Here’s how I did it—with zero experience.
Starting a business is never a simple decision, and for me, it was no different. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to dive into and, more importantly, what I was ready to commit to. I knew starting a business meant late nights, long weekends, and putting myself out there in ways that might feel a bit uncomfortable at times. But I was ready for that challenge. I’ve always been the type of person who thrives on being around people, meeting new faces, and connecting with other small business owners who share that same entrepreneurial spark. So, when the idea of permanent jewelry came up, it immediately felt like the perfect fit.
Permanent jewelry, for those of you who may not know, is jewelry that’s welded on, meaning no clasps and no need to take it off unless you want to. It’s the kind of jewelry you can wear 24/7, and it doesn’t matter if you’re working out, going out, or even sleeping—you don’t have to think twice about it. I love the idea of something so simple, yet so stylish, and I was drawn to the uniqueness of it all. It felt like a beautiful combination of durability and design, and that, to me, was the appeal. Plus, there’s something incredibly personal about jewelry that’s welded on—it feels like a subtle yet meaningful connection to your own style and self-expression.
As I thought more about this business, I realized how much I enjoy the hustle of pop-up markets. They’ve always felt like a natural extension of what I love: connecting with people, getting to know other entrepreneurs, and being part of a community. I knew that this was the path I wanted to take. So, it was time to turn my vision into something real.
The first step was brainstorming business names, which honestly took me longer than I anticipated. I wanted a name that felt personal, but also easy to remember. Since most people call me “Lo,” I figured it would be fun to incorporate that into the name. It had a playful, girly vibe that felt true to me, and I wanted my business to reflect that light-hearted energy. “Link with Lo” popped into my head almost immediately, and as soon as I said it out loud, I knew it was the one. “Link up” felt like a natural tie to the idea of connection, and I loved the double meaning. I could already imagine people saying, “Hey, let’s link with Lo!” and it made me smile. So, I locked it in.
Once the name was settled, it was time to get down to business. I spent countless hours researching how to build a business from the ground up. A solid business plan was crucial, and I didn’t want to rush it. I made sure I had all my logistics in place—what products I wanted to offer, how I would market them, and how I could keep growing my reach. That’s when I kicked off my Instagram & Pinterest page, a tool that’s been essential in connecting with my audience. I started sharing posts about the process, about my love for permanent jewelry, and the pop-up markets I’d be attending. I also reached out to local businesses to see if they’d be open to hosting me for pop-up events. The response was incredible. Most of the business owners were super supportive and totally on board with the idea, which was such an encouraging sign.
But there was still so much to do. I had to get all the materials I needed to create the jewelry and get my setup ready for the pop-ups. The first big purchase was the Zapp Plus welder, which I’ve heard great things about. It’s been a game-changer for me, allowing me to create the seamless, clasp-free permanent jewelry that I envisioned for my customers. It’s honestly one of the best investments I’ve made. I’ll link that here for anyone who’s interested in learning more!
Next, I spent a lot of time researching chains and wholesalers. I wanted to make sure I sourced the highest quality materials, so my customers would have something durable and beautiful to wear for years. After a ton of research, I found the perfect suppliers and placed my first order. It was one of those moments where everything started to feel real—like, “Okay, this is happening!”
Then came the fun part: branding. I wanted my business to have a unique feel, so I ordered personalized branding materials from Zazzle to make sure everything looked cohesive and professional. I went for custom stickers, business cards, and packaging that felt personal to me and reflected the overall coastal vibe of my brand.
And here I am, fully immersed in the hustle and excitement of this new adventure! Looking back, it’s been a journey full of learning, challenges, and a whole lot of growth. But every step of the way, I’ve felt like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—linking up with amazing people, sharing something I’m truly passionate about, and building a business I can be proud of.
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next! Also if you haven’t yet, check out my latest instagram reel of me unboxing my first haul!
Link Soon!
Xoxo Lo
