Daily Inspiration: Meet Brett Weiler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Weiler.

Brett, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After graduating from the University of Florida, with a B.S. in geology, I migrated to Atlanta to persue a romantic interest. I was unemployed and with no real compass, when an acquaintance of said interest asked me “If you could do anything, what would it be?”. I said I always wanted to work with gemstones and that same individual introduced me to a man who I ended up working for for three years. Without that mentor I would not be able to run my business the way I do today. I eventually worked in Buckhead for the largest and oldest independent jeweler in Atlanta, Maier & Berkele for 11 years, until they were bought by another company, Mayor’s, and I decided it was the time to strike out on my own. Maier & Berkele had a store in Decatur, which they closed, so I recognized a need could be filled and Decatur was an unkown gem in 1994. I rented my first store for five years and was fortunate enough to buy my current location, which was three doors down, in 1999. I do not consider myself much of a salesman, but more of a curator. I know how to design, source and make fine jewelry. I want my customers to have comfortable, enjoyable experience.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Um, the internet. When I opened in 1994 the internet was in its infantcy and consumers were different. Actually, I think people were different. I cannot tell you how many yelp* users I have P.O.’d because I refused to size their fingers so that they could go buy a ring online. Not to mention that back in the day internet sales were not taxed, so right out of the gate I was at an 8% disadvantage. I also struggle with advertising, as it is very, very expensive for a one unit operation, so basically I count on providing a great experience to push the word of mouth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a good eye for design, balance and execution. In my business it always amazes me that two rings that are made of the exact same materials can be so very different. I recognize that the devil is in the details and I would rather not make a sale, than make a bad sale. There are plenty of times I will turn down a job because I cannot see it in my mind’s eye.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
This is interesting, because in the past several months I have had several individuals ask me about how to become a jeweler. And I don’t have a really good answer. I never really set out to do this for a living, it just dawned on me one day that this is what I do, and I am not sure that I would reccomend it to anyone. It is a tough business and I am fortunate to be 50% entrepreneur and 50% artist. I do know that if you pick a job that you like, then you never have to go to work.

Contact Info:

• Website: decaturcityjewelers.com
• Instagram: decaturcityjewelers