Exclusive | Entrepreneur TiJahnni Newton Is Inspiring Los Angeles Through Jewelry
“I want to encourage the readers to follow their heart. There will be people that don’t understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. Go with your gut.”
By: Omar Cook
This week’s “Who’s Hot?” Influencer of the Week is TiJahnni Newton! Her name is also her brand “TiJahnni” where she specializes in making jewelry and accessories. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she attended the University of Oklahoma where she ran track. Aside from creating and athletics, TiJahnni has spent most of her adult life working with children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. It wasn’t until 1 year ago that started making jewelry but now she has turned it into a full time business!
We talked with TiJahnni Newton in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
What sparked you to start your business? How did the idea come about?
TiJahnni: The business came about really naturally. I didn’t start making jewelry with the intention of selling anything. I simply liked the idea of making my own things. I made my first earrings as a creative outlet. Once my first designs got really good interaction on Instagram I started getting custom requests. From that point I started to build a large variety of different accessories and the designs kept flowing.
What advice would you give to young people looking to start their own business?
TiJahnni: I would tell aspiring entrepreneurs not to force anything. Whatever they decide to do as a business should be something that brings them joy. Also, don’t expect to have all of the answers in the beginning. It is a daily learning experience.
What are some of the necessary skills that you've seen are needed to run a successful business?
TiJahnni: In my experience so far, I’ve had to get really good at managing many tasks. You have to be able to put in the work without complaints. Thats why it so important to do something that makes you happy.
Networking and building meaningful connections is very necessary. I had to quickly get comfortable with meeting new people. Building a successful business takes a village. If you want to grow, you can’t do it all on your own.
What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
TiJahnni: I don’t know if I would use the word failure. Each any every experience is something to learn from. Trial and error. I have had a couple of slip-ups with orders where I may send someone the wrong color, or leave out an item. But I simply had to make sure im paying more attention to detail. Errors like that are going to happen but I make sure to communicate with my customer and prioritize addressing any issue. Fortunately, my errors don’t happen often. As I become more experienced I will keep improving my system.
What motivates you?
TiJahnni: I’m motivated by the crucial need for black business and black economy. It is absolutely necessary for the advancement of black people. I’m definitely not just doing this for myself. I want to inspire others, provide opportunities, and create something substantial for the next generations.
What are some things your business does in the community?
TiJahnni: I’m in the brainstorming stages of creating step-by-step videos for students to learn how I make some of my pieces. I am also a credentialed Special Education teacher and Id love to merge the two by joining some zoom classrooms to have craft sessions for the schools in my community. Arts and crafts is not something that is really pushed in the schools. Students should be taught how to make things. I am also heavily involved in an organization called Better Together and Crafting the Future. Both organizations have a focus on underserved youth, crafts, and small business.
How do you define success?
TiJahnni: Success is achieved once you feel free in your day to day life. Ups and downs will come but when joy and excitement are your default moods, I believe that is success.
How do you build a successful customer base?
TiJahnni: I built a customer base by pinpointing what type of people would likely wear my jewelry and I interacted with those people. I include my customers in my branding and advertising. I build my customer base by trying to give each customer a positive experience, reposting customer selfies, having conversations with them, and expressing my gratitude.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful entrepreneur?
TiJahnni: I definitely believe you have to have a love for what you do and you have to have an enormous amount of confidence in what you’re doing.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
TiJahnni: When it comes to my business I am really inspired by a Black jewelry maker named Areeayl. She makes beautiful pieces that are similar to my aesthetic. Ive watched her business really grow and thrive. Its amazing to see.
What is your favorite aspect of being a business owner?
TiJahnni: My favorite aspect of being a business owner is definitely the freedom. I am able to make my own rules, my own schedule, and create what I want. It can be scary sometimes because I’m still learning but it’s truly an amazing feeling.
How do you go about marketing your business?
TiJahnni: I mainly market on Instagram. I post often and I make sure I use quality images and video. I try my best to repost any customer that tags me in their story. Ive had a couple of professional photo shoots for my brand. I feel that these things are necessary if your brand involves beauty or fashion. Also, I’m fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful customers in the world and many of them take stunning photos in TiJahnniLosAngeles jewelry.
What sacrifices have you had to make to keep your business running?
TiJahnni: A few weeks ago I made the scary decision to quit my job to run my business full time. My career was vey important to me but I was no longer able to work and run a business at the same time. Everything is going well so far. I’m just continuing to believe and trust God.
What company or business do you admire most other than yours and why?
TiJahnni: I really love Beads By Aree. Her jewelry is all handmade original designs. She managed to grow to the point where mega-celebs wear her items. The best part about it is that it is black owned and woman owned.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?
TiJahnni: In 10 years I hope to be a well established brand that is able to provide opportunities for black people and make a difference in the community. My goal is to use my platform to promote creativity, black culture, and positivity.
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