We recently had the chance to connect with Sara Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.
Sara, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I would have expected that building a business would feel like following a clear path and process. It has never felt that way to me… it’s pure chaos and wondering! Haha!
I didn’t set out with a five-year plan or a perfect roadmap… I began with a love for color and creativity; following sparks of inspiration and a lot of adjusting as I go.
So, I may not know exactly where I am going, but I keep wondering forward!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Gems by SJ was born from a moment of creative fun on a family RV trip. I discovered a passion for jewelry-making while experimenting with necklace designs, crafting a special piece for my childhood best friend.
Little did I know, that single piece would set everything in motion.
Worn with scrubs at work, the necklace became an instant sensation. In fact, it was so loved that my friend sold it straight off her neck and took orders for more! She excitedly told me, “Everyone is obsessed with these—you have to sell them!”
Inspired by this overwhelming response, the brand was born! Each necklace is thoughtfully named after a U.S. city or town, reflecting all the wonderful places that have influenced my designs.
Gems by SJ has walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week, and the pieces are flying off the shelves of high-end boutiques across the country.
Gems by SJ is a celebration of creativity, wanderlust, and the stories behind every piece.
Made in America. Made with love.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs — my father, both grandfathers… and funny enough, I married one too. It takes a special kind of person to be raised by — and married to — entrepreneurs. It’s a lifestyle. It’s constant. Work doesn’t shut off at 5 p.m.
Growing up, I watched my dad balance both — he never missed a game or recital, but I also saw that “leaving work” wasn’t really a thing. The phone rang at dinner, the ideas flowed on weekends, and the to-do list never truly ended.
What that gave me, though, was an early education in work ethic. In commitment. In doing something you care about so much, it becomes a part of who you are. All of these important people in my life have shaped who I am and how I work — and why I love building something of my own.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think most entrepreneurs would admit that fear has held them back at some point. Building a business is scary. It’s expensive, time-consuming, exhausting, and endlessly challenging. Definitely thrilling too… it is so many things.
I hate the sound of my own thoughts when I catch myself not doing something out of fear. I’ve learned that if fear is what’s driving my choices, I’m already limiting myself. I know I won’t be successful if I let fear win. So when I feel that hesitation creep in, I try to face it head-on. Not perfectly, not always easily — but intentionally. That’s the only way I know how to keep growing, keep building, and keep showing up fully for this business and for myself.
“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there”!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
What Matters to Me… Authenticity. Kindness. Time.
I say YOLO a lot — and I mean it. Life is short, and I believe in squeezing every drop of joy out of it. That shows up in my work, my color choices, the way I run my business, and how I connect with people.
Authenticity matters deeply to me. I often find myself wondering why so many people try so hard to be something they’re not. To me, the most powerful thing you can do is be who you are — and own it, fully. That’s the kind of energy I want my jewelry to carry.
And kindness — always, kindness. Whether it’s in the way I treat my friends and customers, collaborate with boutiques, or show up in the world, kindness isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I’m absolutely tap dancing to work — I truly love what I do, and I think that shines through in every piece I create. One of the most meaningful compliments I’ve ever received is: “You shine as bright as your jewelry.”
Color has an incredible way of spreading joy — I see it happen every day. Watching someone light up when they put on one of my necklaces is why I do this. It’s more than jewelry — it’s confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
Nothing brings me more joy than inspiring women to step into their boldest, most vibrant selves — one gemstone at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GemsbySJ.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsbysj/
- Linkedin: Gems by SJ
- Facebook: Gems by SJ
- Other: Pinterest: Gems by SJ
Image Credits
Jill Vennes & Cassie Adams
