Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Mitchell
Hi Jocelyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started in 2015 in my studio apartment in Buckhead while attending Georgia State University. I wanted to start a business of my own to just make some extra money for myself. I took my love of jewelry and accessories and made it a game plan for my future. I started with making body chains and customs made from sterling silver chains. That then moved me to look for a mentor in the field to help me move to the next level. After many unanswered emails, I did get one response from one person and what made it special was that she looked like me, a black woman. There aren’t many black jewelers, let alone black women jewelers. She taught me everything. From vendors to conducting proper customer service. Fast forward, my name started to gain traction in Chicago in 2020 among the local music artists and the rest is history.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been easy whatsoever. It still is an uphill battle to continue to get my name out there to the highs in which I know it can go. With bigger jewelers, that have bigger followings and fanbases, it’s still hard to get my foot in the door. If your name isn’t being mentioned in the latest rap song or the name isn’t being mentioned by someone’s favorite rapper, you are kind of a nobody. You can be known in your city, but how many people say they just want to be known in their city? Not too many.
There is also a disconnect in the jewelry industry that is taken over by Middle Eastern men. It has been hard for me the gain the respect of my counterparts. So much so that when I attend certain events, they make me feel like I’m not supposed to be there. But not everyone is going to like you and I’ve become okay with that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My is Jocelyn but I go by JoJo The Jeweler and I am the owner of BeJeweledByJ. I am a custom high-end jeweler. I socialize in natural, lab-grown, and moissanite custom jewelry. I also sell high-end watches such as Rolex, Patek, and Piaget. I am a black woman-owned brand. I offer ready-to-ship diamond pieces as well as custom pieces for almost any price point.
What makes you happy?
What makes me most happy right now is traveling. Exploring new places gives me that adrenaline rush that nothing else gives. I am also a happily married woman. I have been with my husband for 15 years. When I say that, people always ask me how old I am and I’m only 30. (31 on October 29) We are high school sweethearts and we have a fur baby that brings us so much joy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bejeweledbyj_
- Facebook: @bejeweledbyj2
Image Credits
Professional photo (headshot) @therealvegasmith
