Check Out Crystal Wilborn’s Story

I’m Crystal, Designer/Owner of Jo’Ché Project 225.

Jo’Ché Project 225 is a Black-owned business located in Cincinnati, OH. We provide a unique design solution that is inspired by art and the desire to be different.

Currently focusing on jewelry designs; my one of a kind pieces can be compared to DNA,”Designs Never Alike”; one offs.

My mission is to make each client feel exceptionally special, one of kind, different, and one off, by making custom pieces, limited editions, and also creating opportunities for the client to design their own piece.

Growing up with a flare for fashion; I always added just a little extra! As a adult and parent, I find myself still thinking out of the box when it comes to decor and fashion; repurposing the use of things to make it art. I encourage my kids to wear “them”. It’s okay to not match what others are wearing. Add a little something to make it you. Being a mom of one daughter and two sons, and a wife to a Fashionisto husband, I’ve had to understand both sides of the fashion issue.

One, men’s selection of accessories in this industry is slim. Being aware of this, it has been an honor to design accessories for the men in my life; especially my sons. They are at ages that boys don’t really care for “accessories “. So to have them come to me ask “Mommy could you make me a bracelet”, it is truly heartwarming. And to see them wearing their custom pieces out and not being afraid that it’s different, really sends me to cloud 9. Many of their friends and school mates see them and want them!!!! Listen, this make me SUPER excited!

Jo’Ché designs include men’s, beaded bracelets and necklace; women’s beaded necklace, earrings, bracelets, and sets. Youth designs are also available and can be custom ordered to match the adult version.

Most pieces are made with natural stones. Natural stones have a way of grounding the fashion flare. It gives the pieces much significance and luxury.

I started my business in the summer of 2019. I launched as three entities of design, not knowing which one would have success. My love for art is all over the place! The entity that has had its first success is my hand-designed jewelry. Later in 2019, I decided to launch DIY parties, encouraging guests to tap into their creative juices. While the parties were successful, they came to an abrupt halt with the Pandemic in 2020. Later in 2020, I received a huge custom order that pushed me to continue creating.

In early 2021, I started online jewelry parties, selling my designs via Zoom. That gave me steam! I then gave a lot of thought to my website and social media platforms.

In May of 2021, I started working my business full-time with determination to have success. I love what I do! And more importantly, I love to be with my family and helping others!

With the summer approaching, I started doing vendor events to get our name out there. From there, other opportunities opened up.

Now in 2022, I have re-launched the DIY events. It’s still in its early stages. I’m looking forward to see how it grows!!!

No smooth road here! One huge obstacle was the Pandemic. This has affected many layers of business.

As an new entrepreneur, I want nothing more than get my product in front of many buyers! This is such a huge obstacle when working on a tight budget. However, it takes endurance, patience, and persistence.

My work involves my hands and my heart. Making jewelry designs for people brings me joy. My designs are truly one of a kind. Out of my own artsy nature, I do not naturally make two of the same piece. That’s what sets my work apart from others. There’s nothing like having something that is just for you! With our custom design option, customers can personalize their piece to fit them and their personality.

Happiness is a state of mind. A person can be happy despite their circumstances. For many, feeling the sense of individuality, adds to happiness. I take pleasure in knowing that my designed jewelry can play a part in our customer’s  happiness!