Meet Virginia & Sara | Virginia – Chief Visionary Officer and Jewelry designer // Sara – Chief Operations Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Virginia & Sara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Virginia & Sara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We are best friends that trust each other completely and always knew we wanted to start a business. We were constantly encouraged by family and friends to start an event planning business. We tossed the idea around for a long time, but we wanted to start a business that we would be passionate about and we’re problem solvers, so we wanted to make sure we solved a solve a problem with something we love. Jewelry of course! The problem with bracelets and jewelry we love, is getting it on with out needing to call your husband in the room to help you. Our magnet clasp with catch chain lets you put a bracelet on one handed! Together we decided something in jewelry was so US!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Virginia – When I was in my early twenties, I worked for a company that sold tools and supplies to make jewelry called Softflex Company. Because we were selling to jewelry designers, I became familiar with the tools and how to use them. My leaders started to like my designs so they started having me design jewelry and write step by step instructions on how to create those pieces. I’ve made jewelry throughout the years but started to think of how I could make an impact. How do we come into the market as more than, just another gemstone bracelet maker? I’ve always loved bracelets but never wore them because I am a busy mom that is always on the move. It is so hard to put bracelets on that I always just pass it by unless I have a few extra minutes to make the effort. We started playing with the idea of a magnetic clasp. The first bracelets we tested did well but I noticed that when i would reach into my purse, or rub my wrist against something, the magnet would pull open. Now, it was not often, but it only takes it happening a couple times for you to lose it. We added the catch chain so that it would stay on your wrist in case that happened. We realized after we added it, that the chain is the way you can put it on one handed. You simply pull it up and guide the magnets together! We also use Softflex wire, which is a durable, flexible stainless steel wire that will stay intact despite the wear and tear of the gemstones. I saw a lot of elastic gemstone bracelets in the market and the biggest frustration is that they break with in a year or so. As far as our style goes, we are both feminine boss ladies! We wear heels and do our hair and make up. We wanted to make beautiful, sparkly gemstone bracelets. They are also meaningful, each stone carries an energy that you can align yourself with to help you reach who you really are or want to be. All these things together are how we got the idea of I AM. bracelets.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay, so we both LOVE a beautiful view. Estrella Mountain Ranch is where Virginia’s home is being built and it’s her happy place. Its an area in south Goodyear that has a couple beautiful lakes and nice little paved path. We sometimes run the trail, other times grab a coffee and discuss our favorite thing…bracelets! ha! We also love a good morning hike at Camelback or Thunderbird mountain. Our BFF would be an early riser like us and we’d start the day with a scenic activity with coffee in hand. Being that we sell our jewelry at markets and partner with Retail Therapy AZ, and they have markets all over the Valley we’d definitely take her there for an amazing shopping experience. One of the markets we are at regularly is located at Westgate Entertainment District. If you are not at a Market shopping, there are so many other things to do there, too. Great restaurants, painting, live music, comedy, in the winter there is even Ice-skating! We’d take her there for a full day in the west valley.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes of course! It is always a Team effort, right? This goes to show just how much it takes to run our business.

Virginia – My family has been very supportive. Considering i already work a full time job, they are right there by my side helping me move it all along. Thank you to my 14 year old daughter, Aleena. She helps make and sell all of the jewelry. My two other daughters, Isella (11) and Thalia (9), help me sort and organize supplies. My husband, Jose, steps in and helps when I have to take care of business! Bottom line, I couldn’t do it would them. Thank you to my mom, too, I appreciate your support so much.
Sara – My husband, Pierce, gets a lot of credit here from day 1. I AM. Bracelets will be a year old soon, which means we’re an infant in the small business world, it requires so much time, effort and he’s always there to have my back. Any ask, he’s got my back and he’s understanding…which is really what allows me to be able to do what I do for IAB – Thanks babe! Emily, thank you for everything you help us/me with, I am so thankful you came into our circle. Aleena – my babysitter, thank you for your flexibility, my family loves you.

Together we would like to thank the wonderful Instagram following that is constantly cheering us on! We learn a lot from the jewelry giants that came before us. Tracey Matthews from Flourish & Thrive has dedicated her business to helping small businesses with free tips and tricks, Thanks, Tracy! https://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/. Last but not least, thank you to the family of small businesses that share their successes and helped us find our way. We work with Retail Therapy AZ. Their mission is helping small business find success in building their dreams. They have a similar story to us as it started with their friendship.

Website: https://iambraceletsaz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.braceletsaz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAM.bracelets23