We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Cisneros and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Over the 20 plus years in traditional retail, there were some things that were barriers to helping my clients get the jewelry of their dreams. I found that people were overwhelmed and had decision fatigue when it came to picking jewelry out for themselves or a loved one. Instead of giving people ideas about what they wanted, having so much inventory made it difficult to make a decision. Another thing was that people want guidance, and when a store had spent a million dollars plus on inventory, they would rather sell what they have already invested their money in as opposed to creating or sourcing what the client really wants. Finally, people had stories to share and felt awkward sharing them in a room full of strangers. And, what if someone they knew came in and ruined a surprise?

I decided to start my business with solving those three things for my clients! I created a private space where I see clients on a one-on-one basis where they have room to share their stories, relax, and and really focus on what they are wanting. Plus, no one will ruin their surprise because their appointment is just for them! I sit down with my clients to connect with them and tease out what they are imagining and the feeling they want to convey with their jewelry. I then give them curated options so whichever design or piece they are choosing takes them in the right direction! Jewelry shopping with me is a tailored experience so that my clients get the jewelry of their dreams AND enjoy the whole process – yes, even men enjoy it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started off in the jewelry industry working part time while i went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew education was important. My dedication and hard work paid off when I became the store manager when I graduated. I got my Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) which is the foremost authority in the gemological world. I had on-the-job training and mentoring for 22.5 years, but I never thought I would become a business owner until it became the best option for me when the owners retired. I got excited about the kind of jewelry experience that I could create and how I could help my clients on a whole other level! Jewelry is all about connection, and I love connecting with my clients to help them celebrate their lives and the important people in them!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Central Coast of California has some of the best spots for outdoor activities and yummy food! I would take my best friend to the award winning Wild Fields Brewhouse for great food and beer, the Banh Mi Carrot Dog topping the list for me! I would also take them shopping downtown Atascadero to all the cute, privately owned boutiques – no chain stores here! Depending the time of year she visited, we’d enjoy the various events the city has to offer like The Tamale Festival, Dancing in the Streets, or the Harvest Festival. Atascadero is located in the heart of the San Luis Obispo County making it the perfect place to stay while taking day trips to Montana de Oro, Hearst Castle, Wine country, and the beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so grateful to the former owners of the store I worked at! They mentored me for 22.5 years teaching me all aspects of the jewelry business from accounting, inventory management, sales, and community involvement. Almost all of my business organization has come from what they have taught me over the years. I know that I can still call on them in their retirement for any advice!

They other person who has been a catalyst in starting my business and growing in my business is my best friend, Heather. Our business meeting discussions have helped me strengthen my mindset and have opened my eyes to what is possible. She has suggested various business resources that have furthered my growth as well.

Website: www.angelacisneros.com

Instagram: @angelacisnerosjewelry

Linkedin: Angela Cisneros

Facebook: Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge

Image Credits
Ginici Studios and Angela Cisneros

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