Gembership

I appreciate this prompt as I have been challenged to deeply examine the question of what brings me true fulfillment. It is a very separate issue from how I could potentially monetize that passion. It is not often we approach these questions in the order above. Too often the quest for money supersedes passion.

My Passion

As a little girl, my favorite game to play was was “Pretty, Pretty Princess.” Players travel around the board collecting pieces of jewelry and the first player to collect all of the jewelry wins the princess crown.

My personality hasn’t changed much since then. I am still obsessed with beautiful, sparkly jewels. Of course, as an adult I am too responsible to overspend on luxury items. I will, however, spend extensive time on the internet, especially Etsy, searching for the most special treasures. It takes a lot for a piece of jewelry to meet my qualifications, I prefer natural stones with unique settings. Jewelry doesn’t have to be expensive to be unique. In fact, most of the stones I prefer are much more rare than diamonds and yet much cheaper. One challenge I face in my search for the perfect jewelry is the lack of information about the specific origin. It is difficult to confirm that your purchase is socially responsible without that information. Studying the vast variety of precious stones on our planet has made it easier to make those decisions.

My Inspiration

I’m not just super feminine, I’m also a super feminist. I believe in a woman’s right to buy her own jewelry. In the words of Destiny’s Child, “I buy my own diamonds and I buy my own rings...'Cause I depend on me if I want it.”

I was equally inspired by an ad for one of my favorite jewelers, Mejuri. Their “For My Damn Self” campaign is a rare jewelry advertisement that targets women, rather than targeting men who gift jewelry to women. What a revolutionary thought! It is empowering to embrace my right to decorate myself in jewels and walk with the dignity of a queen.

Gembership

Surely, there are other women looking for pieces which are unique and responsible, rather than expensive. However, not everyone has time to do extensive searching. These women can benefit from my passion and research with a Gembership subscription.

Each Gembership might include:

- A regular newsletter featuring a Gem of the Month, including top product recommendations and extensive details about the gem and suppliers.

- A monthly podcast interviewing a special jeweler, miner, or other expert. These guests will also benefit from the podcast. Hearing the voice of the person who pulled the stone from the ground would instill confidence in the product and motivate listeners to purchase.

In addition to member/subscription fees, I could also collect product affiliate, merchandise, and advertisement income.

My big audacious goal is to expand into a Rare & Response jewelry subscription service with delivery of jewelry treasures from unique artisans and/or independent mines.

Qualifications & Assets

I have never attempted a blog or membership program before. However, I am an excellent writer with a degree in English from The Ohio State University. I am currently working as a project manager and I also have experience implementing data collection and analysis. I believe these qualifications will allow me to be successful in this endeavor.

In addition, I am fortunate to live close to the new Bounce Innovation Hub in Akron, OH, which is a resource intended to drive Entrepreneurship in the city. With only a $10 day pass, I can make use of their product photography station, including backdrops, lighting, and a camera.

Example content: Tanzanite

The violet-blue of Tanzanite is unmistakable. This form of zoisite was formed under intense heat 585 million years ago. A random incorporation of vanadium gives it that distinct hue. Tanzanite is so rare that it can only be found in a 7 sq km area in northeast Tanzania.

The rarity and complete specialness of this stone is undeniable. Pieces with good clarity and fine cuts are so breathtaking you may not believe they came from the natural earth. I’m head over heals for Tanzanite, but my lifestyle doesn’t exactly have a place for the finest of fine jewelry. How can you judge perfection, though, when every piece is such a treasure? When I came upon these lovely stud earrings, I absolutely fell in love. Who needs perfect clarity when you are looking at one of the rarest items on the planet? In fact, I actually prefer the rough, natural look of these large studs, found at Embers Jewellery (not an affiliate link). These treasures are totally affordable for the average woman.

In a perfect world, I would be thrilled to earn an income doing what I do best - shopping for jewelry!