The business of unique
By Busta Brown
The Business of the Month is Jewellery Unique Gifts and Accessories, 500 W 4th St.
Taleona Mayfield and her husband, Kevin, own Jewellery Unique Gifts and Accessories in Winston-Salem.
“Jewellery Unique Gifts and Accessories started out as a home-based business in a spare bedroom of our home,” said Taleona Mayfield. “With God’s leading/direction and the support of family and friends, we were able to move to a two-room suite in Kernersville. In August of 2016, God blessed us, and we were able to expand and relocate to our flagship boutique in downtown Winston-Salem.”
The inspiration to start a business came from combining their love for people and Taleona’s passion for fashion, style and one-of-a-kind accessories.
“We took our gifts/talents and each of those passions and used them as a catalyst to start Jewellery Unique in July 2011,” Kevin explained.
The Mayfields always wanted to be entrepreneurs and make a difference in the community. The beautiful couple shared, “This not just a business for us; it is a ministry.”
I asked Taleona what makes your store unique. “We offer unique, one-of-a-kind products. We are customer-focused and believe in treating all our customers like royalty,” she replied. Kevin added, “We are community-focused and want to make a positive impact in the lives of others.”
They embrace the concept of partnership and engage other entrepreneurs to sell their products in their boutique, “for us it is not about competition, but collaboration. We believe we are better together.”
I asked the Mayfields about the challenges that come with owning a jewelry store. Kevin said, “As a small business, there is no segregation of duties. You are responsible for the success of your business and involved in every aspect of the business. You have multiple roles and responsibilities, including being the business owner, accountant, marketing manager, technology director, cleaning crew or whatever is needed.”
Taleona said as owners they come up with promotions as well. “We are offering 10 percent off the entire purchase for readers of the Winston-Salem Chronicle,” she said.
What’s most impressive about the product at Jewellery Unique and Accessories is that many items are hand-selected. At Jewellery Unique Gifts & Accessories, you will find distinctive, one-of-a-kind fashion jewelry, handbags, tutus, custom apparel, sunglasses, scarves, ties and cufflinks.
Kevin said customer service is very important. “When our customers come into our boutique we want them to know how special/unique they are, we value who they are, and give them an opportunity to shop for items that express their individual style. We also want to provide a positive influence on the lives of others and encourage, empower, and motivate them to see the greatness that lies within to reach their fullest potential.
“We don’t want our business to be transactional,” Kevin said. “We want to build long-lasting relationships with our customers.”
Some of the community events and organizations Jewellery Unique and Accessories sponsor are, Covering Our Kids, Family Services Women’s Shelter, Red HEARRT, Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, and Samaritan Ministries Winston-Salem Rescue Mission. You can reach Jewellery Unique and Accessories at (336) 893-5075.
Companies interested in becoming a Business of the Month should apply at https://triadminoritybusinessexpo.com/. This feature is sponsored by the Winston-Salem Branch of the NAACP, Winston-Salem Urban League, Triad Minority Business Expo and The Chronicle.
