Meeting the Women Behind the Baubles

Beautiful baubles, fancy finger foods and girly gossip—all under one roof—can only mean one thing: A jewelry party is underway.

The jewelry party concept is an ingenious excuse for women to get out and socialize, stylize and support the entrepreneurial efforts of those behind the business. 

Edina entrepreneurs, Kris Pauls (Silpada Designs) and Nikki Weber (Independent) are two such women who enjoy the opportunities that selling accessories affords them. The resourceful, fashion-forward mothers offer insight into the benefits of running a bauble biz.    

Fantastically Fun

Weber once wandered into a wholesale jewelry shop in Chelsea, NY, that she likened to "Aladdin’s cave of gorgeous jewels."

"We (she and her sister) spent a good two hours there having so much fun choosing items to compliment our summer wardrobe," she said. "The next day, I decided to go back and select additional pieces to bring back to Minnesota."

Weber, a transplant from England, hosted a morning tea party for her friends and showcased the carefully chosen Chelsea charms for sale.

"Out came the flowery English teacups, cookies and mini muffins and I invited all my friends over for a preview," explained the hostess, who has a flair for entertaining. "It was fun to see so many of my friends and give them the opportunity to choose some pieces to compliment their summer wardrobes at very affordable prices."

Fashion Fix

As a Silpada Designs Representative, Pauls possesses about a third of the items in the company’s catalog to display at parties.

"Because it's my own jewelry, I also get to wear the beautiful pieces every day," said Pauls, who adores the sterling silver she sells. "I also enjoy getting out and meeting other women and helping them choose quality jewelry to jazz up their outfits."

Friends

"As mothers we are always multi-tasking, counting the minutes to try and finish jobs, running from one place to another," Weber said. "Having the time to do a bit of carefree jewelry shopping does not always make it onto our list of things to do."

Her jewelry-centered tea parties offer her friends a chance to gather, shop, enjoy a cup of tea and "catch up with some friends at the same time."

"We are still doing what we do best: multi-tasking," she said. 

Family Flexibility

The best part of having a home-based bobble business for Pauls is that it allows her to be a stay-at-home mom. The former physical therapist can now be more involved in her son's life, volunteer at his school, as well as pursue her own passion for playing tennis.

"My business is currently more of a hobby," Pauls said. "I probably only work five hours per week right now, but will ramp that up to 15 hours a week in the fall as I schedule more home parties."

While she enjoys the extra spending money (Finances, an obvious benefit), it is not the reason she sells Silpada.

"I do this business to enjoy my life," Pauls simply said.

As they say: "Do what you love and you’ll love what you do." For Weber and Pauls, the jewelry business is a true gem.

Interested in booking your own jewelry party? Contact either Kris Pauls or Nikki Weber to get a look at some truly fabulous accessories.