Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Jewelz Smith.
Hi Nikki Jewelz, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to shiny things. I loved the bling, the sequins, and the sparkle of entertainers’ outfits whenever I saw them on stage. My mother wore these classic silver bangles with the fists on them, and I always wanted a pair of my own. My grandmother also had a beautiful jewelry collection, and I would constantly play in her jewelry box — even if it got me into trouble sometimes.
As I got older and started working as a teenager, some of the very first things I would spend my money on were jewelry, shoes, and clothes — in that order. Jewelry was always my first love. Years later, I came across an opportunity to actually sell jewelry and purchase pieces at a discount. I was in heaven. It opened up a whole new world for me and allowed me to combine my passion with business.
Eventually, that company shut down, but by that time I had already done the research and learned enough to figure out how to build this business for myself. What started as a love for wearing beautiful pieces evolved into something much bigger. I discovered that I truly enjoyed helping women feel confident, stylish, and beautiful through jewelry that I personally handpicked and styled for them. Seeing the smile on their faces and how a statement piece could completely transform their confidence is what keeps me going today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has taught me something valuable about business, resilience, and my brand. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not every vendor or pop-up event will be successful. I’ve participated in events with very low attendance, and in those moments I had to learn how to pivot, network, market myself differently, and still make the best out of the opportunity. There have even been times when I didn’t make back my vending fee at all.
Another challenge has been sourcing quality jewelry. I order from various vendors, and I’ve received pieces that simply did not meet the standards I have for my clientele. That experience taught me how important quality control is and why I’m not very fond of dropshipping. I personally like to see, touch, and inspect every piece before it goes out to my customers because quality is everything to me. I want the women who support my brand to feel confident knowing they are receiving pieces that I would proudly wear myself.
Even through the struggles, I’ve stayed committed because this is more than just selling jewelry for me — it’s about helping women feel beautiful, stylish, and confident.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Shiny Individual Jewelry & Accessories?
My brand is built on confidence, individuality, and helping women elevate their everyday look through statement jewelry and styling. I specialize in fashionable jewelry and accessories that help women stand out, whether they are dressing up for a special occasion or simply wanting to feel beautiful in their everyday life. I’ve always believed that jewelry is more than an accessory — it’s an expression of personality, confidence, and style.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just sell jewelry — I style women. I have a natural eye for pairing pieces together and helping women step outside of their comfort zone while still feeling authentic to themselves. Attending events such as New York Fashion Week and DC Fashion Week allows me to stay connected to the latest fashion and accessory trends while keeping my styling approach fresh, modern, and fashion-forward. Being immersed in those environments gives me firsthand insight into emerging styles, statement pieces, color trends, and the overall direction of the fashion industry, which helps me better curate and style jewelry for my clientele. Many of the pieces I select are bold statement pieces as well as minimalist pieces that can instantly transform an outfit and make a woman feel empowered the moment, she puts them on. I take pride in hand-selecting pieces that are fashionable, unique, and high quality because I want my customers to feel like they’re getting something special every time they shop with me.
Another thing that makes my brand different is the personal connection I build with my customers. For me, this business has never just been about making sales — it’s about creating an experience and making women feel seen, beautiful, and confident. I do not keep a large inventory of the same pieces because fashion and jewelry trends are constantly evolving. I love offering unique, limited-quantity statement pieces so my customers know that when they see something they love, they should grab it before it’s gone.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that I built this business from passion, persistence, and genuine love for fashion and styling. Through pop-up shops, events, social media, and personal styling interactions, I’ve been able to create a brand that people recognize for its sparkle, boldness, and positive energy.
I want readers to know that my brand is for the everyday woman who wants to feel glamorous, confident, and stylish without having to overthink it. As a Jewelry Stylist, I help women elevate their personal style by selecting and styling jewelry pieces that complement their personality, wardrobe, and overall look. Whether someone is attending a special event, photoshoot, fashion show, brunch, date night, corporate event, or simply wants to upgrade their everyday style, I curate jewelry selections that enhance their appearance and make them stand out effortlessly.
Additionally, I am now working on my upcoming podcast that will feature engaging conversations about how style, jewelry, and personal branding shape confidence, careers, and relationships in today’s world. Through authentic discussions and inspiring guest stories, I want to explore how the way we present ourselves can impact not only our image, but also our opportunities, connections, and self-worth. People can subscribe to my website to be the first to know when it launches.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely the loud one. As the oldest of seven children, I naturally took on a lot of responsibility at a young age and often found myself stepping into both the role of big sister and, at times, a mother figure. Despite those responsibilities, I always had a vibrant personality and a love for entertaining.
Music was a huge part of my childhood. My mother played the piano and taught me how to harmonize at a very young age. Anything that came on the radio, I would sing — and I would try to sound just like the artist. Performing came naturally to me. I participated in talent shows, joined a singing group with girls from my high school, and was constantly looking for opportunities to be on stage. I was also drawn to acting and participated in as many plays as I could. For a period of time, I even attended dance school. From an early age, I knew I loved being front and center and expressing myself creatively.
At the same time, there was another side to my childhood that many people didn’t see. My family life was very difficult, and there was abuse within the home. As I got older, I realized that many of my talents became both an escape and a form of protection for me. Singing, performing, and entertaining allowed me to channel my emotions and temporarily step outside of what I was experiencing personally.
What I find fascinating is that while many people would assume those experiences would make someone withdrawn or defeated, it actually had the opposite effect on me. It pushed me to lean even deeper into my God-given talents and dreams because I believed they could help create a different future for myself. Those experiences shaped my resilience, my creativity, and the confidence that people see in me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shinyindividual.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinyindividual
