It's week two of sharing more small business love with all of you. We are beyond grateful to have met so many amazing entrepreneurs through Ferne. For this weeks meet the maker, we interviewed Shay and Alex (myself), owners + founders of Open Bar Jewelry.
Let's get to know the faces of Open Bar Jewelry: Shay + Alex
Shay
I'm a virgo, and a lot of fun. My husband and I have lived all over the state of Michigan, but our hometown is Bay City and we love it. We have three children Maddox, Hudson, and Sadie. In addition to Open Bar, my husband and I also own Barney's Bar and Grill in Bay City.
Alex
First and foremost, I'm a proud dog mama. I am born and raised in Bay City, Michigan. I studied Fashion Marketing, and Management, along with my MBA at Northwood University. Ever since I was a little girl I always loved fashion. I am now pursuing my passion as a stylist and manager at Ferne Boutique. In my spare time I love to sew and design, drink bloody marys, and pet all the doggos.
Why they started Open Bar Jewelry
We started out using essential oils daily, and wanted to find a way to always have them on us. We began creating gemstone bracelets for ourselves and giving them as gifts. It quickly blossomed into a business because we wanted to share our love for fashion and oils with everyone.
Our bracelet line was our baby for so long; there are some OG's that are still our hottest sellers. Since 2016, we are happy to have grown so much: from rebranding to introducing our After Hours earring line. Our earring line is a ton of fun, and we seriously have to stop ourselves from keeping every pair for ourselves. It's also unique, we don't remake them. Each pair is released in limited quantities, once it's gone it's gone.
We're often asked what our name stands for. Yes, we like to have a beverage or two when we create, but that isn't the whole story. We look at our jewelry like an Open Bar. Mixing and blending different stacks and earrings together to make your own cocktail. We love that you can style your bracelets as is, while still having the option to apply oils if you'd like.
What inspires them + sparks creativity
Sometimes it can be a struggle to be creative, but fortunately we are surrounded by so much beauty in Michigan that we can step right outside our back door and be inspired. It's very rare that we have to "look" for inspiration living in the Mitten state. We are blessed with the changing of the seasons. Beyond our beloved state, we pull ideas from our favorite cocktails, trends and Pantone colors for the season. We love mixing gemstones and metals that you wouldn't expect together.
They can create custom pieces for you: from bridal to everyday
Aside from our aromatherapy jewelry and After Hours, we have our bridal line. We love the process of getting to work one on one with the bride. We use Swarovski crystals, pearls and gemstones to create pieces that fit the style and colors of the wedding. Our bridal party collections are a dream, we have wanted to stand in a few of our clients weddings because of their visions haha. It's always so rewarding to see photos of their day and knowing we helped add a special touch to their big day
You can shop all of our jewelry on our site, openbararomajewelry.com. We're also wanted to share where you can shop our jewelry locally: Ferne Boutique at all three locations, Lex and Co in Bay City carries our dainty, Swarovski collection, and Ocean Jasper in Bay has an exclusive bracelet line designed for their spa.
Let's see what their favorite product is
Shay
Give me all the EARRINGS! I want to keep them all. We also have drawn a lot of inspiration from our vacations to Cabo San Lucas. When I wear those pieces it gives me all the feels of the beach and the perfect margarita.
Alex
Hands down, my favorite would be our custom creations, whether their a bridal collection or a personalized bracelet for someone. I love that we are able to take someone's dream and vision and create it for them. I have loved being able to create bracelets as a keepsake and reminder of a loved one who has passed. To date my favorite customs have been for two amazing women battling cancer. We were able to create bracelets specifically with them in mind and give back to them. We're grateful to have met so many amazing people through OB.
Advice for other entrepreneurs
Shay
If I could give any advice for someone starting a business it would be to expect change, and anticipate it. Try not to get caught up in what you expected it to be, instead put your energy into what you can do next. Also, have a smart business partner who keep you in check and makes you laugh, and who laughs even harder at you...
Alex
No dream is too big! There is no right time, so just go for it. If you hit a road block along the way, don't let it stop you in your tracks, keep pushing through. Sometimes a change in path can be the biggest blessing for your future success.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about Shay and I, and our journey with Open Bar. Check out our collection of OB jewelry inside of Ferne.
Check back next week for our next Meet the Maker | Entrepreneur.