From engagement rings to birthstones, jewelry and milestones often go hand-in-hand. Shannon Branstetter is ready to help customers celebrate their life milestones after reaching one of her own.
Branstetter opened Shannon’s Jewelers of Hot Springs in September 2021.
Thirty years of jewelry industry experience and a passion for helping others led her to try her hand at launching a business. Though as someone who never owned a business, she found entrepreneurship scary.
Branstetter began working on her idea to start a jewelry store mid-2020 and was referred to the Henderson State University ASBTDC by a lender.
Unfortunately, the bank could not provide funding at the time, since new retail during a pandemic was considered high risk, but that did not stop her. After a few months of reflection and strategy development, she launched the business from her home.
Starting a business from home had its challenges. Branstetter found the pace a lot slower than she was used to and had to work harder to meet with customers and deliver products.
She never lost sight of her goal to open a retail location and continued consulting with Ryan Cole of the HSU center.
One challenge was selecting a store location. After some swings and misses, an agent from Gehrki Commercial Real Estate was able to help her find an ideal spot in the Diamond Landing Shopping Center.
With Cole’s help, Branstetter closed on a loan with Southern Bancorp. She began build out of the location in May. After a few hurdles renovating the space, she opened for business.
The store sells fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, and gemstones and offers custom design and repairs.
While Branstetter knew a lot about jewelry, the journey to business ownership has brought knowledge of a different sort. She is grateful for the guidance of ASBTDC through the startup process.
“The ASBTDC provided me with information any time I needed anything. Ryan was always available, provided me with resources, and valuable insight as I started on this journey,” she said, adding, “So helpful and informative! I can’t express my appreciation enough!”
After overcoming delays and obstacles, her advice to other small business owners or prospective entrepreneurs is “patience is a learned skill, learn to always be adaptable, and take the highs and lows in stride through a great attitude.”
Visit Shannon’s Jewelers at 3620 Central Ave., Suite D, in Hot Springs or online at shannonsjewelershs.com.
