We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Greer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started hearing whispers of permanent jewelry in early 2022 and got my first bracelet in June of the same year. I LOVED the idea and knew I had to figure out a way to bring this to my community but in an affordable way. The research process began and “Connected Links” took flight! Through a few test parties with friends I figured out how to help offer my clients exactly what they wanted! I began creating deals like “Mommy and Me” or “Buy 2, get one 30% off” to help fulfill the need. By offering these deals that are customized to my clients I have been able to grow my community and get more creative with what I can offer!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creativity and creating connections have always been the guiding forces in my life, I am my happiest when getting to express myself whether in my art classroom with elementary students or making connections with students and clients at events. “Connected Links” has allowed me another creative outlet in my life that also affords me the opportunities to create new connections. Having repeat clients has been one of the greatest surprises!
Not every day has been easy in either endeavor, art teacher or permanent jeweler. I feel as though my 18 years in education has afforded me opportunities to grow my patience, to learn to look at multiple perspectives, to problem solve because no minute is the same in education and to find the beauty in every single encounter.
My brand is one of connectedness. The jewelry, I feel, expresses my connection to my clients, as well as my life long connection to the hundreds of students I have been able teach.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhhh, a week with me! Buckle up! We have places to see and there is fun guaranteed to be had! I can promise that there will be live Texas country music happening somewhere in our itinerary this week! We will stop into Gloria’s patio for drinks before we head to see some great live music! We might even stop by some other venues to listen to some 2000’s pop, maybe a little N’SYNC?!?! Who doesn’t love a good cover band?
One of my favorite places to visit that I have to take you to is, Cathy’s Critters in Princeton! I adore all the animals here and the environment as a whole! We will go love on some critters, get a little dirty and then get ready to hit up some sporting events. There are plenty to choose from and I guarantee we will lose our voices screaming for the local teams!
We will probably have to sprinkle in a little downtime to recover our voices, so some time in the sun by the pool is for sure needed. To wrap up the week, I will take you over to Rollertown in Celina to taste a little local brewery who has a family friendly flare and always welcomes “Connected Links” to their fun shenanigans. Then we will dip on down to downtown Prosper to see my friends and big supporters at Inappropriate Trucker Hats to get you some inappropriate swag before you leave town! Uncle Bekah will be sure to take good care of you!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Huge shoutout goes to my husband, Barron, for always supporting me no matter the size of my dream! There have been things I have tried that didn’t pan out as I had envisioned but his support never faltered. When I brought the idea of “Connected Links” to him he was a little nervous about the start-up costs. We looked at my business plan and I could see his hesitation but, being Barron, he jumped right in and gave me his full support! We never looked back, always forward and he has been right by my side supporting me as I surpass the original plan I had set out for myself. He continues to show his support and confidence in my journey whether it be at a pop-up event or party!
Instagram: @connectedlinksbyJ.Greer
Facebook: ConnectedLinksbyJ.Greer