Cradling tiny babies has its rewards, just ask ICU nurse turned luxury jewelry designer Jennifer Welker. Her iconic brand, Golden Thread, has its footprints rooted in Jennifer’s former life – when she worked caring for one pound babies.
Today, that same level of care and attention to detail goes into crafting uniquely designed monogramed pieces that appeal to every woman.
“It was very intimidating starting my own line and taking the leap from one career to the next,” Welker says of starting her business, “I envisioned selling the necklaces but by no means had a concrete business plan.”
Her drive for success led to hours of research for suppliers and manufacturers and coming to quite a few dead ends she recalls, “I heard the word no a lot!”
But her big dream paid off – big time.
Jennifer now has an entire line of sophisticated necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings – available around the world.
What makes Golden Thread so special? It’s what Welker coins “super customizable.” Women wearing her jewelry get to “come in and play designer,” she says, making every piece one of a kind.
The heart of personalizing her designs can be traced back to Jennifer’s very first piece. “It was a monogrammed necklace with my initials and my wedding anniversary date on the back,” she tells PINK.
Since then, her designs have attracted a strong following from some very famous women, including Pippa Middleton and Jenna Bush Hager. It’s safe to say she’s living her dream.
“I absolutely could never have imagined my life would turn out this way,” Welker exclaims, “It has filled a void in my life I’ve had for a long time; and, I get to do what I truly love. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe I get to do this every day.”
For other dreamers out there who want to switch gears into entrepreneurship, she offers this advice: “Don’t be easily discouraged. If you love something and are passionate about it you will never work a day in your life!
Meet Jennifer Welker in Atlanta for her Golden Thread trunk show on Wednesday October 23, 2013 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
By Kristy Bonham
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