Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Conte.
Hi Mari , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began when I was working for another company in the industry, gaining valuable experience and insights into the world of permanent jewelry. Taking a leap of faith, I decided to branch out and start my own business, Links and Love. I wanted the freedom to build a brand that reflected my vision and values and most importantly, to personally source items I knew my customers would love. I poured my heart into building a brand that my customers would fall in love with and Links and Love was created. Links and Love isn’t just jewelry it’s all about creating memorable experiences and permanent jewelry that will remind my clients of loved ones, special moments and memories.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I had to figure out everything from sourcing materials to ensuring the quality of every piece I carry, all while managing the business side of things. including social media and booking events. Pop-up events and private parties are the cornerstone of my business. They allowed me to not only showcase my work but also form connections with my customers and other local businesses in the community. The smiles and stories shared make every effort worthwhile.
Now, Links and Love has grown into a flourishing local business and I’m proud to say it was built on a foundation of creativity, dedication and genuine love for what I do. I’m continuously inspired by the people I meet and their stories that they share and how my jewelry becomes a part of their lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting my permanent jewelry business was stepping out on my own after leaving another company. It was very liberating but also daunting. I needed to establish a brand, source supplies and manage the many facets of running a business. These challenges pushed me to be more resourceful and confident in my vision. I want to ensure a flawless customer experience and create a memorable brand identity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the proud owner of Links and Love, a successful permanent jewelry business. I specialize in creating custom permanent bracelets and other unique pieces that my customers cherish. I am known for my attention to detail and the exceptional experience I provide to each client. My business sets me apart from others with the unique offerings I have including bangles, glow-ups and handmade chains that I have added to my product line which is continuously evolving.
I love to collaborate with other small businesses in my area with pop-up events where we can highlight our products and create memorable experiences for our customers. My dedication to branding and marketing has established me as a trusted local artist, known for my genuine love of connecting with the community.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is an inherent part of being an entrepreneur. One of the biggest risks I took was leaving my previous company to start my own permanent jewelry business, Links and Love. It was a leap into the unknown, but I was confident in my vision and my ability to connect with customers in a meaningful way.
Every new product launch, pop-up event or branding decision involves a degree of risk, but I view these as opportunities for growth and learning. By taking smart, calculated risks, I’ve been able to build a business that I’m incredibly proud of.
Pricing:
- 14k gold filled and sterling silver bracelets starting at $55
- stainless steel bracelets $45
- optional charms and connectors $20/each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/mariconte
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linksandlovexmari
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linksandlove
