March 2, 2009
Guenevere Rodriguez sold her first piece of jewelry when she was just 10 years old. Little did she know that a quarter century later she would have her own jewelry line.
"My best friend's mother was a designer, and she would bring us to bead markets and let us make jewelry," recalled Rodriguez. "My friend and I got so good she rented us a foot of space on her table." Soon enough, she and her friend had buyers.
Time at BMCC
Rodriguez continued her work through junior high and high school. Wanting a firm grounding in running her own business, she eventually made her way to BMCC, where she studied business management and graduated in 1990. And it's worked well so far. Rodriguez just opened her newly renovated jewelry shop in Williamsburg (full information can be found on her Web site).
While she was progressing through BMCC, she was unsure of exactly what she wanted to do in fashion and design. She found her answer in a class taught by Professor Shirley Zaragoza, in BMCC's Business Management Department.
"I remember that we had to deliver remarks on a topic of our own choice," Rodriguez said. She chose to speak about jewelry. Following her speech, students inquired about buying her pieces. Rodriguez's path seemed clear.
"BMCC is a great option for people who want to open their own business," she said. "You go for two years, and get your degree. It's a great foundation."
A New Beginning
Five years ago, Rodriguez opened her shop in Williamsburg, selling her own jewelry along with small items of fashion interest. But it was cluttered and lacked the focus she desired.
"I wanted to grow up, and I wanted the store to grow up, too," she said. "The focus needed to be on my jewelry." So, she then renovated the shop.
Gradually, the store grew in size, and took on a sharper look. Her jewelry, featured in glass cases, is surrounded by greenery, branches, and beautifully crafted ancient sculptures. When combined with the soothing, low-key music and generally open space, it gives off an Eastern cultural feel.
"I welcome people here like it's my home -- and it is," said Rodriguez, who resides in a West Village studio apartment but spends most of her time in the Williamsburg shop.
What About Rodriguez's Jewelry?
Rodriguez's jewelry features an array of purple and pink gems, set on simplistic yet shiny gold and silver. More importantly, though, the jewelry is designed with a unique look, for a certain reason: Rodriguez participates in Reiki, an Eastern spiritual practice that focuses on energy.
"My jewelry is simple, yes, but it is very spiritual," she said. "There are lots of circles and spirals because I focus on bringing energy to and away from you; on attracting and releasing energy."
Apparently it's working for Rodriguez. Not only does she have her own line and store, but her work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair, and on models such as Tyra Banks and Karolína Kurková.
But it is seeing women happy with her jewelry on that gives Rodriguez pleasure. "I see women try on a piece of my jewelry and their eyes brighten," she said. "We've all been there: you love something and want it, but you don't want to spend the money. I'll sell that piece to you, but not because I'm a good saleswoman, but rather because it's unique."
And it's not as if women are breaking the bank for her jewelry. Her reasonable prices -- pieces cost anywhere from a mere $25 to a maximum of about $200 -- make her jewelry more attractive, especially in a tough economy.Rodriguez attributes her success not so much to her skills or prices, but to her mindset.
"I love what I do and wouldn't change it for the world."
