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

Hi Erika, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I like to take calculated risks. I measure the risks I take by if it will make me a better person and if it would be beneficial to my family. Risks have played a huge role in my life and career. I learned a little later in life that I was an impulsive risk taker and my impulsiveness usually would cause me more harm than good. When my family began to grow, the risks became more calculated and have landed me a great career and helped me to muster up the courage to do things that I wouldn’t normally do. As a result, I live by the saying “Be comfortable, being uncomfortable.” Because if you aren’t taking risks, you aren’t growing!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
JEWEL GANG is a jewelry brand that has been evolving over the past 3 years. The current vision is for JEWEL GANG to evolve into more of a community where people are becoming the best version of themselves. The best version of our “selves” not only involves looking great by wearing (jewelry, etc), but feeling great as well by taking care of our mental health, body, and soul. JEWEL GANG started off with a totally different name (Bella Valentina). I ended up changing it because of issues with another company having the same name. A very important lesson would be to protect yourself and your business. I changed Bella Valentina to JEWEL GANG and trademarked the name. Another thing to remember is just like people, businesses evolve as well. It’s truly ok! I used to worry about what customers and people in general would think, but only you know your vision for your company. JEWEL GANG started with the mission to promote confidence and to donate a portion of our sales to a nonprofit that helps girls and young women in underrepresented communities receive education in stem subjects. The eventual goal was to host robotics camps and classes completely sponsored by JEWEL GANG. We currently will provide excess jewelry to Dress for Success, so women can look and feel their best when interviewing for potential jobs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in a lot of places and visited some great ones as well. I think I would take my bestie to Hawaii! We would go to Oahu and hit up the north shore! We would then get us some garlic shrimp from the shrimp truck and gossip for a little while. Our week would consists of shopping, laying on various beaches, and going to a luau!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family means the world to me. They are my safe haven.

Website: www.Jewelgang4life.com

Instagram: Shopjewelgang

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-m-anderson-cism-cap

Facebook: Shopjewelgang

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