Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachelle Tate.
Hi Rachelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started working for a jeweler as an apprentice at age 18. I worked with others jewelers for then next 10 years. In 1999, I opened my own store where I offered jewelry repair, custom jewelry, watch batteries, machine engraving, restringing, stone setting, and appraisals. What sets my business apart from others is that I do all work in house. All repairs, stone setting, and casting is done in house. Ten years ago, my son, Marques went to school for hand engraving and is the best one in the tri-state area. He not only engraves jewelry, but also trophies, cups, guns, knives, etc. He also has added laser engraving. Three years ago, once I moved to a larger location, my daughter, Maria, combined her full service salon and head spa services to my store. So I’ve been a jeweler for 34 years now and my business continues to grow. I take on a lot of jobs that are complicated and other say cannot be repaired or made.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started in a room with no running water. The sink was in the hallway. All my equipment including casting equipment was in one small room. I had made my bench to work at! I was working with separate jewelry sales people so I mainly did wholesale work. By 2004, I separated to have my own space and was still doing wholesale work but also building up my retail customers. I was in a 5 story building at this point. Then in 2007 I moved to an upstairs store front. After 5 years moved to a downstairs store front and stayed there 13 years. May, 19, 2022, we were burglarized due to my security companies negligence. We took a loss of $400,000. Our insurance covered $100,000. We were in the process of moving to our current larger location. So we decided to still move and had to rebuild basically. The group that burglarized us was found and awaiting trial but we only received $3,500 back from being burglarized That was the worst thing I’ve been through but we are doing better than ever now! My daughter opened the first head spa in Memphis. It’s the only private one and offers 6 packages which others don’t offer. Her salon is diverse and can take care of anyone’s hair needs!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a bench jeweler, known for custom jewelry, whether it’s my design or the customers design. I am known for my expert jewelry repair skills, wax carving and casting. I love making my own designs and customers love how unique and creative they are. I’m proud that I’ve been able to build this business from the ground up without any loans or outside financial help. And especially, being able to bounce back after being almost wiped out from the burglary. I appreciate all the help my husband and children have contributed to our success. This is a family business now which I wasn’t sure would be of interest to my children. My children are excellent at their crafts as well! Our customer service and creativity sets us apart from most businesses.
What’s next?
We would love to eventually acquire a free standing building to expand and possibly include an event center.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tatejewelers.net
- Instagram: tpjsalonspa
- Facebook: Tate Professional Jewelers & Salon Spa
