I began Take Heart Jewelry in November 2009 after being laid off at work. Times and finances were difficult, but I was determined to make my passion into a profitable business. There is nothing better than women feeling beautiful at start the day, and what better way to make a bold statement than with your jewelry. Once I was an official business, I immediately began creating jewelry from simple necklaces to artistic wire wrapped necklaces. Over time, I have really found a love for hand-picking vintage pendants from everywhere I travel and making them into gorgeous pieces of art to wear around your neck. Talk about a bold statement, these necklaces truly have sparked many conversations and made many heads turn. I’m talking about my wire wrapped necklaces, which are a collaboration of many inspirations, and they are my hottest sellers. I also make custom pieces of jewelry upon request, so let me know your particular vision and I will capture it. To make your jewelry even more meaningful, send me your favorite pendant(s), brooch, or anything else dear to you, and I will create a beautiful wrapped one of a kind necklace for you to always have and wear. Thank you dearly for your time and love. Take Heart! -To have hope, confidence & courage (John 16:33) Hilary Davis
Take Heart Jewelry in Examiner Magazine
Inspiration comes in many forms. For one entrepreneur, inspiration came from a love of fashion jewelry. Hilary Markel, owner of Take Heart Jewelry, began her jewelry line after buying fashion jewelry for years. “Then one day, I thought, hey I can do this”, says Markel of the moment she decided to try her hand at jewelry design.
Markel leveraged the potential of Take Heart Jewelry in October of 2009 after being laid off during the height of the recession. What would have been a setback for some turned into an opportunity for Markel to accelerate the growth of Take Heart Jewelry. Markel then decided to increase her exposure by incorporating the home show model into her sales strategy.
More recently, Take Heart Jewelry has continued to evolve and remain ahead of the changing market. Markel continues to expand her target market which now includes custom jewelry designs for brides and bridal parties.
Markel is committed to the success of her jewelry line and equally dedicated to giving back to the community through the business. Markel partners with missionaries, by offering fundraising sales in which a portion of the proceeds are shared with the missionary team.
Take Heart Jewelry is not only a business but a powerful medium for Markel to share her faith. The name of the company came from the Bible verse John 16:33, which encourages those experiencing difficulties to be hopeful. Each hand crafted piece of jewelry, shares that message with its wearer.
The future looks bright for Take Heart Jewelry. The jewelry line is continuing to grow with home sales and is now available in local boutiques around Jacksonville. Markel’s ultimate goals are to open a Take Heart boutique, to exclusively sale her line, and teach young girls about her faith while teaching them the craft of handmade jewelry.
What wisdom does this young entrepreneur have for others contemplating starting a business? Markel advises, “Follow your passion. Educate yourself on what it takes financially, physically and spiritually.”