Meet Melanie Johnson | Entrepreneur and Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Melanie, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
My most difficult decision since starting my business 3 years ago was deciding to take time off from selling in order to create a true infrastructure for my company. My decision to start Royal Adornments came in the midst of grief. I lost my husband of 19 years suddenly in January of 2019 and my therapist suggested that I find something fun to do in order to fill the massive void I felt in my life. Without putting much thought into it, I decided to sell jewelry. I bought product and sold it – period. That was how my company started. There was no business plan, no research, no budget, no meetings. Not even a chat with God to see if this was His plan for my life.

Just an idea that manifested into something amazing. I never expected to LOVE being in business for myself. I never expected my brand to inspire women that way it has. I found myself wanting to focus on my business day and night. I slept with a notepad and pen next to my bed, studied fashion trends, watched marketing videos and even played around with jewelry design. As time went on, I realized that I wanted more for my company. It was no longer a hobby or hustle. It was a small business with the ability to become much more! At the end of 2021, I decided to go offline and shut down my website, reduce my social media presence and refrain from taking new orders. This was supposed to be for one short month. I set some pretty ambitious goals for myself both personally and professionally, for the next 2 years and those goals required more money to invest into my business.

After much thought, I made the decision to cut my personal expenses in half. I moved, paid off debt and sold almost everything I owned – including a car that I loved! It was DIFFICULT making those decisions. I was humbled in ways I never imagined. But I during this time, I was also studying other successful entrepreneurs and they all had similar stories. They made SERIOUS short-term sacrifices in order to achieve their long-term goals. I recalled a conversation I had with my friend Toushanta Hogan of Scentsational Soaps during my first month of business. She told me that at some point, I will have an professional epiphany. That one day I will wake up and want more for my life and my business. She said during this season, I won’t have or even want to make time for anything or anyone except for my business. She said God will truly be my best friend during this period. She was correct. That moment came and I am still in this season. I started working with a local business association where I was assigned a mentor who has helped me truly focus on the direction I want for Royal Adornments. I also hired an assistant. It was hard for me to admit to myself that I cannot do this alone. I also made it a point to educate myself on my business, specifically the jewelry industry, as a whole. Buying pretty accessories and selling them is the fun part. The customers will come as long as you have a product they want. But success I desire will only come from hard work and learning every aspect of my business – even the things I don’t enjoy.

I truly believe that many small business owners give up right when a major breakthrough is on the horizon. When things get tough, that’s when you work harder! Keep going, growing and learning! My biggest challenge now is being patient. I’m ready to jump right in and start selling again but I am using what I have learned to ensure that I am prepared for what is to come with the next season for Royal Adornments!

One thing that I have learned is to not let what appears to be a saturated market discourage me! It’s extremely difficult to find products and/or services that are not being offered by others. But when you add your OWN unique touch to your brand, that’s all that matters. I chose my packaging
with care. I choose my products with care. So, even if I see other companies offering something similar or even the same products, I don’t mind because they are not ROYAL ADORNMENTS! There is room for everyone!

I am proud to say that after being offline since January, Royal Adornments will be relaunching just in time for the holidays and I am excited! My customers have stuck with me through this process and I know they will be thrilled! Even during this off-season, amazing opportunities have still come my way. have provided accessories for photo shoots, an up and coming gospel group, proms and vacations! Some would say that taking this short break was professional suicide but it has not been. I am so excited for our relaunch and my customers will see improvements all around!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have held several positions throughout my career but working in the nonprofit arena and sales are the two paths that have contributed most to my business. Working for nonprofit organizations provided me with various opportunities to help others, whether it was helping to establish technology centers in underserved communities, provide toys for children in low- income homes, providing housing for a family with a critically-ill child or aligning homeowners with programs designed to prevent foreclosure.

I also gained sales experience when I sold Mary Kay products, as well as art for a now defunct company called Personal Preference. I was never truly passionate about the products I was selling, but I enjoyed the benefits of being my own boss and little did I know that the entrepreneur seed had been planted!

Royal Adornments encompasses all of the things I love, especially for woman! Our jewelry is about fashion and empowerment – helping my customers feel good about themselves. I love offering earrings that have quotes on them and my customers love them too! My best-selling earrings simply say “Queen.” If one were to look at my social media pages, they will see tons of photos of women wearing their jewelry. These are not paid models. They are my customers who love their jewelry and wanted me to see how wearing the pieces makes them feel! My customers have hired professional photographers, gotten their hair and make-up done and taken pictures, simply because the pieces make them feel beautiful and I love it! The affirmation card I include with orders is also a customer favorite. Many of them have asked me how did I know that the message on the card was exactly what they needed. I truly love what I do!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love living in California. I was born and raised here and people love to visit so I already have an itinerary, based on what friends and family have requested to see:

1. I always take visitors on a tour of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills which would include a ride down Crenshaw Boulevard, Leimert Park, a quick photo at the Dunes apartment complex where Insecure was filmed, intersection where we lost Nipsey Hussle, Beverly Hills Hotel where we lost Whitney Houston, the Watts Towers, Staples Center, the Forum, Beverly Center, Sofi stadium and a nice walk down Rodeo Drive.

2. A quick tour of the Inland Empire followed by a visit to Temecula is also a winner! This would entail a tour of the Inland Empire that would include a visit to the McDonald’s museum and the location of the ORIGINAL
McDonald’s! The natural Arrowhead landmark located in the mountains of San Bernardino is a sight to see! The tepee hotels are fun to visit along with a tour of the historical Route 66. Finally, we would head to Temecula where we would participate in a hosted wine tour at a few of the wineries followed by dinner!

3. Hollywood is a must and would include a walk down the boulevard to see the stars, Kodak Theatre and catch a movie at the El Capitan theatre. A hike up to the Hollywood sign (or just a glimpse) is also a common request.

4. You can’t visit California without spending a day at the beach! Venice Beach would be my choice because there is so much to see and do! Santa Monica Pier is also a fun choice. However, if we were looking for a more relaxed environment, I would choose Newport Beach.

5. As for eateries, my personal favorite restaurant choices would be
Mastro’s in Malibu, Duane’s in Riverside, Dhat Island in Redlands, White House in Anaheim or the Quarter in Claremont. But if my guests want to experience something more casual that reflects LA culture, Pink’s is always a fun choice, along with Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles! Who knows – we may get lucky and catch some celebrity sightings at Fixins Soul Kitchen or Kale My Name!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I must acknowledge my late husband, Brandon, because he always encouraged me let the world see my numerous talents. I am forever grateful to him for that. Also, my two sons, Kirkland and Brandon II. Even though they are adults, they are a huge motivating factor for me. I want them to see Royal Adornments become a national brand and know that no matter what life throws as me, I will make it! My parents, James and Annie Hervey and my sister, Crystal Woodard are a huge part of my support system, as well. Family is everything to me! And my extended family and friends are the absolute best! They all rock their Royal Adornments on a regular basis and have been with me since day one! My assistant, LaKea Hood works hard and has been waiting patiently during this new season.

Noe Galvan of Galvan Media and Shennell Ferguson of Aesthetic Creative Designs, are responsible for my marketing materials and website. I appreciate my amazing business mentors, Toushanta Hogan of Scentsational Soaps and Shirley Coates of the Society of Extraordinary Women. And finally, my circle of fellow business owners, Portia Chambers of Bougie Me Salon and Boutique, Tonya Hall of Splurrge Women’s Accessories, Sandra Bailey of Eye Peace and Things Accessories, and LaTaicha Norris of Thick Chicks Boutique! These ladies inspire and encourage me more than they know!

Instagram: Royal_Adornments_jewelry

Facebook: Royal Adornments

Image Credits
Photos by Brandon Johnson, II, freelance photogrpaher