Meet Jenna Zimbelman | Business Owner

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

Hi Jenna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 1946, Calvin Zimbelman finished his tour of duty with the Army. Through the GI Bill, he was able to go to a watchmaker’s school in Denver, Colorado, where he attended school for 13 months learning to be a jeweler and watch maker.

After finishing school in 1949, he made the decision to establish his own business in Bird City, Kansas. With only $200 for an inventory of watches, rings, wedding sets and a small amount of glassware and a small building on Main Street, he started Zimbelman’s Jewelry.

In 1955 the store was moved to a small building on Main Street in Saint Francis, Kansas. He sold the same type of products that he had in the Bird City store. The store remained in Saint Francis until 1960, when the opportunity arose to open a store in Burlington, Colorado. This building was slightly bigger than the one in Saint Francis and the inventory was increased.

Land was purchased in 1963 and a new store was built just down the street. Inventory was increased even more and new product lines were introduced. There was a much larger selection of rings, watches, wedding sets, glassware and silverware.

I was graduating from CSU in 2006 with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. My grandparents were getting older and needed to get out of the business so I decided to move home and take the business over.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have the only jewelry store within a 60 mile radius. I offer jewelry, watches, gift items & tux rentals. I am proud to have been able to be successful & keep the store open for my grandpa’s legacy. I didn’t know a lot about the jewelry business when I decided to take the business over. I learned a lot from my grandpa and also taught myself a lot. I took online classes, read books & magazines about the industry & had a lot of mentorship through my sales reps. It wasn’t easy. I learned a lot during the recession of 2008 which was right after I took over the store. I learned how to better manage money, buying inventory & marketing to keep business steady. I’ve also learned that it doesn’t matter if I’m a small business in small town-there’s no reason I can’t sell what the chains in the city do!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best time to come out to Burlington is the summer. In June, we have the Celebration of Summer which features a car show, live music, games & a beer garden at Parmer Park. In July, we have our week long Kit Carson County Fair filled with PRCA Rodeos, live music & more. I’d be sure to take them to Old Town Museum to see the history of the area & for a ride on the historical Kit Carson County Carousel. We’d definitely stop for coffee at The Main Cup & eat at The Dish Room most days. If we’re feeling like Mexican food, Tequila’s is the spot. We’d stroll Main Street to do some shopping at all the great gift shops. Maybe a spa day with getting facials, nails done, etc.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family for being supportive of my decision. My grandparents for trusting me to take over the business. Also, the people in our community for continuing to support my small business.

Website: http://www.zimbelmansjewelry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimbelmansjewelry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zimbelmansjewelry