045: From Lunch Break Welding to a Dream Studio: Tara’s Journey with Iris Alcove Permanent Jewelry

Artwork for podcast Goldie Links Permanent Jewelry Podcast

Episode 45 • 14th March 2025 • Goldie Links Permanent Jewelry Podcast • Jennifer Thyrion

Jen Thyrion: Hey there, I'm Jen Thyrion and I'm so glad you're here. I'm a former nine to fiver that dove into entrepreneurship eight years ago with zero business experience. I'm a wife, mama of two young girls, boutique owner, jewelry designer, and now the proud owner and coach leading Goldie Links Permanent Jewelry.

I have a passion to empower fellow business faiths. This podcast is made to equip you with everything you need to succeed from actionable marketing steps to digging deep on your mindset. I know firsthand the heart. Let's be real at times of struggle that makes up this amazing journey. You want to know what has enabled me to shine the brightest coaching plus community here at Goldie Links.

We share openly educate and lift each other up, expect to get linked with fellow PJ owners that will do just that sprinkled with plenty of fun along the way, competition isn't old school thought and connection is the way get ready to feel inspired. Welcome to the Goldie links podcast. Hey there.

Did you know that we offer handmade permanent jewelry supplies? Go to GoldieLinkSupplies. com to view our beautiful chains, connectors, bangles, and more, including our non permanent stretchy bracelets that are available to you for wholesale. Everything is created by our tribe of mama makers. What is a mama maker?

Stay at home moms that create on their own time between raising their children, serving as a self care creative outlet and supporting their families. Your items come with signage on how these supplies are made, along with gemstone property info as each gemstone has a special meaning. If you want to level up your business with handmade supplies, not made by a machine, but made by hand with love, then check it out at goldilynxsupplies.

le, Florida. We met at PJX of: 2024

Enjoy this awesome chat with Tara. Hey Tara. I'm so happy to be with you today here. Finally. I feel like we've been talking about this for a very long time. I actually remember meeting you at PJX, and There was just something about you right away, I was like, you need to be in the podcast one day, because, I don't know, it's just your energy too, but anyway, why don't we start off, and you tell everybody who you are, and a little bit about yourself.

Tara Kasper: Okay, so, yeah, my name is Tara, we met at PJX, I felt the same exact way about you, I, I was meeting with my best friend, I was with her this weekend, cause she was there and met you, and, I remember, yes! I still talk with Jen and yeah, you had the same energy and I've been listening to your podcast ever since.

So it was an honor that you asked me to be on it. You asked, what about me? So I've been doing permanent jewelry for two and a half years. And prior to that, I was in dentistry for 15 years. Wow. I didn't know that actually. Yeah. So that was a big, well, yeah, it was a shift for sure. So yeah, I've been doing permanent jewelry for two and a half years.

And then this past weekend was my first weekend doing charm bar. Here we are.

Jen Thyrion: We'll get into all of that. Also a big, a big thing too, is like you're having a baby soon, right? That part two,

Tara Kasper: yep, number two is

Jen Thyrion: on

Tara Kasper: its way.

Jen Thyrion: So exciting.

Tara Kasper: Yes.

Jen Thyrion: Okay, well, let's go to the very beginning. So now that you mentioned, which you do have beautiful teeth, so it makes sense you're in dentistry.

Tara Kasper: Thank you. My mom paid a lot of money for the embraces. Thank you. I know, right? They are. And where are you

Jen Thyrion: located? Where, where, where are you at? We should say that.

Tara Kasper: I am in Gainesville, Florida, so most people would know like UF Gators, University of Florida, Go Gators. I'm not really in football, but usually when I say

Jen Thyrion: that, they're like, Oh, okay.

First of all, how, what brought you to dentistry? And then the transition. I'm so curious about that because I find that a lot of people do have this huge transition to permanent jewelry that has nothing to do with jewelry or this industry. So tell us about that.

Tara Kasper: So to go way back, I started working since I was 16, started in retail with Sears.

I don't even know if they're still around. Hopped around retail and then went into the service industry with like serving. I was a dental assistant and while I was a dental assistant, I was working toward hygiene. Then it flipped, I got into hygiene school, then I started serving. All of that for a total of 15 years.

I started teaching at the dental assisting and hygiene school thinking, Oh, this is a great. Like next step because I had did assisting hygiene. I was like, okay, what's next? Now we're teaching. And I just learned a lot and it just wasn't what I thought it would be.

Jen Thyrion: I was

Tara Kasper: like, man, that's kind of a bummer, right?

Because for me, I thought that was like, you know, the next step other than being a dentist, which I didn't want to do. So then after doing hygiene for about eight years, which I loved, I love my patients and loved my office. I was just, I wanted to dabble into something. So I actually started with permanent makeup.

I had been getting my own brows done for 10 years. And my last session, I was like, I kind of want to learn this. And I had a lot of questions and things about my own journey. So I think just me doing research, trying to understand what happened to my brows. Led me to like, well, let me tattoo faces and it was crazy.

Cause my dental office wanted to expand, but they decided not to. So they were like, Oh, we have these rooms that we're going to rent out. And I was like, really, can I rent one? And they're like, yeah, for what? And I was like, I think I'm going to tattoo eyebrows. I took this course in Miami. Did dental hygiene, was practicing how to do brows, and then it's really hard to build up clientele for brows.

So in that growth of trying to build up clientele, I was like, gosh, what else? Like, I love this entrepreneur feel and I like the, like, okay, how do we figure this out? How do we, just all the things that I have never been involved in. I've always been an employee and I discovered permanent jewelry on TikTok or somewhere.

Of course. I thought I was so behind and old and I was like, Oh, that's really cool. I was like, I want some, I just wanted it. I was like, I want to try it. Like, where do I go? So I looked up in my area and it was nowhere to be found. And I was asking people and they were like, I don't really know what you're talking about.

And I found one company, they're about 45 minutes away. And I would say in my mind, they were the first in our surrounding area and they just pop ups. And for me, I was like, well, I just don't know if I'm ever going to make it there or, so I just was like, well, I have this little studio where I'm doing permanent makeup.

Why not bring on permanent jewelry? And I don't know, just kind of add something else on. So I talked to my husband and a I will say, and I, I nag him till this day, he was like, I don't know, I think you're doing too much. Maybe like one thing at a time, learn the brows first. And I'm like, no, you don't understand.

I was like, something's telling me like, we need to bring this to Gainesville. We're a college town. I like, I can't believe it's not here. And this would be so cool to like come somewhere and do it versus. Like booking and just at the time, I was like, I don't know if I want to book a party and I couldn't find where they were going to be.

So it took like, I was going to do it regardless, but it took three days for me to like, I was like, you have to support me because I'm doing this involve our finances. So it just, that's how it truly, that's how it came about for me. And it was funny, my dental, my dentist boss, who I was renting from. I went to her and her husband, and it was like Shark Tank.

I didn't need their approval, but I was like, I have this idea, and I think I'm gonna bring permanent jewelry to Gainesville, and in this room, and they had no idea what I was talking about, and they're just like, That sounds amazing, Tara. Go for it. They had no idea, but they were like, Do it, Anne. So yeah, that's kind of how that came about.

Two and a half years ago, there was no training that I could find. I just listened to your podcast with Sarah, and I was thinking back, and I was like, yeah, there were no trainings. I probably would be the one to invest in a training, like, if things were Where they were at now,

Jen Thyrion: but I'm

Tara Kasper: also thankful, like, that was just how my journey was supposed to be, but I bought the welder, I went straight to Sunstone, I didn't mess around with the off brand, I actually didn't even know about the off brand.

I found this woman, Kristen. I feel so bad. I think her last name is Rainy. Um, she was pretty involved by, I haven't seen her around too much, but she had this PDF file. It was 150 and it was like, learn how to do permanent jewelry. So I bought it. It was the only thing I could find. And I was like, okay. And she kind of guided me.

And

Jen Thyrion: yeah,

Tara Kasper: I'm really just thankful for her. She had this like step one, step two, step three. And I just kind of followed that. When the welder came in, my husband was That's when he got excited and he actually learned it and then taught me and then we were doing it together probably for the first six months.

I would bring him to events and me and him were both welding and Oh my gosh. But yeah, that's my, from dental, dental, so I was so thankful for that room. How long were you in that room for then? I was just thinking that I moved into my new studio this past September. Okay. So from September of, well, no, I was in there longer, but for permanent jewelry, September of 22 to September of 24.

So two years. Wow. Okay. So you were there for a while. Yeah, I was in that room for two years and it got to a point where I was literally booking appointments on my lunch break. So I was cleaning teeth at one over on my lunch break, do some bracelets, do some repairs. run back, and then I would book appointments after work.

So I had never did a before work, but during lunch and after work, and then on the weekends, of course. So were you still cleaning teeth this whole time? Um, August. Yeah. So August, August was my last, yeah, August was my last month of dental hygiene. And September is when I took it full time because of the new studio.

And yes. Yeah, that and being a mom like it wasn't I don't want to I hate to mislead people and think like oh It's just booming. I was making all this money. So I quit my hygiene job. That's really not the case at all if anything, I probably still should be working hygiene to make different kind of money, but My husband was supportive and my daughter's going into school soon.

So the timing, my mom was helping us and I was like, look, if we're going to bring another kid on, we can't depend on my mom. My hygiene hours just, they weren't ideal. I don't know how women

Jen Thyrion: do it, honestly. I know. I think about that all the time because like, well, being that you did kind of have a quote unquote nine to five, like who was watching your, your daughter when you were at work?

Like, what did you, was she already in care or?

Tara Kasper: Yes. So we, she's been in daycare, but getting her to daycare, cause although it's a nine to five, really I had to be, I got there by seven, 7. 15 and didn't leave till 5. 30. So. They carry a 730 to 530, so that's where my mom came in and like, thank goodness for her, but I was just, and she loves her, and it was great, but I still told my husband, we can't bring on another child, and like, now my mom has two kids too, so it was just one of those, like, He was like, if you believe in this and you want to do it, he said, go for it.

And I was like, is it, if that's a green light, I'm going.

Jen Thyrion: Yeah. Yeah. Cause what, what led you to like make that decision, right? Like, were you kind of thinking about it for a while to leave the dental office, your own brick and mortar? Like what was the decision making process there?

Tara Kasper: Yes. I will say, I think part of it is luck because I was the first one in my town to have a studio.

So it was. Obviously, gaining popularity and after doing it on lunch breaks, after work, I was starting to get a little bit burnt out of like, trying to do all that, and I was still doing permanent makeup. So, it was just like learning, which I had asked for, but learning these new skills while trying to, you know, still be present and be a good employee to my dentist.

But they all knew. They were like, you're not going to be doing this for long. Like, and my studio was very tiny and I'm so thankful for it, but three to four people, it was a tight squeeze. So I knew that I was going to have to find a bigger place, but I knew that I wasn't going to be able to afford it. My hairdresser actually was like, let me know if you find something, I'll come with you.

And I was like, Oh, I never really thought about that. So long story short, I started looking and ended up finding something where she could rent out a room from me, which helped. With the rent. So I really, to this day, I'm like, without you, I would have never made this move because truly I, and like you say, I'm not a numbers person and that's a bad thing.

That is one of my goals for this year is to really hone down on numbers and things like that. I've kind of just been like, just go and we'll figure it out.

Jen Thyrion: Yeah. And it's so funny because I, I wouldn't, I'm the same way. At the same time, I don't regret me being like that. Like, I just feel like, because sometimes when you are more maybe of the other mind and you're, you're doing the number game, it's kind of like, that can be also like holding you back, I feel.

You know what I mean? Like, it can be like you're overthinking too much. So I do like that I'm like, okay, I just jump in. Don't think about all the details. You'll figure the details out as you go, but then you get to a point where you have to figure out the details.

Tara Kasper: Absolutely. Yeah. So that's where I'm at.

Jen Thyrion: Yeah, you can't just like ride the wave and like not figure that out. Like, cause then, then it ends up just being like a big, not good. Right. Which I should mention what I, this is something I'm actually going to go into the society and talk about today. You are actually in Goldilocks society, which is amazing.

But speaking of that, we're talking about numbers a lot and we're going to have an expert in there. And I know I mentioned profit first in this podcast, but we're going to have somebody so that way we can all deep dive into our numbers this year and like get clear on that. So I was listening to that out loud too, cause I haven't announced yet in the society, but.

But yeah, so we can actually get a little deeper. So tell us about your space. How big is it? What's the feel?

Tara Kasper: Yeah. So the total space, gosh, I think it's, it's definitely over a thousand square foot. That's amazing. I don't utilize all of that. And now looking back, of course we always want more, right? We're never, I'm like, gosh, like maybe I should have found a space with more space because of her.

But I'm like, girl, calm down one thing at a time. So we have a waiting room. I have my jewelry room, which is the biggest room. Okay. And then there's two rooms, which I was doing permanent makeup out of one room, jewelry out of another room, and then my hairdresser has another room. Okay. But then when I got pregnant, I actually stepped away from permanent makeup, so I'm now renting out that room, which is Awesome.

And then we have upstairs. I say loft, but you don't see it. And that's like where our break room is. We have a refrigerator. And that's actually where my daughter hangs out when I need to bring her, which has been a lot lately because daycare closes like for everything. Love my daycare, but I'm like. So it's just all kind of a line where I'm like, this is what I'm, this is what I'm meant to do, whether it's permanent jewelry or I'm a mom first.

And if I was working hygiene, I would have to call out, feel guilt. But like now I just bring my daughter with me. Thankfully she's four and she loves it. She loves it. She's upstairs. It's just an environment. Like, yeah. So,

Jen Thyrion: so what led you to stop permanent makeup? Do you feel like it was just going to be again, knowing you're expecting another two, right?

Would that feel like just a lot, or was it something you're just kind of not feeling as much and you want to dive more into the jewelry?

Tara Kasper: Yeah, I have such mixed feelings because I didn't want to feel like a quitter. Um, I had only reached the three year mark and it takes time. Um, but if I'm just honest, it was so stressful.

I wouldn't sleep at night. I'm definitely an overthinker. I'm a perfectionist. And first trimester, like, I think that's, it hit me so hard that I was like, I can't, I can't do it. It was canceling on people. And my husband was just, again, he was like, you're not happy doing it. You're so stressed out. And to be honest, I, I hired employees to help with jewelry and I was like, okay, they'll do jewelry.

I'll focus on brows. And when I was in that room doing brows and I saw my employees doing jewelry. I was jealous. Jealous? Yeah, totally. I could see that. I was so jealous. I'm like, they're in this amazing, cute little room that I just adore. And they're having these connections and all this. And granted, I love my brow clients, but I was in there like, sweating and panicking on the inside, pretending like, This is going to be the best day of their life when I'm like, I'm a blue tattoo.

You know, and it always came out great. I never botched like everything was, but I was just like, it just always comes back to like, what are you doing this for? What's the reason? What's the purpose? And I am getting older. I'm not like super old, but I'm not young. So it's like, you know, what, you know, what do you, I know.

What are you learning to do? Exactly. Like doesn't, doesn't, are you happy? No.

Jen Thyrion: Yes, well I feel like also too, yeah, it's living more years to getting to know yourself better, but also too, like, as you know, life changes when you have a child too, and you're having a second child, like, your time just becomes more precious too, where you realize you don't want to spend it doing something you really don't want to do, and if you have this other avenue where you're like, wow, I actually want to be out there, Yeah.

And I love that you said that you like feeling like a little bit of a failure because I think that holds people back a lot. Like even the initially when you said your husband was like, why don't you just focus on this? Because that's exactly what my husband would say to you. And you know, they're looking out for us and they're like trying to see, you know, they see another side, which is great.

But in the end you went with your gut. And I think like. And that led you there. And then like, obviously your gut decision to stop the permanent makeup, which wasn't just fulfilling you. And I think that's why I always advise people to like, keep checking back in, because sometimes you think like, no, I've been doing this for so long.

I don't want to quit because being a failure, quote unquote, or, you know, here I have this much invested and I'm going to like, I spent so much money and time and on, you know, but in the end, if you keep doing it, you're just wasting time doing something you don't want to do. So it's like, what would you rather do?

Right? So, well, that's neat. Are, were you able to rent out that room then? Yeah, I actually,

Tara Kasper: I just rented it out this past week to one. I have a few photographers that I use for like different things. She's my family photographer and she came in to get jewelry and I was showing her the place cause we've known each other for a long time.

And she's like, I've been looking for a place to do studio shots for my clients. And I'm like,

Jen Thyrion: Oh my gosh, that's amazing. It's so cool how this all ended up happening to just through literally conversations, like your hair, your, your hairstylist, like this photographer, just people, you know?

Tara Kasper: Yeah. And good people.

Cause you worry about, cause I had put an ad out and I was so like felt ick about it. Cause I was like, I really, this is my happy space. This is our, like me and my hairdresser. We just, we have the same energy and vibes and. I really want to protect that. So I was so like, Oh, I just want someone to come in here and, and then when Danielle is her name, I was like, yes, please.

I like grabbed her and I was like, yes, yes. Do you want this?

Jen Thyrion: I was like, that would, yes. I love it. Well, yeah. And like such a great thought because if someone is like considering our brick and mortar and maybe they, like you said, without that rent that they're paying and maybe making up for, you know, the, the large, larger amount, the full rent.

You know, it's an option. It's just an option for someone if they do come across a space where there's other rooms. And again, don't be hasty. I advise that too. Don't be hasty and just put someone in there, right? But if you align and what an amazing concept too to grow your business because they're bringing people in like hair.

Oh my God hairstylist. Hello. They're bringing people in photographers are bringing people in. So the fact they get to see that that option is there for them as well. That's really awesome. I love that.

Tara Kasper: You know, and I think like anything, there are days where I'm like, Oh, I wish I would have went the whole storefront.

Cause I already feel like I don't have enough room and, and whatever, this is what's meant to be for me right now. And I also am like, do I really want to be super big? Not really. But there are days where I'm like, You know, just feeling, but it all feels so good right now that I'm like, girl, like, be thankful for what you have.

Cause then you, you do see other people and you're like, Oh, the, all the, cause I only have one window in the front. I have windows in the jewelry room, which is amazing. But you know, you look at others and you're like, Oh, you know, if someone comes into my town right now, the only way they could like. And I know it's not competition, but if they were to rent a big storefront with the glass, like, that's the only thing that I'm like, I'm like, worry about that.

Jen Thyrion: I know it's, it's really easy. Again, it's so easy. I don't know what it is, but human nature that we are like, it's hard for us to like, be proud and see how far we've come. And we're always like, what's next, what's next, what's next. You know what I mean? Like. We grew better, bigger, better. But in the end, it's like, you know, just be in it.

Right. And who knows, of course you, you definitely could get to a place where, but also asking yourself, like you said, do I want to be bigger? What does that look like? I mean, especially when you're having another child and like all these life things are happening with you. Right. So it's like, what is the best and the rent cost?

Like, I'm like, Gary, you look. at those, you looked

Tara Kasper: at those places, you can't even touch that rent.

Jen Thyrion: Yes, it's crazy. I don't know. Yeah, I'm assuming rent is high over there as well, comparable to Denver, possibly. I don't know, but. Yeah, I don't know. Um, I don't know what the difference is. I know. We'll have to compare.

Because I thought of the same thing. So I have a space as well, that I have two separate rooms. Yeah. So I have two separate rooms and I actually, it's funny you say that because you're like, well, Should I have taken the, but this is the thing, nothing is set in stone, like if you do, which I know might be a hard conversation if you know these people and are close with them, but you can get to a point where you're like, I'm, you know, needing the space.

I mean, you can't, it's not like it's something that you can't change in the future, which is great, you know? And same with me. I actually thought about renting out one of the rooms. I'm like, no, I'm just going to go Goldilinks. And then. I can change that. Like I say, I get to a point where I'm like, you know what?

I'd actually rather have someone in here and not have these two rooms. Like it's something that can't, you know, you can change.

Tara Kasper: I was actually, if I wasn't pregnant, I was going to use my makeup room to like get into the piercings and stuff like that. But my hairstylist quickly reminded me, she's like, you know, you stopped doing permanent makeup to kind of like, she's like, so you're going to learn another.

skill and like, and then you're going to be on maternity leave. And I was like, okay, yeah, you're right. She's like, when you have this baby, she's like, you will always want to like dabble and do something else. She's like, enjoy this moment. Like nurture your body, nurture your jewelry. She's like, cause that's what's coming at you right now.

And I was like, I'm so thankful for you.

Jen Thyrion: Totally. Such great advice. Yeah.

Tara Kasper: Rent out the room, relax, get through the baby and do your thing. And she's like, and then she's like, you're always going to do something. So I was like. Yeah, that's true. Okay.

Jen Thyrion: Well, speaking of, so you have started Charm Bar, right? Well,

Tara Kasper: okay, so I did dabble into that, but I felt

Jen Thyrion: like it was Well, I know, but I'm just Perfect segue, but not I'm not saying it in a bad way.

How did it go? I think you said your first event was Was it Did you just do it this past weekend, or

Tara Kasper: Yeah, so I brought on Charm Bar and it was very slow, like I've been talking about it on social media and never really was like, Hey, here we go. And then I actually had an event in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend, which was the furthest for me, it was far.

And I was like, well, let's just bring it. I have it. So let's. Let's test it out. Holy smokes, like, I'm sold out of everything. I have no charms left. All the gold is gone. And then last Thursday, I did like an influencer event, Galentine slash influencer event, to promote the Charm Bar, and now I don't even have Charm Bar available for the studio.

Jen Thyrion: So, did you do permanent jewelry as well, alongside it, or just Charm Bar? So you obviously had employees helping you? Yes. So I had

Tara Kasper: one of my employees, well my, I would say my only employee, I brought her, and then actually Michelle, who you met, she happened to be in town, and I was like, hey, do you want to go to Atlanta and learn how to like, do Charm Bar?

And she's just like, yeah, let's go, let's do it. Did you not know? No training, no nothing. She held down the charm bar, held down the conversations, like, I can, I was just like, I could have never done this without you. Like, she was amazing. So that's so cool. For my next employee, that is what I'm looking for.

So I've already been working on, I definitely need help. Like charm bar and permanent jewelry cannot be done. Definitely not solo. It is

Jen Thyrion: hard. And

Tara Kasper: I

Jen Thyrion: feel like I've done it before. But, A, okay, first I have to say, an employee, it's so much easier to train an employee to do Charm Bar, obviously, than permanent jewelry.

So, even if you wanted to hire your 17 year old neighbor or something, that is such an easy thing. Because I do have Charm Bar girls I'll turn to that are very, like, they're not even, like, consistent employees of mine. They're just friends that are like, oh, hey. Can you do Charm Bar and, you know, I'll pay you 30 bucks an hour in a minute to do Charm Bar.

And people just, it's fun for them, you know, and it's, it's not as much pressure. I don't know how you feel, but Charm Bar has a different vibe for sure. It feels, and maybe just because it's different, but it's very fun to me. And not like permanent jewelry isn't fun, but it's, it's just more, I don't know, there's more focus required for obviously permanent jewelry, right?

And Charm Bar, it just feels like funsy, you know, just like la, la, la, la, la.

Tara Kasper: It was my first experience. It was really all of our first, I mean, I had practiced. On a few necklaces when we did the influencer and then on my employees, but it was, I mean, it's time consuming. So like, yeah, it is all the jump rings and like pretty much doing it.

I could see like, yes, it was easy in the grand scheme of skills. But I was like, I mean, and we had a line of people and, and I, I looked up at one point and I just looked back down. Cause I was like, Oh my word. I was like, you like

Jen Thyrion: sharing how much you did in charm bar. Do you know how much you did in charm bar versus permanent jewelry or no?

Tara Kasper: So that's actually on my to do list today because I need to look at what we made, how much it costs me to go there, and what was Charm Bar and what was Permit Jewelry. So I'll be honest, I don't know what was Charm Bar. In my mind, I'm like, it definitely had to be Charm Bar, but the price difference, I don't know.

I'd have to look at the math. I should have looked at that before I got on here. I heard a lot of Wow, this is so cheap, with Charm Bar, and I was like,

Jen Thyrion: oh! Well, okay, so what did you price, I'm curious, because I'll share mine too, but what do you price your Charm Bar at?

Tara Kasper: I priced it at 25 for the necklace, 15 for a bracelet, and then charms were 3, 6, Nine and twelve.

Jen Thyrion: How did you keep those prices separate? Like how did you know when someone came up? Because I don't know how you, like, did someone obviously, they just go from tray to tray and they're planning their chart. How did you know which one was which?

Tara Kasper: We learned from that too. That was probably the hardest part was like, I mean, what size was it?

Small is easy. Specialty was easy. Medium and large is where we were like, was it medium or large? So we would look over, but they actually help you a lot and they're like, oh, I got two large and two mediums. Okay. And I kind of just trusted their word at one point because we were so busy that it was just

Jen Thyrion: like.

So do you have, is, is it like very distinct, you have signs that say they know they're shopping the 9 section and all that? So it's very separate?

Tara Kasper: Yeah. On the tray, like I put like a little label in front that says, Cute. Small, you know, medium, large. There was a few questions, so like, but for the most part, once we explained it, they, yeah, there wasn't too many questions on what's what.

It was just on the back end when we had to do checkout and we're like, oh, well, I'm sure a few of them were mis, mispriced. I always went with like the lower one, just spurred, but that was definitely something on the way back. I was like, okay, how could we, cause we started with like the paper where we'd mark like Pretty small, but then it just got so busy that it was like, I mean, we were

Jen Thyrion: just Well, and it is crazy, because like you said, the price point's so much lower.

But I have to say, I did an event, and that just reminds me, because at times I've done only Charm Bar, and actually it was actually for a smaller church, like, Christmas event, this past Christmas. And I, permanent jewelry was full, so I was like, okay, I'll just bring my Charm Bar. And I got to talking to the permanent jeweler, such a sweet, sweet girl.

And, but permanent jewelry, for whatever reason, of course, as you know, sometimes, especially around Christmas, people can't gift it. So maybe they're looking specifically for gifts at this type of thing. But I did like 1, 300 in charm bar and she did like 200 in permanent jewelry. And actually I was like kind of disappointed.

I couldn't do permanent jewelry, but I'm like, that's okay. I'll bring charm bar. Oh my gosh. And honestly, my prices are actually like embarrassingly a little bit lower than yours. Granted, I took an effort to keep it simple because in the beginning, I also had the same thought. I was like, I'll tear out charms and maybe I'll have like, where, you know, I bought these little colored stickers, the brown stickers, and I'm like, okay, maybe I'll make the pink, you know, sticker compartments.

They will know that those are 3. These are, and I'm like, you know what? No, I'm doing everything 6 a piece. So all my charms are six and my chains are only 16. Okay, I was like, I need to get

Tara Kasper: advice from you because, so do people question when you have this like itty bitty charm versus

Jen Thyrion: like this huge law?

And no, and see, no one's ever questioned me about the prices of the charms ever, but I know in my head that, you know how it is. You're right. You were looking for the best quality. This is the biggest, um, hang up with people like who've been doing permanent jewelry that want to do charm bar. I think for me, and I've said it before, I've done charm bar for nine years.

So with my boutique that I'm like, for me, and I was, I was schooled in there already, but also it was just like, I knew that obviously they're completely different metals. It's a completely different thing. So actually speaking of, about a week ago, I did charm bar and permanent jewelry by myself, but it was actually a home party.

But keep in mind, So those I, I think you can do alone. Granted, it's still kind of difficult. Cause if you are busy with permanent jewelry and what I would have people do, I'd explain it to them and they'd be making their design. And then I'm like, whenever you're ready, just come bring me your tray. And because they're going to be at the party anyway, they're not in a rush to leave.

They're not at a market or a pop up. So they can chill and, and, you know, and, and converse and socialize. And I'll just get to there when I'm done with this permanent bracelet and say, I have no one behind her. I can finish this necklace, but having said that if I was really busy with permanent jewelry, that would have been really difficult.

So I would, I always advise at a market or a pop up, yes, get help because then that, that's a little bit more like pressure. But anyway, where was I getting at? I lost my train of thought. You were talking about Oh, surprise of charms. Okay. So as we know, I, I make it very clear because some people want to add charms onto the permanent.

If I'm, if I am and I, granted, I try to keep them as separate as possible. I feel like they look slightly different. Um, even like, you know, just what I'm using, like tablecloth, everything like it looks slightly different. Right. But I was like, you know, I just make it clear, like, these are different metal quality.

So these are probably most likely you're going to touch a lot of them are stainless steel. So, you know, they might look good after a very long time actually, but it's still a different metal quality than I carry for my permanent jewelry. So I explained that. Some people don't care. They want the terms on their permanent anyway.

And I'm like, okay, as long as you know, you know what I mean? But when it comes to size, no, I've never actually gotten that question, but I know in my head, like the, you know, the kind of like, with lack of a better term, the crappy enamel that you know, is like, I keep it because a lot of children come to me and love the charm bar.

Oh my God. My girls who are four and six love the charm bar. I don't know about your girls.

Tara Kasper: I wanted to ask you about that. With the jump rings, do you, You don't weld it then for the kids? No,

Jen Thyrion: I don't. No, I don't weld at all for, so I, but I do use stainless steel jump rings that are, because I have to say, having the turn bar before and when I would get like thinner gold plated ones, A, they would tarnish so fast.

Like getting the crappy ones off Amazon. No, don't do it. But I would say like the really thicker stainless steel that you need to, you need two tools to open it. Like, you know how you can just open a jump ring with your if you, if you wanted to. These, you cannot, it's like, they're so hard. So that way, if I know I'm closing it, because as we know, we get, we buy some stainless steel chains, it's technically open links, but because the endless steel is so hard, they stay closed.

Right? So same concept. Like once you close those stainless steel jump rings back up, it's like, I don't know what's going to open that thing

Tara Kasper: about like, cause that was one thing that crossed my mind too. I was like, yeah. I mean, they are pretty tough. It's weird because my gold felt tougher than the silver and it's from the same company, same like stainless steel, like same little, but the silver ones were more like flimsier.

Okay. And I was just like, I just would worry like that those come off for kids or anything like that. But I

Jen Thyrion: know that's, that's my advice in my experience. Cause I, in the beginning when I went first, when I did. the charm bar. I actually did take kind of like not the best jump rings with me, admittedly. And then real fast, I changed over because A, people would come back with you wearing it and they didn't care, but their jump rings would be black.

And I'm like, Oh God. And then also I bought plated paperclip chain and not even thinking about it. You know what I mean? And I was like, well, God, so right away I went to stainless, like, you know, okay, transfer over, no one lets the jeans have been awesome. Everything great. But people would like contact me and be like, Hey, One of my charms fell off and then I would just really teach him how to put it back on because as we know if you don't know how it's just literally a jump ring that fell off like you just don't know so I would tell him like how to put it back on but once I transferred over to the stainless jump rings I haven't had one person reach out and say because I my my thought is if you can open it with your fingers it is too it's too then that you shouldn't use it because it's just too flimsy.

You know what I mean? It's gonna, it's probably going to open. And as we know how kids are, they're going to tug at it. They're going to, you know, so especially for kids.

Tara Kasper: Makes me feel good because these ones were actually pretty, it was like, I need better pliers because they were tough to open in clothes.

Which I guess is a good thing, because then it will stay on. With the, oh, how you said that they don't care about the difference. So you're adding charm bar charms to permanent jewelry. Now, I know at the time people always say like, Oh, I don't care, but how's the re Are you getting people down the road who are then like, Oh, well this isn't And you're like, yeah, remember we talked about that?

Are you

Jen Thyrion: Not yet. And as long as you're warning people and you can tell them like, Hey, this is literally, I mean, they're warned. So, I mean, they're not going to come back to you and be upset if they're warned that this is gonna, you know, that's their, that's their choice. So, yeah, I even

Tara Kasper: have Sometimes people don't listen, even though you tell them.

I know. I know. What, like

Jen Thyrion: I know. I just feel like as long as you're really clear that this is Charm Bar, this is permanent jewelry. And it does get confusing for some people, but once you actually, again, I think keeping it very separate, that's why It's hard if you were to do Charm Bar and Permanent Jewelry and have it like on the same table.

You know what I mean? I think that's just a good thing. Yeah, we had it separate. It

Tara Kasper: was like, Charm Bar up front, Permanent Jewelry in the back, so that it was clear. And we actually, I never thought about this, a lot of people just bought the charms to add to stuff that they didn't have. And I was like, well, do you have jump rings?

And they're like, no. And I was like, well, let me give you some jump rings to go with your charm. And it was cool, because I was like, well, that's an easy

Jen Thyrion: sale. I know. You just, yeah, you sold charms. I know. I actually, I think almost every charm bar event that's been pretty busy, that happens at least once to me.

But then I have to, you know, of course, because especially if your jump rings are difficult to open, just having, like, letting them know, like, hey, Do you have tools at home that you can like open and close these jump rings? 'cause they're just gonna be a little tough. Yeah, true. Keep jumping ring on for them and they're stringing it on like a delicate necklace or something that they can just string it on depending on how they're using it.

But just ffy, I, we'll find out.

Tara Kasper: I didn't even think of that. I thought of the jump ring part, but I didn't think of the Do you I as, I guess I just assumed that they, yeah, I don't know.

Jen Thyrion: Yeah, I know they're like, 'cause one, uh, one lady did buy one charm from me, literally my last like little house party event.

And she. I was like, well, I'm going to give you this jump ring, but she's like, no, I definitely don't have like those, that tool at home. So I was like, well, I'm assuming your husband has something. Okay. Like that you can open and close these, but if anything, maybe try a couple of pairs of tweezers. It's just true.

Yeah.

Tara Kasper: So, well, that's interesting. She didn't think like, was she just wanting, was she not thinking of how she would then get it on?

Jen Thyrion: I don't, yeah, I guess not. I mean, she had already bought a previous charm bracelet from me actually, and that's why she wanted to add one on. And I was like, okay, just so you know, you're gonna have to open this up and put on the link.

And like, so as long as you, again, educating people, because especially that's when you're getting the DMs of being like, how the heck do I put

Tara Kasper: that? That's my big, I think. I held out on Charm Bar for so long and I don't know why.

Jen Thyrion: Because it's overwhelming. I remember, like, even you DMing me, of course, and being like, where do I start?

Because permanent jewelry, that's the thing. You can, there's so many reputable companies, and if you do it, like, you even just do research, like, online or in groups for, say, 45 minutes, you can find out where to buy from. You know what I mean? And you could say it right now. It's like, Rio, Gem Pact, okay, let's, you know, where else do you buy?

Halstead, Amal Trading. Where else do you buy? Imprinted. Imprint, oh yeah, imprinted, oh my god. Stones of Nightingale. Oriental.

Tara Kasper: Yep, orient, oh I love oriental. I tried to go to her, I was in Atlanta, I tried to go but the traffic, and I'm not a city girl so I was like. Yes. I wanted to go.

Jen Thyrion: Yeah, you know, SB for great connectors and something, you know, there's whatever there's, there's so many.

And then again, these are literally, if you even DM me, I'll give you a little list. I mean, like if that's easy, right? Okay, cool. And you can almost have like, everyone has the basic chains. Okay. Get a satellite, get a paperclip, get, you know, but it's like charms. Oh my god.

Tara Kasper: Yeah. And it was so overwhelming. And stainless steel too.

I feel like learning stainless steel for permanent jewelry, I was still trying. And now with Charm Bar, I'm like, there's different kinds of stainless steel. And then there's plated. And I totally understand the difference. And I'm just like, which way do I go? Do I want to? It's just.

Jen Thyrion: But do you like, because it's so funny, that's why I asked even in the society recently, I was like, who's does Charm Bar?

And I was actually surprised a lot of people that did Charm Bar and have stopped. And I want to actually dive a little bit in with them and ask why, because I'm just, it's more out of curiosity. I do want to come out with something to help people get Charm Bar started because I've been getting a lot of requests for that.

But also it's like, because I enjoy it so much, like I actually fought it too because I've had a Charm Bar in my shop. So I was like, of course it's trendy. I'm not going to do it mobily, like I've already been doing this. And then I started mobily about almost a year ago and I'm like, Oh my god, it's so much fun.

Tara Kasper: Like, just Yeah. So, I love

Jen Thyrion: it.

Tara Kasper: It definitely And this demographic, I mean, it was It was college kids. So I don't know, I'll be curious to see how this, I mean, I am in a college town too, but like, for my other demographics, but definitely with the college kids, I mean, they ate it up, they, we were all like, at the end of the day, like, what just happened?

Jen Thyrion: Well, that's funny because like, College kids, yes, but it's, and I just feel like permanent jewelry is this way too, at least for me. I know everyone has, and me and you I think have discussed this too, actually a lot, I, I live in an area where there's a lot of young families, a lot of young kids, okay? And I know you're like more in a college town, like you said, so it's definitely different maybe demographics, but like I'm not in a college town, I can't even tell you what, you know, the nearest one obviously is probably in Denver, but it's like the A, the Charm Bar, or even permanent jewelry for me, it's really Universal with age groups for me, like young girls want it, you know, so of course, yes, the charm bar can be really popular for young ones.

Plus the parents are like, okay, cool. I can justify this charm necklace. It's only 30 versus, you know, because depending on how many charms you choose, at least for me, my, my chains are going up in price, by the way, when I opened the brick and mortar. I'm like 16 is way too low, just putting that out there, but still, it's a little bit more affordable and they can justify it in the, in the girls feel like they have, you know, a lot of young girls too are playing sports and they can't have permanent jewelry.

So it just gives you options. But even this one home party I did with, like I said, both recently, the demographic definitely was, I would say middle aged women. Like it was not any young girls. I would say youngest was like maybe late thirties, right? Like, but they gift so many of them gifted it for their friends.

So that is a huge, that's why I think to a Christmas, it was like, So many gifts and like how fun to get this permanent necklace or bracelet where like you chose the charms because as you know when you start even for you I don't know if you like because I have like literally of course so many charms now but a lot of times when you look at a certain charm you think of somebody you know like oh my god a passport charm this would be perfect for la la la who loves to travel like You can kind of really make a personalized awesome gift for someone, but it's this group of women.

They were like, Oh, we have a friend that's moving to South Carolina. We're going to, we're each group of us, there are six women. We're each going to pick out a charm and make a bracelet or necklace for her. So she knows, okay, this charm was chosen by this person. This, I'm like, what a cool idea. So it's like giving people those ideas too, kind of, or sharing those things because I'm sure you know too with permanent jewelry people almost need inspiration sometimes to like when they see all these chains and connectors are like, what do I do?

And it's like, oh, you know, like giving ideas for like birthstones for to represent your kids or, you know, things, just ideas for people, but there's just so many options when it comes to the charm bar. So

Tara Kasper: it really. You've been in it for so long, but for me, coming from dentistry, like, I was afraid to lose that connection with people, like, you know, I see someone every six months, there's only so much we can talk about now that I realize, but jewelry, just in general, I'm like, I had never imagined this in my life, like, the connections I've made with permanent jewelry alone, outweigh my eight years of dentistry, like, it's just, I hadn't, I mean, I get people crying, they're emotional, I mean, it's just, So I think that's it's just so fulfilling that I'm like, oh my gosh, I never knew it's so much more than like Oh, I'm just doing permanent jewelry.

And now with the charm bar seeing it this weekend There were so many gifts that were made a group of students One of their teachers is going through like a really hard time right now and they were getting emotional And they were picking out charms for her just like and I was afraid that charm bar I didn't realize charm bar would bring that to so that's when I was like, okay, this is And I thought I'm, I feel like I'm behind on the charm bar trend.

But there were so many people there that were like, I had no idea you could do this. Or, you know, I only seen it online and a lot of people, if I had an online store and I was like, no, but yeah, it's just one of those things when you think you're behind, like, just do it, go for it and see what, because I really thought I was like, I'm so far behind on charm bar.

It's going to be. Not even trending by the time I get to it. And this weekend was like, no girl. No girl. You're completely, I'm telling you. No.

Jen Thyrion: And it's funny because I can be really stubborn when it comes. Like I said, I was stubborn on adding it for some reason and going mobile with it. Like, and then I was like when I did it.

And then of course I think it's, 'cause if you're, I have just like, of course love jewelry and love, like, I'm like squirrel and like think of all these different ideas. I mean obviously like with the charms like. Like I said, putting it on beanies, putting it on sunglasses. And like, I like putting it on the side of sunglasses.

Like obviously the thigh chain that now is like, I know, I mean, that's all charm bar stuff, right? It's like, cause you don't want to use your permanent jewelry chains. I feel like that would be pretty high, right? Like you, you know, just getting those fun stainless steel kind of, even if they're thinner, that's, what's cool.

It's like, I. For Charm Bar, I definitely have, you know, the paperclip chain, which is the most, like, I feel like, popular, right? But there's so many things you can do, like the pearl necklace, or putting the charms between the pearls, and like, I do have delicate chains, because people, some people don't love that chunky look, so they want charms that just, maybe a few small ones that hang, right, on a delicate chain.

Yeah, the little ones you

Tara Kasper: need. I was like, oh, every single necklace and bracelet, because this is new for me, I was like, oh my gosh, that's so cute. Um, you know, every, it was, every conversation was like, that's so cute, look what she just made!

Jen Thyrion: No, it's crazy because I actually, like, of course, I knew there would be connection.

I've also been blown away even just, I knew permanent jewelry is going to be fun and I love custom, but the stories that come out of it and the people reason why they get them has like been just so surprising to me. I didn't expect that as much with Charm Bar, but it literally matches it. Like it's like people that pick these charms and they tell me a story like, Oh, I picked this for my daughter because of this and this and this.

And here's an elephant because she was in Africa and she did this. And like, Oh my God, like these crazy stories that come out of these charms is really cool. And this is a whole new world for

Tara Kasper: me. And I'm just like, yeah, it's,

Jen Thyrion: yeah, I know. And if you, and I have to say with one thing I transfer over, which I'll just say to you, since we're talking about this, but it's like I used to, and I still do, but I have pre made chains, obviously.

Cause if you're buying your chains wholesale like that, where they're already put together, but I started just like buying the spools and then putting them together on the spot. And I feel like. That is all, especially too, if you're getting, if you're going to get into thigh chains, all that stuff where it's like, you really do have to kind of custom make that, you know, a little bit, but some people are like really picky about, you know, they want the chain to be longer and it's like, Oh, okay.

Like, you know, so I feel like having the spools, people are really enjoying that. They feel like it's, it's one more step to being more custom, I feel like, you know, cause then you're really getting the length you want and that way too, you can use, if you're running out of, you don't have bracelets. And that you could just make, you know, you can make whatever is what I'm trying to say.

Tara Kasper: That happened if, thankfully, I had, I had stainless steel chain for the permanent jewelry. We ran out of the per, or the charm bar gold necklaces, so then I ran to my permanent jewelry supply of the stainless steel and I was like, it was a paper clip, but it was the textured one, which I actually love, but I, it's either your vibe or not your vibe.

So then we use that up and then I ran out of that and then we were. Completely swiped out. Oh my gosh! So, my question to you then is, When you do that, like, Are you measuring? Because then when I, All I did was like, Line it up to like, A pre made necklace, And like, cut it there. And then they'll just, If they wanna, If they want it to be shorter, I would just, I'm like, you'll just have to clip it like on another paper.

Jen Thyrion: Yes, exactly. Like if you're using a chain, that's what I say too. Like, you know, that's, I'm like, that's what's great about a paperclip chain. Like these links, you can link it on any link, you know what I mean? And just have a little bit of chain bang if you want it shorter. But honestly, I do have a tape measure with me, but what I usually normally do is just, they just tell me kind of like, they point to them.

So like, Same as like a permanent necklace, how I do it, I'm like, where would you like this to hang, usually, you know? And then they point, and then I do wrap it around their neck. Like, I totally just do it that way. And then I'm like, okay, well, I'm gonna leave a couple more links, just in case you want it longer.

Sometimes, you know, I'll give you a little bit of, like, give here. And that's why I basically just kind of you know, measured on them. If they want it for a gift, I'm like, okay, I'll just make the standard. Is she your size? Cool. Okay. I'll make it the standard necklace size. And that's why I have a tape measure on me.

Cause I'll do anywhere from like 17 to 18 inches. So that way again, they have a little bit of like give, you know, when it comes to. What's

Tara Kasper: your rule of thumb for spacing out the charms? Cause something we ran into, and again, this was my first event. I would, we would ask them like, what are you thinking space wise?

And they're like, they would either be like, I'll trust your judgment or. You know, this, we would build it, give it to them, and they're like, Oh, I'm so sorry, can you space it out more? And of course, like, but in my head, I'm like, Ah, we don't have time, but we're gonna make time.

Jen Thyrion: It is a pain. Yeah, you have to like, run, do every term.

I know. I've had that a couple times, and where I usually say, like, especially, If they have, it depends on how many, okay, this is a thing. I feel like paperclip chain, they all don't come like equal, right? So depending on how I have like a smaller paperclip and a larger paperclip, so the larger ones, I feel like the links are pretty large where I just do it every other, you know what I mean?

But then the smaller ones, I tend to do like. Five, like, you know, because it always has to be odds, right, the way it lays. So, I'll usually say, okay, usually with this chain, I do five. And, I don't know if you were telling people, like, I like to always advise to do odd charms, so you have, like, a center. So, I'm like, typically, five or seven charms is great for a charm.

Necklace, but just keep in mind, yeah, like, so if we do every other, it's, it's gonna like extend to around. And I point I'm, I'm like, if you can't see me, I'm pointing to like my neck and I'm being like, it's gonna go this far. Do you want it to go all the way, like further? You know what I mean? Because again, if they want more spacing and they want to like span more of their neck, if that makes sense, , then it's like, okay, where would you like the charms to kind of, and also too, depending on where they wanna wear it all the time, if they wanna wear it shorter.

Versus longer. So yeah, I feel like just over time, you get kind of like to ask those questions and also your chains are not created equal, but yeah, that's just the way I do it. Like when it comes to especially to if they don't have a lot of charms, I always ask because if they, you know, just how far they wanted to go up to like.

You know, it doesn't make sense. Oh

Tara Kasper: yeah, absolutely. Like I could just like Kermit jewelry. Like when I first started, I would measure and, but now you just wrap it around. You kind of know, you're, you know, the questions to ask and just from that one event, I was like, okay, so you. Yeah, learn the questions to ask, to then make it near streamlined down the road.

Jen Thyrion: Hey, busy entrepreneur, . As you know, being a business owner, you have to wear all the hats. You're a social media manager, marketer, graphic designer, accountant, photographer, videographer, web designer, business coach, scheduler, and the list goes on. I know how overwhelming it can be, and this is why I created the GoldLink Society.

It's our month. Monthly permanent jewelry membership. We have a weekly call to talk about all the things, but not only that, including monthly photography and video to use for your social media and marketing. Camba templates, monthly business expert, monthly training, support group discount and first dibs on gold link supplies and more.

My intention is to create a beautiful community of permanent jewelers that want to level up their businesses together by creating lasting friendships and having fun. This is what I wish existed when I started my business almost 10 years ago. If you want to know more, check it out at fullylinkssociety.

com. Or at allthethingspermanentjewelry. com. I hope to see you there. I'm going back to pricing because I was like, I do love that you tear yours out. There's like, I knew that going mobily with it that I was like, that's going to be a lot of work for me to worry about. So, but having said that, brick and mortar, I am tearing it out.

I'm raising the prices of my chains. And I am going to go like, because again, that super cheap, fun enamel stuff that's really geared towards kids and then I, you know, that's only going to be 3 a piece and then I'll have six. I kind of like your tiers. I might do three, six and nine and maybe have very specialty ones that are a little bit more, you know?

Yeah. The

Tara Kasper: specialty ones were just, they kind of were bigger than I expected, but they're at the hearts and they're big locking. I mean, they're pretty big, so I was like, um, but three, six, nine, just in my head, I feel like that was something I could remember. And I feel like we could definitely come up

Jen Thyrion: with a song, right?

Tara Kasper: That's literally what I thought of. So I was like, Oh,

Jen Thyrion: that would be an awesome thing for you to like create a rap or something and go viral with your three, six, nine. Oh my gosh. That's

Tara Kasper: definitely what came to

Jen Thyrion: mind. I was like, Oh yeah. I love it. Oh my gosh. Okay, let's talk. I know we talked about Charm Bar, which is so fun because I do get really, I know, we feel like we really haven't talked about it yet on the podcast.

I, um, and I do get a lot of questions about it, but let's talk about the transition from going from your dentist's office and then hiring, right? Because you do, like you said, you have one employee as of now or?

Tara Kasper: Yeah. So when I was in, still in dentistry at the old studio, I actually reeled in a friend who's a dental hygienist.

And she worked at the college with me and also we were just looking for things that like didn't, we didn't have to like do hygiene. So we both did hygiene and taught. And I was like, Hey, do you want to come help me with permanent jewelry? Cause I'm like doing it on my lunch break. I'm doing it after work and she's amazing.

So she came on and she would help me. And at this point we were by appointment only. So she would help me on the days I worked hygiene. And then I would work the other days and then I noticed I was still needing more help. So then I reeled in another hygienist friend who I was like, Hey, do you want to help us out too?

And she helped her a little bit too. And kind of all in the mix. That's when I realized like I need a bigger space and. And to have more people because people wanted to have like, you know, gatherings or parties at my studio. And I was like, Oh, I would love that so much, but I can only fit like three or four people in my room.

And so, yeah, it was just one of those things where I'm like, am I, I can stay here, which is amazing. Um, rent is. It's affordable and everything's going smooth, or, you know, now that things are comfortable, it's time to get uncomfortable again. There you go. Right? No, once you're like, okay, everything's paid, money is good, comfort's good, nope.

No, that's weird. I'm on debt anymore. I need to get in debt again. Yeah. It's weird. Basically, yeah, so I made that huge leap, um, which has been amazing and you know, we'll always figure out money. Like I know things probably could have been done a little bit better, but I'm like, it's fine. We'll figure it out.

Did

Jen Thyrion: you have to do a lot of work to prepare the, the space for, or did you already

Tara Kasper: have a lot of that? That somebody can learn from my experience. I don't have, you know, I didn't do everything the right way, probably. I spent a lot of money on this place and there was no tenant allowance. I knew about a tenant allowance, but they didn't agree to one.

I had looked at other places. Everything I looked at needed top to bottom reno, and it kind of blew my mind that there was no. Help for it. And there were some contracts I was looking at and I was like, no way. I'm not signing that. So when I found this place, it was this sweet, older gentleman, family owned, been in our town for a long time.

His listing was not even on the internet. Oh my gosh. I just, he just gave me the vibe that I wanted. His lease was six pages long. And I was like, that's what I, he was just so sweet. And I just felt that's what I. Yeah, I want a landlord who, yeah, that, and there were certain things that he was willing to take care of that I was like, okay, those are bigger things to me in the long run.

Um, so we worked out some deals, but there was the biggest one I look back and I was like, I should have negotiated the tenant allowance a little bit more. So that I, I think I should have negotiated, but you live and you learn and it's not a regret by any means. I spent a lot of money on this place. I redid the flooring.

light fixtures, bathrooms, sinks. I mean, because I was like, you know, if you're going to do it, you got to, and I want it to be nice. And, you know, people are spending money in there and they want to feel good. And it's, I mean, like your gold toilet is amazing.

That's so cool. Like your space, I'm just obsessed. It's, I expected nothing less. Like, oh my

Jen Thyrion: gosh. Well, yeah, it's so funny. Like, yes. Well, I don't know. I got, I have a, I'd call it the golden throne for sure. Oh my, like, I have a gold toilet going in. Um, and it's so hard because again, same as you, like I have, I love the details.

I love doing this too. Like creating a space. I'm sure you're the same way. Like I love pretty things. I mean, hello. So I kind of what we do, what we do. So it's no, it's like sometimes you deal with these things where you're like, okay, I know I could do, you could do anything like really big or you could do it more affordable, right?

Like anything remodeling your kitchen, anything, right? So I'm like, I'm trying to choose the things, but I'm like, okay, I could get a gold toilet. for 600, or it could just go to Home Depot.

Tara Kasper: But it's, you know, it's, I know, but it's that

Jen Thyrion: thing, like, people are going to talk about that. Exactly. I'm like, I'm expecting a bunch of bathroom selfies with the gold toilet.

Like, that's kind of what's happening.

Tara Kasper: When you did that, I was like, oh, she, I don't know, it just boils things. And I'm like, that's just. I know, so don't take advice from me because I'm like,

Jen Thyrion: do it, spend it. I know, well same, because I'm like, this is the thing though, like, I do say within reason in the fact of like, I'm doing, I have a charm bar room, okay?

It's pretty small, thank God, because otherwise it would be crazy to do this idea. So I'm doing a charm bar ceiling, okay? So there's panels that were, like literally I have one on my floor right now next to me that we're working on because there's about two and a half panels of plywood that I'm gluing charms on.

And then it's gonna, we adhere it to the ceiling. I cannot wait to see this. So am I literally, I did the math and that's like the first panel had like 16, 000 charms on it or something. Cause is that a lot of money? Like, sure. I'm buying the cheapest, cheapest charms, but still it's like, I didn't have to do that.

I could have just left the ceiling, like a normal ceiling. But I was like, honestly. I just couldn't get out of my head. And I'm like, I feel like that's such a cool conversation piece. Like that is such a cool thing. It plays into the experience. This is what I have to say. If it's something where you're like, Oh, I really want this flooring that doesn't look too different from this flooring, but this one's like 5 grand more, don't do it, you know what I mean?

But if you're going to do something that's really like, people are literally going to take pictures and tag you because you have a gold toilet or a charred ceiling. You made good decision.

Tara Kasper: Absolutely. Yeah. There were things, you know, my husband, which is funny because in the beginning he was, now he tells me, I will never tell you.

He's so supportive and he's like, you, and without him, he's so handy. Like he did everything for me. So we did save a lot of money. But like with certain white fixtures. I was like, no, we don't need to spend money on light fixtures. And he's like, I'm not doing this in a year from now. Cause you're going to tell me, I'd love to add a cute little light fixture up here.

He's like, we're doing it now. That I'm thankful for because it's so crazy. But people talk about the light fixtures. Isn't that crazy? I know. Right? Yeah. Okay. Um,

Jen Thyrion: yeah, my husband told me I should do that. So already I'm on a busy corner in downtown here in Castle Rock and I, I put up like a light that looks like a disco ball.

Like it's like, you know, kind of, and I have smaller versions of it, but anyway, I have a front porch and I put the bigger one on the front porch and I've been kidding it lit, you know, just because I know people are driving by and being like, what is going on in there? Like they're seeing. Things happen.

And so already I've had people being like, I saw that disco ball lie on your front porch. Like, so again, it's like things like that that you feel are just, yeah, like, A, your brand and you, but also just going to like maybe create some conversation and again, play into the experience, you know? I want to come

Tara Kasper: visit so bad.

Come visit, do it! It just looks amazing. And it's, you're not even doing,

Jen Thyrion: I want to see your space too. I feel like I actually remember messaging you about a piece of furniture you had. I'm like, where did you get that? It looks so beautiful. So, so tell us about, cause I remember actually when I met you at PJX, which is actually what nine months ago now, maybe about you were talking about, cause you knew you were moving at this point, you knew you were, Getting that brick and mortar, correct?

Tara Kasper: It was in contract, so I was kind of on waiting. Actually, it was for another place. Um, or it might have been that one. There was two, but it happened so quickly after. Either way, I knew I was moving into a bigger space. And

Jen Thyrion: you were rebranding. So what was your name previous?

Tara Kasper: Forever linked Gainesville.

Jen Thyrion: Okay, and, and I remember talking about this, because you were questioning, I remember specifically, literally in my booth, talking to you about rebranding at PJX, and I was like, I remember saying something like, choosing something that's very like, close to you, or special to you.

Mm hmm. Now, I remember having a little bit, Yeah, oh yeah, you, of that conversation. Yeah, we

Tara Kasper: had a lot of conversations.

Jen Thyrion: We did. And so like, what, what led you to your name now? Like, and if you want to share that.

Tara Kasper: Oh yeah, of course. So now it's Iris Elkos, which yeah, so I was forever linked Gainesville, which is my town.

And two and a half years ago, I thought that was the coolest name ever and did not realize, you know, everyone else would think the same. Oh, so then, yeah, I came to, I always knew when I, when permanent jewelry was getting more popular. I would see more forever linked or linked by this. And I was like, Oh man, I was like, I kind of didn't really go out of the box with that.

And then I went to PJX and took some of Ashley's courses. And it was all about branding, who you are, you know, your clientele. And that's when it just hit me. I was like, I'm leaving PJX with a new name. I cannot. And I was embarrassed to tell people my name at PJX because they're like, Oh, what's your business name?

And I'm like, you know, turning my name tag over and I'm like, Oh, forever links games. But you know, you live and you learn. I was never an entrepreneur. I had no idea. Side note, I had a lot of, there's a ForeverLink Gainesville, Georgia and Texas. So people were booking with me and I would have, they would cancel the day of cause they're like, Oh, you're in Florida.

And I'm like, Oh, that's. Not cool. And then some people locally thought that I was a franchise because they're like, oh yeah, you have stores all over the place. Miami, Georgia. And I'm like, not I. So that's when I knew. And then Ashley's courses really just hit, yeah, hit home. And then I was like, okay, I need to change the name.

So that's when I was brainstorming and I was like, what am I going to come up with? And I had my best friend, Michelle there with me. And we went to fire. Oh my gosh. I forget the name. Anyways, after PGX, we went to like rock, not rock climbing. Yes. One of the canyons. So we went out to some canyons and we were just like, you know, talking and all the things.

And we'd go back to the hotel room and she's so amazing to like, even put all this time into something that's for me, but it would just pick my brain and be like, you know, what's, and I kind of came up with like my core values. What's my purpose. You know, all the things like, what am I doing this for? And then I didn't want something that tied me down to permanent jewelry.

Cause I already saw, I do think I'll be doing it forever. At least jewelry. I love it. And yeah, so we just started picking random words and like. Kind of going from there and just wordplay and Iris is just one of my birth flowers. I have a couple, I guess we all have a couple birth flowers, which I didn't know that, but Iris stood for wisdom, hope, courage, and new beginnings.

And I was like, so pick that. And then actually my best friend, Michelle came across the word alcoves. And I actually had never heard of the word alcoves. And I was like, what is that? And then. When I looked up the meaning, it just kind of, I was like, oh my gosh, I love that. And it was kind of a name where I was like, it does make you think like, what is that?

So, it's not super easy to say, but I, so far, I was worried in the beginning, like, did I pick the right name? But it, it's just starting to flow, and when people say it, it makes me, like, get butterflies on the inside. Yeah, yeah,

Jen Thyrion: yeah. And I was gonna say, it actually is, I feel like it rolls. I like it. Iris Alcos.

I just feel like it's very, like, it almost feels like it's one word. You know what I mean? It just rolls. Yeah, no, I do love

Tara Kasper: it. You know how you always have, like, a little bit of doubt where, like

Jen Thyrion: Oh, totally. Trust me.

Tara Kasper: When I thought of my future home or new studio, I was, at the time, of course, there was permanent makeup and I knew my hairdresser, but I was like, it'll just be like our little alcove, like our little happy place, our little, you'll have the hair and then I'll have the jewelry and it can, no matter where I go or grow, it'll still always be the skull.

You know, recessed area of our,

Jen Thyrion: our space. So, and that's why branding is so important, of course, because when you say that name, you do get a feel like anything you say, like there's some feeling that's involved in that, you know, and I think that is like, it's like a. Safe haven. You just picture, because even the word iris, like, you know, it just feels like, yeah, like a little haven.

I don't know. And it's kind of what I

Tara Kasper: was hoping for. And I feel like I am, this is a weird, but like flower, like an iris, whether you know what it is or not, you know, that a flower or someone said an eye, you know, it's like, I never even thought of that, but iris in your eye. And I was like, well, when I think of a flower, no matter what flower, I just think of like cozy and happy and blossoming and beauty.

Side note, what's super crazy is this place that I rented out, there's all these greenery all along the front and I didn't think anything of it. Um, nothing was blooming at the time and then first or second month there, a customer pulled me outside and she was like, do you know that these are irises? They were happened to be blooming that day.

The entire perimeter is covered in irises. Oh my gosh, that gives me chills. I was like, okay, I'm supposed to be here. So it's just, they, it's really interesting. They don't bloom, they'll bloom one day and not the next. And then randomly, like, I'll have to look it up to see, but they just bloom when they want to.

And that was really cool. And I was like, okay, I'm supposed to be here.

Jen Thyrion: I love it. Serendipitous for sure. Okay, so with opening your space now, we're what? Six months in about maybe? I don't know more than that, a little more than that? A new space, yes. With hiring, like, how is that going? And also looking forward to, like, again, whether or not your life is going to slightly change with, you know, adding a baby and all that stuff.

So, how is that going when it comes to adding employees?

Tara Kasper: Yeah, so that's a huge learning curve. It's going. I'm learning a lot. Um, I initially hired two girls who I just knew from like connections. One, I did her eyebrows and then one was actually my dental hygiene patient and they are younger. They're amazing.

Um, I hired them quickly and I was like, Hey, I'm going to start, you know, I'm going to have this new place. I need some help. You guys are sweet. Personality is great. I can train the rest. Long story short, you just learn along the way what you actually are looking for, what you're, you know, you just learn. I learned a lot about myself.

I have always been an employee. I've never been an employer or a leader per se. So I've been really tapping into a lot of like leadership podcasts and trying to understand A, how to be a leader, and figuring out too what it is, like, who am I looking for? What do I want? So one of the girls I did have to let go, she actually helped me with an event most recently because I was like, Hey, it's not like a forever goodbye, but I just, like, I don't have the studio time.

And she was a little hurt at first. So like dealing with all those emotions, I was like, Oh gosh, I was not prepared for this. I'm really sensitive and my husband says I, my actions are off of motion, which is something I'm learning. I need to be more firm and like, this is what I have to do for me and my business.

Not cutting boundaries. I don't want to hurt your feelings. So yeah, a lot of self growth, which I could, you know, you could sit there and be like, Oh my gosh, this is so stressful. I can't do this. Or just look at it like there's a reason this is happening. I'm learning about myself. I'm learning about others.

I'm learning how to make changes for the next time I do this. So yeah, I, I'm still figuring it out. I don't have it all figured out with like timing and like scheduling and personalities and things like that. So actually. Prior to this podcast, I'm working on and now hiring ad and figuring out what I want.

And like we had mentioned, I'm going to try the group interview because something that's really important to me is being able to talk to people in a large group. And, you know, it's great if you can learn how to weld, I absolutely love that. But I, there's so much more to it. I don't want it to be a transaction.

You've got to

Jen Thyrion: connect. And what do you feel like so far with your experience? Like, so learning what you've had already, what you're going to continue learning, which I have to say a side note really quick, I love the way you're viewing it because a lot of people, no matter what situation can always like blame the outside, like, you know what I mean?

Like, Oh, it's just the person, you know, versus like, and it might be, I mean, obviously there's times where, you know, just. happens where you thought we had all these things in place and the person didn't work out for X, Y, and Z. But like, in the end, it's like, okay, this is a season or like to look at me for growth.

Like, how can I be a better leader? How can I, cause I have to say, looking back at employees I've hired in the past. And yes, some of them were of course their, their character and things that happened over time. Sure. But in the end, I wasn't a great leader. So like I, you know, I really realize that like I take a lot of ownership.

And that too, you know, I wasn't very clear on what the role was and the boundaries, like you said, were off because I was always trying to be friends with everybody. And I'm like, because I really do want to like, I want to have a connection with them, but it would be to the point where it wasn't really, it would be a very fuzzy.

I was no longer a leader role. I was more of the friend quote, like just fellow employee role to them versus like a leader. So, so far, what do you feel like You've learned the most or who would you like the things that you were are looking for now that maybe you weren't looking for I think as important in the past,

Tara Kasper: I think understanding what it is.

I am looking for other than, you know, a sweet person and having more. Like here's the job. This is my expectations. This is what our expectations cause you know, to be fair to them when I hired them, their interview was just like, Hey, here's the hours. Here's the pay. I'm going to teach you everything. And we're going to rock the world from there versus like, you know, this is how I run my business.

This is what I'm looking for. You know, I really think things that I didn't know until I had to just go through it as a new entrepreneur, business owner, I've never ran anything before. And also having, like when they actually do get started, I really think it starts with expectations.

Jen Thyrion: Yes. I was going to say, that was a great thing you said because, and also, Pluto, but it takes time to like, like you said, if you aren't used to hiring someone in that way.

It does get time to even know what your expectations are. So even in the past, like, that's why I say, like, I wasn't clear and here they would do something. And I'm like, how would you, it's almost like you expect them to be mind readers, like they should know how to do this job and how to treat customers.

Tara Kasper: I've heard you say that before. And I'm like, yes, that's, I would get upset when I'm like, well, she doesn't know, or it's, I would think that it's common sense, but. To someone else, it might not be. So then I was like, okay, I'm not directing them. I'm not, you know, I definitely take it as self reflection to an extent, but yeah, just giving them a better ground to

Jen Thyrion: do what I want them to, you know.

And in the end, they, they, people need that, you know, even when you talk about parenting, right, it's like they need, they need guidance to understand what is expected of them rather than just be like, Oh, everything's okay. It's like, no, this is the way. Like, this is what I expect. This is what, you know, how you need to run this and, and yeah, just function, right?

So, cause then they have something to, like a bar to reach versus like, oh, it's just open ended. Like, okay, cool. I'll just weld jewelry and talk to people. All right. Awesome. Where they're, they have something to work for and the guide. Everyone needs a guide, you know, something. Yeah. Something

Tara Kasper: as simple as like an opening and closing.

Yes. We train them. Everything was trained on the job. Like I was with them side by side for five to six months. And I'm like, okay, here's how we, you know, I thought common sense things. You turn the lights on, you get the music going, you know, get the vibes going. And then when I wasn't there, there would be little things missed.

And I'm like, and then. That's when I was like, Oh my gosh, I need like a checklist that literally says like this light, that light, you know, Amazon to this station, play this to like just little things. And then I saw a huge improvement in our, me not getting ups and I never get upset, like in their face, but behind the, I'm like, Oh, I'm like, don't they just know.

we did that before. Yes. Yes. And it really helped having that checklist. And even she said, she's like, Oh, this was so helpful. And I'm like, okay, good.

Jen Thyrion: And it's even nice. Cause even over time, like I can say that with things I even do, I'm like, I love giving myself lists, honestly, because sometimes you just.

You get into a groove where you forget something and you're like, it's just nice to reference something and have, you know, how it feels to check something off your to do list. It's like, almost like that, right? It's like, all right, cool. I accomplished all these things. Yay. Opening's done. You know, rather than just trying to remember X, you know, A through Z kind of thing, even though it might seem simple.

Yeah, I love that. So I feel like you're, you're learning a lot in a short period of time for sure.

Tara Kasper: Yeah, most definitely. I'm definitely learning a

Jen Thyrion: lot for sure. So. Which is what happens when you evolve. Like, I mean, it's just, it's, it's part, it's part for the course, right? Like that is just how it is. So I love that.

So like, let's talk really quick. I know we're kind of already, I could talk to you forever. I'm already over, like. So what is your biggest challenges in business right now? Like how, and also too, how is business looking like now that you're two and a half years in, I'm assuming there's people in your area doing it now that wasn't doing it when you started.

Like, tell me a little bit about like the landscape of your business right now.

Tara Kasper: So I'd say the biggest challenge for me right now is Especially with the new studio, you know, I went from being by appointment only to kind of do it, running it myself. You go in when there's an appointment and that's it. So now with the new studio, we have open hours.

We're also by appointment only for other days. But just figuring out what are open hours? What can I afford to pay? Do I want to be there? Do I want someone else to be there? I think it more comes down to what do I want out of this and how much time do I want to spend there. And figuring out open hours, that's been a little bit of a challenge.

And then employees, you know, real like wanting the experience. It's all about the experience and just really wanting. That fear of when you're not there, that they're having that same experience that they're having with you with someone else. That's a big challenge. So that's something I'm working on for when I progress with hiring.

That's my biggest challenge right now. Employees and figuring out open hours and with my town, my

Jen Thyrion: location. So do you get a lot of foot traffic? Are you finding that now you have open hours? Do people, do you get walk ins? Is it like stay consistent ish?

Tara Kasper: So I'm not but trap like I am on a main road but not a main road like I'm I don't know how to explain it but I'm not on like it's the back of my building so we're actually my landlord's just now um getting my sign put up like on their big sign so I'm hoping that helps would say you have to You Seek us out.

Like you, you wouldn't just be like driving by and see like permanent jewelry, but sometimes I mean, we'll have days where not a soul walks in. There's no appointments. There's no walk ins. And then we'll have other days like Saturdays where we have appointments and we have So many walk ins that I was like, we couldn't have done this.

One person couldn't have done this by themselves. And I can

Jen Thyrion: see the challenge of that because as I approach having my, and honestly, I've been a one woman show, like, honestly, I've had people, like I said, help me with charm bar and whatnot, but I mean, like, you know, maybe bigger events, having another permanent jeweler, but not an actual employee, right?

Yeah. That's the kicker, right? It's like, you know, you're paying an employee and you have days where it's like, so do you, do you have someone at your shop all the time? Like opening hours, you do have an employee. It's not just you ever.

Tara Kasper: So that's kind of when I first started, I thought I was going to be doing the browse.

So I had full employee coverage. Got it. Then when I realized, holy smokes, and that's just a fault on my own, the payroll behind that. Versus I still want to be in it. Like I'm not at a point where I don't want to be in my business. I do want to be in it. I miss the connections and the people. So then I had to kind of backtrack and that's where I had to let go of one employee and get back in my jewelry business.

I was like, I, I want to be back in here. So right now. I work all of it. And then on a two days a week, I have someone come in to help me. And I feel like it's because I want, I have to give her something like I really need help with events in bigger events and then Saturdays, but I can't expect her just to have one job for one day a week.

So I offer her more. I probably sound like I'm all over the place. No, it's okay. It's

Jen Thyrion: like, I mean, honestly, it's, it's just, it shows that it's like, it's. It's, um, because obviously a lot of people who are wanting to be in a position you're in, I think we talked about this when we, you were saying, you know, we, we, when I asked you, okay, are you ready for a podcast?

You're like, but I'm still figuring it out. I'm like, that's the thing though. We're always figuring it out. I think it's like, never feel ready, but it's like, you know, we're like, oh, I wanted to have it. This is like, yeah, everything just be beautifully systemized. But even when you feel like you do. Then either you grow and then it's a new level, right?

So you're like trying to figure that out. Like it's always something that you're trying to figure out and improve because that's why I ask you. It's almost for my own like curiosity because I have, I'm dealing with the same where I'm like, okay, do I have someone there all the time? Or do I just have days where I'm there?

But what if a bunch of people walk in and I'm like, oh my God, I need someone help, like to help. Or, you know, and then also too, thinking about the downtime. If you do have an employee, That you don't want to pay hourly for sitting there, but do you give them obviously other things to do? Right? So it's been fitting your business, still moving the needle, but like they're, they're able to like, I don't know if they can post quick stories or, you know, social media.

Are they schooled in that? Like, you know, you're trying to think of other things they could do for your business possibly.

Tara Kasper: Yeah. I kind of went that route and I actually had Ashley for a lot of guidance with that. And I just don't know if it was maybe the right employees or I'm still figuring that stuff out too, but that's where I kind of, I gave.

so much. And then I realized I pulled so much back because I was like, Oh wait, that's not exactly how I wanted it to go. Or it's not the, yeah, I'm still figuring that part out too because I wasn't having them be very involved with social media because you know, people want to see their face and they, you know, not just me because then when they come into the studio and it's not me there.

Jen Thyrion: For sure.

Tara Kasper: You know, I did hear that a little bit like, Oh, it was, you know, it was great, but it just, you know, it wasn't you. And that makes my stomach sink because I'm like, I need someone there that they're like in a good way. Oh girl, it was fine. I, you know, that you weren't there. Like you had a good old time, but I could tell that they were, they had a great experience, like at least return customers.

They were just. And I know that just comes with like growth, you know, growth and yeah, but yeah, so just figuring out what I think they say culture, like what you want the culture to be because you can be sweet and amazing, but is there that converse, is there that conversation and stuff happening when you're not around that, you

Jen Thyrion: know, and honestly what I keep hearing and like things like popping up in my mind as we talk is always, it's just expectation expectation.

Cause you know, when you talk about. Handing social media off, especially when you are so used to doing everything in your business and you have a voice and then if you hand that off, but you don't give them a guide even in that and say, Oh yeah, just post the story. And then you're like, and then you see a story and you're like, Oh my God.

Oh no. So it's like, you know, you're just, it's really just being so specific. And that way, if anything ever comes up, you're like, Hey, this was your expectation. And that, you know, it's almost like I literally, I feel like it's like parenting, like my daughter's like, yeah. You've gotten this is my expectation, you knew you had to do this and you didn't do it.

So, okay, you know what I mean? It's like, now there's a consequence. So at least you know what you're, what's expected of you, right? Whether it's, you know, in, in studio when you're not busy and this is what needs to be done. And this is what I expect when that is, you know, it's like literally going like a fine tooth comb through.

And even like you said, down to the culture, like your expectation of what the mission of this business is, how we want people to feel what we, you know, like literally like. There is so much that can be done when downtime, you can clean, you can, again, social media, you can get some paperwork together. I don't know other things we know that need to be done in our business.

Um, so you

Tara Kasper: got to definitely, I realized you have to have exact list of what you want done when you're not there. And it's. Slow because, and I don't know if that's just because when I was a worker, like no matter if it was retail service, I mean, you know, at the restaurant, if it was slow, I'm cleaning and breaking down the whole soda machine and nobody told me to do that, but I'm like, this needs to

Jen Thyrion: be cleaned.

I know, it's true though, like you can't expect someone to be you and that's what it comes down to. It literally, you almost have to teach someone how to embody you and your business because same as you, and again, everyone's, I remember babysitting and I would like, if the kids were busy or whatever, I'd be like mopping their floor.

Like I would also eat their snacks. So, I mean, this is just, yeah, but if you could walk away with any of this and actually like, honestly, it's almost like, like literally me and you chatting about this is helping me too, because I know that I'm preparing myself for this and so it's like, okay, I am trying to also just write the wrongs of my past, you know, to have like, I hired and it didn't work out.

Well, why didn't that work out? You know what I mean? So anyway, yeah, this is like, yeah, it's great.

Tara Kasper: I would set myself up for, you know, being upset and I'm like, well, I can't expect her to clean the coffee machine if I didn't have it on the list. I'm like, but it was dirty.

Jen Thyrion: I know. It's like, can't you see it's dirty?

Um, it's all about clarity. Like even going back to clarity in your business, you know, that whole thing of like the whole word of the year. And I was talking about like, you're really sitting down and like checking in with yourself. It's like, man, if you don't, you know, it's almost for your own self, you need your own guide to see where you want this business to go.

So you have something to follow, you know? Um, I think we all need guides in some way. So, anyway, this is amazing, Tara. I want to end on that note because I feel like we could talk forever. Yes.

Tara Kasper: I hope I helped somebody. My, what's not working for me, I hope we figure it out.

Jen Thyrion: You know, I mean, it's just great things for people to consider, you know.

Again, we learn more from our mistakes and like, than we do from our successes, that's for sure, you know, so. Where can we find you if we want to stalk you?

Tara Kasper: Oh, well, I'm on Instagram, iris, at iris alcoves. And then I'm in Gainesville, Florida. I don't have an online space. Nothing, you can't buy nothing from me.

But if you're ever passing by and we have lots of springs and all kinds of attractions that manatees and stuff.

Jen Thyrion: I love it. I know we'll be there. I know one day we'll be there as a family. Like, and I'll have to visit you because

Tara Kasper: that's like, yeah, it's a very, it's a popular area, right? Gainesville. Like it's fun around us.

There's a lot, you know, a lot of nature stuff. I wouldn't say like attractions or anything like that, but a lot of nature and then the college of course. And you

Jen Thyrion: have like real Gators, right? Like real real

Tara Kasper: Gators. Yeah. My brother who's from New York actually he came and I was like, do you want to see Gators?

And he was like, He thought it was going to take him to like an alligator farm or something and we have this path that you can just go out there on your free will and walk down and there's gators sunbathing on both sides. No,

Jen Thyrion: no, no, no, no. Do you walk by them? Are they fast? Do they chase you?

Tara Kasper: I've, I mean, I've never been chased by now.

It's, yeah, it's super rare. I don't, I'm sure, I think you're supposed to run zigzag if they chase you, but. Okay, good to know guys. Like, yeah, you just, you walk down, like, I think they call it, like, Alley of the Alley. You just walk down and there's gators everywhere. And he was like, you're for real, but there's no one here to save us.

Jen Thyrion: That's wild.

Tara Kasper: But, you know, I went skiing in Colorado, or not skiing, um, snowmobiling in Colorado for like, nearly 30. And it was because of a situation with friends, but It was the scariest thing in my entire life and I remember getting on the plane and the guy next to me asked how it went and I'm like, he was like, yeah, but you have gators.

I'm like, I will, I will go walk down gator alley right now than ever get back on a snowmobile in Colorado. Well, I knew what happened. It was just a bad experience. We got long story short, but it was, I thought my life was ending. So I was like, stop it. Is it because of an animal or is it because No, my friends sidetracked off the trails, and we ended up in that deep snow where like you fall into it.

And it was like a beautiful scenery of snow that you think, what a one beautiful winter wonderland that just turns into this like huge nightmare.

Jen Thyrion: Oh my God. And then you don't know where

Tara Kasper: to go because GPS doesn't work and every time my husband, I was riding on the back, I didn't know if we were going to go down a cliff.

So I get off the snowmobile and I'm like, I'm just going to walk. And then I couldn't because my, literally to my waist would

Jen Thyrion: fall into snow. I'm not a winter girl. I'm not going to lie. I live in Colorado. I'm from Michigan, but I have to say, I love the mountains for the mountain towns where you go and you're just like, Oh my God, stay in a cute little lounge.

And you're right. Because, yes, I have gone snowshoeing where I feel like I go so deep in the snow that I can't get out, I feel like I'm gonna be stuck forever, it's not as major probably as what you went through, but it's like, that stuff just freaks me out, like, I, I, I feel like I'm a comfortable mountain girl.

Tara Kasper: Absolutely, I was

Jen Thyrion: like,

Tara Kasper: where is the heli, emergency helicopter, like, come get me, please, I was just sitting, I'm crying. And, okay,

Jen Thyrion: like, yeah, you. Not to scare people, but yeah, it's like, it's, uh, you know, but it's again, but here you are, at least you're sinking in snow amongst beauty.

Tara Kasper: Oh my gosh, don't have friends that go off the track.

It's

Jen Thyrion: your fault. Stay on the track, stay on the track. No, my, my first thought was you saw like some kind of crazy, I always get scared of like mountain lions. Like, I don't know why it's a good. Oh, I'd

Tara Kasper: almost think I'd rather see that than what we dealt with.

Jen Thyrion: Gator, mountain lions. Well, now, now I have a new goal of going to see you and walking down Gator Alley because that's crazy.

Take a selfie

Tara Kasper: If anyone wants to do it.

Jen Thyrion: Oh my gosh, I love it. Well, thank you so much for tanning today. Yes, thank you for having me. Congratulations on everything, and I can't wait to see where everything goes. Can't wait to see yours. I'm happy for you. All right. Thank you, Tara. Well, how do you feel? I hope you found value in today's episode and you walk away feeling inspired.

I would love to hear from you. Let's link up. You can find me on Instagram at GoldieLinkSociety. You can find out more about our permanent jewelry membership at GoldieLinkSociety. com, our handmade permanent jewelry supplies of connectors, chain, and more at GoldieLinkSupplies. com. Okay, I will see you next time.

Have a golden day.

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