pieces and love dealing with the public. Ahh and love complements of course.
4. What are your favorite pieces in the line and why?
My favorite piece are our spiral earrings. They just add so much to every outfit! You can see them at www.labellagem.com
5. Tell us a little bit about yourself (background, hobbies, etc.)
If it’s not designing or selling jewelry, I spend almost every minute with my 1 year old daughter and my loving husband. They are the backbone of my success and they both contribute so much to my life. In Los Angles, CA I work out of my studio everyday between feeding my daughter, taking care of the house and spending quality time teaching my daughter what parents taught me. Having a daughter and running a successful business concurrently has been the most challenging for me. However, being fortunate enough to work from home and spending as much time with my daughter and husband as I have over the past year makes me work harder every day. Thanks to all La Bella Gem clients for your support.
6. What advice can you give to women who dream about launching their own line?
Organization is key! Network like there is no tomorrow! And don’t ever let anyone tell you that starting a business is too hard. Life is what you make of it so do what your heart tells you, you can do! I am always willing to help so drop me an email at laura@labellagem.com with any questions…no question to big or too small here!
