Summary:
Melinda Spigel turned her jewelry side hustle into a $30M business.
Started from hand-beading at a Starbucks and winning money on game shows.
Secured $30,000 in orders by walking door-to-door in Los Angeles.
Today, the brand focuses on profitability and community impact, giving back $2.5 million in jewelry.
Emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey of entrepreneurship.
Meet Melinda Spigel
Melinda Spigel, the visionary behind the jewelry brand Melinda Maria, started her journey nearly two decades ago with nothing but a passion for jewelry and a local Starbucks as her workspace. From hand-beading pieces to competing on game shows for seed money, her story is one of creativity and resilience.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Melinda Maria. Melinda Spigel.
The Beginning of a Passion
Spigel's love for jewelry began at an early age. By age 10, she was spending her babysitting money at a local bead store, Rings & Things, creating pieces that brought her immense joy. Inspiration for her designs came from the happiness they brought to others when worn.
Taking the Leap
Realizing the need for capital to grow her side hustle, Spigel turned to game shows like Hollywood Squares and The Price Is Right, successfully winning money to focus on her jewelry business. Her journey emphasized the importance of being resourceful and nimble.
Finding Product-Market Fit
Spigel’s product-market fit evolved as she walked door-to-door in Los Angeles, securing orders from top stores. With a $30,000 purchase order in hand, she opened showrooms in New York and LA, allowing her to hire a small team and grow the brand.
Challenges and Growth
One of the biggest challenges was overcoming self-doubt and the pressure of entrepreneurship. With support from her husband and a community of like-minded individuals, she navigated the complexities of business without formal training. Financial literacy became a priority as the brand grew.
Revenue and Community Impact
Today, Melinda Maria is on track to surpass $30 million in revenue, focusing on profitability and community engagement. The brand has given back $2.5 million worth of jewelry to customers, reinforcing its commitment to charity and fun.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Melinda Maria.
The Joy of Business
Spigel finds joy in creating and learning through her business journey, emphasizing community and collaboration over competition. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Define success beyond revenue and focus on enjoying the journey.
Final Thoughts
In a world driven by financial metrics, Melinda Spigel’s story is a reminder that passion and community can lead to remarkable success. Her journey from a side hustle to a multimillion-dollar brand showcases the power of creativity and resilience in entrepreneurship.
Comments