Meet VALERIE MADISON | Owner, designer, and creative director of Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry

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

Hi VALERIE, how do you think about risk?
Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. On my journey in particular, my business’s journey has experienced many highs when I push for new things, like expanding our team, designing never-before-seen jewelry designs, or opening a brick-and-mortar. I’m familiar with risk and recognize that as a business owner, I have to become familiar with the feelings of discomfort because as long as my intuition is positive, it’s a natural part of the process.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry apart from other jewelry stores is that I have no prior connection or concept of what the traditional business model “should” be, so I created something new and fresh taking into account the varied perspectives of my customers and the kind, welcoming, and exciting experiences that I’d like for them to have. I am proud of my staff and the high level of customer service they give because my customers appreciate it and are telling all of their friends about us. I think we have found success because we are open to feedback and aim to create meaningful relationships with our customers that span many years.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I’m showing friends around the city, it’s usually between late spring or early fall which is a wonderful time to see the PNW. If it’s spring, we might go to the University of Washington campus to check out the incredible cherry blossoms if we can get the timing right. If it’s summer, I am definitely taking them whale watching up in the San Juan islands at a reliable spot I know of that is on the shore so that we don’t disrupt the orcas as they feed close by, along with river otters, seals, and plenty of eagles. If it’s fall, I’m taking them to my secret spot deep in the woods where we will go hunting for tasty chanterelle mushrooms and then I will cook them in a risotto that same evening. At any time of year, I’m happy to show my friends my favorite hangouts around Pike Place Market to get the touristy things off the list but also share with them some hidden gems around the market. I’m lucky to have lived in Seattle for a long time so there’s a long list of things we can do to keep busy year-round.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and partner in life, Joel, is my number one. He has been supportive since the very beginning of this journey that has had many scary moments and many exciting ones. I could not be here without him and I appreciate everything he has done for me, like listening to my small business woes, taking care of dinner when I need to come here late, or making me laugh when I need it. I’d also like to give a shoutout to my mom, my sisters, and my store manager, Liz, for always being there for me whenever I needed it, no questions asked. The type of support they give me is one of the main reasons my business has found success.

Website: valeriemadison.com

Instagram: @valeriemadisonjewelry AND @the_valeriemadison

Other: TikTok: valeriemadisonjewelry