How this Latina entrepreneur went from a Fortune 100 company to owning her own jewelry business
Jianni Acosta is a Latina that made boss moves despite a deadly pandemic and heightened anxiety. It takes a resilient spirit and passion to build a jewelry brand when the market is trembling and looking precarious. But for a first-generation college student, Jianni knew a traditional path was not going to lead to success. After working in a corporate finance job, she made it a mission to create a sustainable lifestyle that wasn’t money-driven. “I felt like my purpose in life was bigger. I didn’t see myself at 50 years old clocking in at 9 o’clock every day. I was lost for a while.”
After exploring different creative ventures and soul-searching, Jianni found out her real purpose and founded House of Jewels, a gold enterprise that offers modern and affordable pieces. Her business took off during the pandemic despite all the odds. “I went all in and for the first four months it was very challenging,” mentions Jianni. The entrepreneur worked her nine-to-five regular schedule and continued her side-hustle at night from 6 pm to 1 am. Now that’s what we call gritty aspiration.
With no mortgage or children to feed, Jianni realized it was her time to switch from corporate to entrepreneurship. “I like to be the boss. My family comes from an entrepreneurship background and I see the flexibility.” With her own set schedule, Jianni still works long hours and handles the logistics by herself. Her exponential growth and brand recognition are a combination of influencer marketing, word of mouth, and unique designs.
House of Jewels offers tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic and water-resistant pieces, “It’s very embarrassing when people’s jewelry turn green or smelly,” adds Jianni who focuses on delivering high-quality pieces. One of her top priorities is to make sure her quality jewelry lasts for a very long time. Customers can also order personalized pieces such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Her Dream Collection is one of the most sold thanks to their empowering messages such as bracelets with La Jefa and Make Boss Moves quotes.
READ MORE: HOW THIS LATINA JEWELER MASTERED THE ART OF BEADING AND GAINED AN ELITE CLIENTELE
The brand’s mission is to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs with versatility and style in mind. Currently, Jianni wants to assist other dreamers to pursue their dream. “First you need to follow your heart regardless of what anybody says. I want my project and brand to be that place of encouragement for people who want to make a change.” Jianni is committed to donating 30% of the proceeds from the Dream Collection to one person every quarter. This cash donation will be offered to one applicant that submits a two-minute video explaining their dream business. Though Jianni is not Mark Cuban, she is ready to offer a helping hand to those aspiring to be their own CEO’s. After all, life is about making bold moves and let your style shine through.