We had the good fortune of connecting with Reuters Janee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reuters, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Sweet Spot was created from the perfect storm! I made jewelry for myself out of frustration really. I could never find what I was looking for! I remember my fiancé bought all this stuff from Michael’s for me and I had no idea what I was doing! It was spread out all over the floor…. A mess really. Time went on and I got better. My mom who is also my biggest fan (Hi Mom!) told me all the time that I need to start selling my pieces. I didn’t see it yet. My daughter told me should start a mother daughter business together. It sounded fun, but I still didn’t see it. My son was about 3 months old at this point and it was time to go back to work. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do and the thought of it absolutely tore me up inside. I thought about going to work a corporate job and I would just SOB! Seriously, Like a big baby. I didn’t really know it then, but I am such a creative being. So being shrunk down at a 9-5 had been soul crushing for me.
This is the point that I thought, okay… maybe I can do this. Maybe I am good enough. I haven’t looked back since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I really suffered with low self esteem for the longest. I kept myself in a box because I didn’t want people to judge me. I didn’t really realize any of this until starting to create. I had to see my worth and trust in my vision. Starting at such a low place, and watching myself transform and become so free, that is what I want to do for others. That’s what I want to inspire through my art.

A lot of my art is loud! It’s expressive. You have to open yourself up to a certain extent to get into it. I love that I can be the gateway for someone taking a chance and allowing themselves to wear something they love even though it may seem a bit “out there”. My hope is through my art, people can find confidence not only in what they wear but internally as well.

Something I really love about my work is that I only create what I love. I would never put something out that I don’t absolutely adore. So you literally get a piece of me when you purchase my art. That is also why I get emotional every time one of my pieces leave. I love them all so much!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely start at Sugar Jam for breakfast! Hands down my favorite spot. Roosevelt Row for an afternoon market. I love to go to Mavrix for cute arcade/bar moment. Catch a Diamond Backs game. Downtown Gilbert is so cute. We would definitely go to Liberty Market for dinner & The Creamistry for the best ice cream! Cobra Arcade bar in phoenix for a night out. Poetic Soul on Wednesday night. Sol Azteca for my fav Mexican food. Of course a hike on one of our beautiful trails. We can’t forget to catch an amazing sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mom and Daughter were the first ones to really see the beauty in what I create. They believed in me before I did. Even before that though, my Fiancé Jermey bought me anything and everything I needed. Even when it was just a hobby. When it’s 2am and I’m getting ready for a market, he’s there with me tagging things and packing my car. He’s even got to work a few events with me and he just jumps right in. I love seeing him talk with customers and be involved. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be here without the help of my family. Thank you guys so much!
I can’t forget everyone that supports me, shops with me, my friends with a growing collection of my pieces. The people I meet at events that absolutely lose it when they see my art. I love you guys so much, you really keep me going! I cannot thank you enough!

Website: Thesweetspotjewelry.com

Instagram: @thesweetspotjewelryshoppe

Image Credits
Alycia Porter

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