Following a long corporate career, Blanca Ruiz made a pivotal decision to pursue a newfound passion that is rooted in a family legacy. Venturing into entrepreneurship, she has established her own online jewelry business, Feeling Gold Jewelry.
Originally from Mexico, Blanca was raised in a family of jewelers whose legacy extends to owning reputable jewelry stores, a legacy she continues characterized by an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, offering exquisite designs in solid gold jewelry while maintaining a steadfast commitment to affordability.
“My journey is not just a personal pursuit, but a continuation of a tradition built on integrity and a genuine love for providing our customers with timeless pieces that resonate with elegance and quality,” said Blanca.
She discovered the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas and participated in the Center’s online trainings on marketing and developing business plans. Becoming a client, Blanca worked with business consultant Carolina Mejia to construct a comprehensive business plan which gave her critical insights into market dynamics and the feasibility of her business concept.
“ASBTDC not only equipped me with various tools but also facilitated connections with external resources,” she said. “The constant encouragement played a pivotal role in keeping me motivated and moving forward on my entrepreneurial journey.”
As units of the University of Arkansas Division of Economic Development, the ASBTDC and World Trade Center Arkansas (WTCA) collaborated to assist Blanca. Working with division colleague Denise Thomas, CEO of WTCA, she learned about the importation process of products for her business. “Overcoming the challenge of importing jewelry from Mexico became a reality with this assistance,” said Blanca. “This valuable connection provided me with the right contacts.”
Blanca has come to understand that one can achieve anything they desire with a passionate belief in a dream, coupled with hard work and study. Cultivating unwavering faith and not letting fear obstruct her path has been key for her. “Surround yourself with individuals who believe in your dream and actively empower you. While entrepreneurship wasn’t on my radar for many years, my family’s legacy of integrity and customer satisfaction motivates me to continue that tradition here in the United States,” she said. “I want to pass that same legacy to my 6-year-old daughter.”
The assistance that Blanca received in the initial stages of contemplating her business venture was invaluable to building a firm foundation to Feeling Gold Jewelry.
“Working with ASBTDC has been fantastic,” said Blanca. “They are responsive, supportive, and connect you with the right people to achieve your vision – all for free.”