Meet Leiloni Jones | Jewelry Artist

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

Hi Leiloni, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my jewelry business is undoubtedly the uniqueness of my items. My method of bead work is extremely meticulous and time-consuming, making it unappealing for other artists to replicate. This has resulted in me having a truly one-of-a-kind product that catches the eye of customers. I constantly receive compliments on the technique and style of my jewelry, which has allowed me to stand out in a crowded market. The time and effort I put into each piece has paid off, as customers appreciate the attention to detail and the fact that they are getting a truly unique piece of jewelry.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in seed-bead jewelry. My technique for creating my jewelry is called off-loom weaving, which involves using a needle and fishing line to thread the beads together in different patterns. This technique allows me to create intricate and unique designs that are not possible with traditional loom weaving. I use high-quality Miyuki glass beads sourced from Japan, this company is known for the quality of color and shape of their beads. I offer a variety of jewelry including bracelets, anklets, earrings, rings, necklaces, and hat bands to cater to every individual style. One of my biggest assets is offering multiple sizes from young kids to adults, ensuring that everyone can find a piece that fits them perfectly.

What sets me apart from other jewelers is the unparalleled uniqueness of my brand. As a jeweler, I am constantly striving to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out from the rest. My most sought-after item is my flower vine bracelet, which consistently receives compliments for its stunning and distinctive design. Customers are often amazed by the beauty and intricacy of the bracelet, commenting that they have never seen anything like it. In all the markets and festivals I have attended throughout the years, I have yet to come across another jeweler offering the same designs as mine.

What drives my passion for my business is the interaction I have with customers at markets. Seeing the joy and admiration on their faces as they look at my jewelry and receive compliments is what motivates me to continue. It is a validation of my true talent and the hard work I put into creating intricate and detailed pieces. When I first started my business, I doubted my abilities and didn’t think anyone would buy my jewelry. But as I started selling in person, I began to gain confidence and realized that people truly appreciated and valued my work. It was a turning point for me, and I now take great pride in my creations. Moreover, the impact and emotion my jewelry has on customers is another source of inspiration. Knowing that my pieces are being bought as gifts or keepsakes and will be cherished by others brings me immense joy and fulfillment. It is an incredible feeling to know that something I have created will bring happiness to someone else’s life.

I originally started making jewelry when I was around 10 years old. My family had just moved to a new town and I stumbled upon a local bead shop. As soon as I saw the colorful and unique beads, I was instantly inspired to start creating. Working with these beads sparked my creativity and I spent hours crafting different pieces of jewelry. However, after about a year, I became bored with it and put my beads away in storage. Fast forward 25 years to 2020, when the world was hit with the pandemic. With more time on my hands, I decided to take out my old beads and start creating again. It was a purely creative outlet, with no intention of turning it into a business. Little did I know, this decision would spark a new adventure for me. As I continued to make jewelry, people started showing interest and even placing orders. It was then that I realized the potential of turning my hobby into a full-time business. Looking back, I never would have imagined that my childhood hobby would lead me on such an exciting and fulfilling journey.

My journey in the world of sales started online, through Facebook groups and the creation of my own Etsy shop. However, my online sales were not as successful as I had hoped. It wasn’t until 2022 when I had my first booth as a vendor for a local art market that I truly saw the potential of my business. The interactions with customers and the sales I made were truly impressive. This experience motivated me to explore other avenues, and I soon expanded into attending several markets and festivals throughout Colorado. Now, in the present year, I am a full-time vendor with four markets that I attend throughout the summer, including the Salida Farmers Market, Crested Butte Artisan Market, Woodland Park Art Market, and Dillon Farmers Market. This year also marks a significant milestone for me as it is the first time I will be financially independent and will no longer need a second source of income. For years, I have been working in the restaurant industry since I was 15, but now I can proudly say that I am venturing into my own financial independence through my business. In addition to attending farmers markets, I am currently in the process of setting up a website for both wholesale and retail customers. My goal for this year is to establish clients who would be interested in selling my jewelry in their boutiques and stores. I am excited to see how much further I can take my business and curious to see how it will continue to grow in the future.

Starting my own business was no easy feat, especially considering the lack of confidence I had in my jewelry making skills. As someone who is my own worst critic, it was a constant battle to push through my negative thoughts and truly believe in myself and my craft. The first few years were tough, as I struggled to balance the costs of setting up a vendor booth and other expenses such as booth fees, gas, food, and lodging. Despite making some profit, I did not see much income due to these initial investments. However, after 5 years of hard work and dedication, I finally feel like I am at a point where my business is starting to generate a steady and supportive income. It has been a challenging journey, but I am proud of how far I have come and grateful for the support and opportunities that have helped me reach this point.

I have faced and conquered my challenges by having faith in myself and my capabilities to manifest my passion and dreams. Through the years, I have learned how to enhance my sales by actively engaging with customers and understanding their preferences for certain items and styles. I have also discovered effective ways to present my jewelry in an appealing manner, drawing in potential customers and establishing a loyal base of returning clients. With every passing year, I have witnessed a significant growth in my sales, solely through the skills I have acquired by stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a leap of faith. Through this journey, I have not only seen an improvement in my sales, but also in my self-confidence and belief in my abilities to achieve my goals.

I encourage those who are interested in my jewelry to visit my website or stop by my booth at a local farmers market. These platforms have been instrumental in helping me grow my business, and I am grateful for the support of customers who appreciate and support local artists. By supporting small businesses like mine, individuals not only contribute to the success of independent artists, but also help to keep the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship alive. I believe that art and self-expression should be celebrated and encouraged, and I hope that by sharing my work, I encourage others to support small businesses.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Buena Vista and I would take my friend to one of the three local hot springs resorts, take a walk and check out the shops down town, visit the deer hammer distillery, take a walk around the Arkansas river and go canoeing on cottonwood lake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shout-out to Sophia with the foodshed alliance Salida. She hosts the Salida Colorado Farmers Market. I was accepted into their Market in 2022 and they are a big reason why my business has been so successful. With the support of local and tourist shoppers, the market helped push me in the right direction towards my success in my business.

Website: https://www.heavenlyflowerjewelry.com

Instagram: heavenlyflowerjewelry

Facebook: heavenlyflowerjewel

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/heavenlyflowerjd