Chloe + Isabel - Celebrating More than just 6 Years of Beautiful Jewelry
- Linda Solimine
- Aug 17, 2017
- 5 min read
Today is the 6th Anniversary of Chloe + Isabel, a fashion jewelry and hair accessories company whose products are sold exclusively through direct sales. It was conceived as an e-commerce platform that would enable women to sell jewelry products through their own social media accounts. I have been a merchandiser with the company since February of this year and it has not only been a joy to share these unique creations with others, but a tremendous opportunity to grow and learn, both personally and professionally.
Life circumstances had prevented me from working full-time outside of my home for several years. A single mom with one son college-bound this fall, I needed to find a way to bring income into my home and not fall further behind in career skills and in the job world, in general. Long absences, no matter why, are not kind to one's career, regardless of the reason.
The founder of Chloe + Isabel, Chantel Waterbury, has a fascinating backstory. To me, she is the definition of perseverance. Waterbury was named to Fortune magazine’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list in 2011 and Business Insider recognized Chloe + Isabel as one of the Best New Startups that same year. Raised by a single mother as a child of welfare, her academic achievements enabled her to go to an elite private high school, followed by college on scholarship. But she still needed money for room and board, food and other expenses so she sold over $30,000 worth of knives in mere months to cover her bills. Wow.
The California native had already spent 15 years in the jewelry business in various executive capacities, merchandising for Macy's, designing for Cartier and Tiffany and LVMH luxury retailer DFS Group when she began to formulate the idea of c+i. She believed there had to be a better direct sales model that tapped into the changing demands of a younger generation and could create a new crop of female entrepreneurs. Her motivation was to give back to others and share the wealth of knowledge that she had accumulated through years in the industry.
Chantel was on maternity leave with a 5-month-old son when she began developing the plan for her online, direct-sales jewelry business. She took the risk of leaving the security of a corporate job for running her own start-up in large part due to her mother's inspiration who was dying of cancer at the time. Her encouragement and support gave Chantel the confidence to pursue this new direction. The rest, as they say, is history.
I personally love being transported to another time and place through clothing or jewelry and I especially love how each new Chloe + Isabel capsule or collection takes inspiration from a different culture or country. Last Spring's collection, Wanderlust, was imagined as a journey aboard the vintage luxury train, the Orient Express, traveling from Paris to Budapest to Istanbul, embodying the spirit and texture of each city. Next, the summer collection, Journey to Jaipur, captured the vibrant colors and architectural masterpieces of India. Now, the pre-fall collection, Victoria, draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Africa's famed waterfall, Victoria Falls, through the use of liquid metal mesh and semi-precious stones evoking the hues of flowing water. Continuing to draw inspo from the African continent, the Fall collection, On Safari, releasing on September 5th, looks equally breathtaking.
Many people are wary of direct sales companies, with some justification. So many promise success and unlimited income but that is usually predicated upon recruitment. I don't wish to denigrate other companies and their business models, but I can tell you that your income and success with chloe + isabel is based almost entirely on your personal sales and the time you choose to devote to it. There are some perks to inviting others to join c+i as a merchandiser, but your long-term success is in no way dependent upon that. Nor are you required to purchase inventory or have those you have invited to join purchase a minimum monthly amount, with constant pressure to recruit more people and purchase more inventory, even if it puts you in financial peril. It's simply nothing like that.
What the company does provide to you with your initial investment (under $200) is a display of about a dozen pieces of a variety of jewelry items that you may wear (I've sold several pieces myself just simply by wearing them at the store or out to a restaurant) and display at your own pop-up parties. You can refresh and update your displays with new inventory when you wish, using reward credits that you've earned through your own sales. Pop-up parties are not only terrific fun and a great way to build your network - both from a social and business perspective - but you also create an online boutique through the c+i website that is yours to design as you like and that your client base is directed to by you and your marketing efforts.
You also have unlimited, lifetime access to not only to professionally designed graphics and marketing assets, but top-notch training as well. Everything from mastering the art of merchandising your displays, developing time management skills, learning best practices in sales and promotion, as well an providing an understanding of jewelry design and materials, is all covered. One module is dedicated to helping merchandisers to update their resumes to reflect the sales, business, and other marketable skills that they have obtained through running their own jewelry business. I, for one, have greatly honed my social media skills and have developed the confidence to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone in order to reach my personal goals, be they financial or otherwise.
Above is an example of c+i's highly successful collaboration with celebrity hair stylist, Jen Atkin. Together the companies have created a beautiful line of hair accessories, including pearl pins, barrettes and combs in a variety of styles and finishes, bun cuffs, ponytail clips and more. The collection has been worn frequently on the red carpet by a variety of celebs, as well as been a popular staple at music festivals and other events. Marketing assets such as these are designed by c+i for merchandiser use in promoting their own website/business.
Today's nationwide, one day-only online event is truly a celebration of not only beautiful jewelry, but of the power of women who work together and support each other's goals while working within a fair and forward-thinking business model. There is no question to me that chloe + isabel values its employees and merchandisers above all else.
For today's "candiversary" event, pop-up hostesses have the opportunity to earn c+i grab bags worth $300, as well as $100 in jewelry credits to spend as they like. Shoppers get great perks, too, including a choice of a stunning Gift With Purchase for all who spend $100 or more. You can visit my facebook page at @adrienne49plus, click on Events and follow along with the fun. The party begins at 12 noon EST and goes through 2:59 am EST on 8/18.
Jewelry is a fun way to express your own unique, personal style. Whether you are a "Chloe," a trendy fashionista who wants to be up on all the latest styles, an "Isabel," someone who embodies classic glamour or is more of a traditionalist, or maybe even a "Chloe-bel," a little bit of both, you will have an easy time finding something to love in my online c+i boutique.
Here's a little taste of some pieces from the current pre-fall collection, Victoria:
In an interview a few years ago with People magazine, Waterbury said “I’ve spent my career learning how to do what I love, but when I wake up in the morning feeling a responsibility to help people,” she says, "that brings me true happiness.”
I enjoy being part of a company that lives by this sentiment. I think you would, too. Should you like more information on becoming a merchandiser and being a part of our #candifamily, please visit my online boutique here: bit.ly/2kAuZRH
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