Meet Ginger Herbein

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ginger Herbein a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ginger, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I once stumbled upon a clip of Judge Judy proclaiming, “If you didn’t make it in your 20s you can make it in your 30s. If you didn’t make it in your 30s you can make it in your 40s”, and she continued listing the ages. This resonated with me, as my journey to discovering my purpose has been a gradual one, peppered with subtle hints along the way. Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, the idea of owning a business always intrigued me, though I initially dismissed it as a childhood fantasy due to uncertainty about my path.

My entrepreneurial spirit first manifested around age 6 when I received a jewelry-making kit. All I had to do was simply glue plastic pieces together to create the designs. I made a sign that read “Ginger’s Boutique”. I used thumbtacks to hang the pieces on my grandmother’s wall as I pretended to have a store, much to her dismay. This early playful venture planted the seeds of my future aspirations. Prior to receiving the kit, I already had been fascinated by the jewelry my grandmother owned. Later, in 9th grade, I attempted to sell products from Specialty Merchandise Corporation. While this endeavor didn’t succeed – a common outcome for many who tried – it didn’t discourage me entirely. The lack of personal connection to these products made the failure less impactful, but it taught me valuable lessons about business ownership.

These are a few of the experiences that, though seemingly insignificant at the time, were crucial stepping stones in my journey. They nurtured my innate desire to create and sell, gradually shaping my understanding of what truly mattered to me. Through these trials and reflections, I began to uncover my authentic purpose, realizing that my childhood “fantasy” was, in fact, a glimpse into my future calling.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that finding my purpose wasn’t a straightforward path. Initially, I pursued a career in elementary education, drawn by the creative aspects of teaching. I envisioned crafting engaging projects and educational videos for children. However, my experience in the School District of Philadelphia quickly shattered these idealistic notions. The reality of teaching in an urban school was far from what I had imagined. Instead of fostering creativity, I found myself acting more as a security guard, breaking up fights and dealing with hostile parents. The financial strain of purchasing basic supplies for my students only added to my disillusionment. It wasn’t long before I confided in my mother that I had made a mistake in choosing teaching as a career. While I acknowledge that my experience might have been different elsewhere, it effectively extinguished my passion for teaching. This realization led me to reflect on the importance of thorough research before committing to a career path, especially one that requires significant financial investment in education. My advice to others is to approach career choices with caution. Take the time to explore various options, save money for education, and avoid rushing into a degree that might lead to disappointment and long-term debt. It’s crucial to understand that it’s perfectly normal not to have everything figured out by high school graduation.

Interestingly, my teaching career came to an abrupt end after about five years due to an unexpected injury. On a day when my mother had joined me at school, I fell into a pothole that night as we left. It was on the blacktop playground, resulting in a severe ankle injury. The district’s policy required resignation to receive worker’s compensation, which, given my disillusionment, I was more than willing to accept. This turn of events, while challenging, opened up new possibilities for me. It forced me to reevaluate my career path and consider alternatives that aligned more closely with my true interests and skills. The injury, though unfortunate, became a catalyst for change in my professional life. As I looked back on my experiences, I began to see patterns and interests that I had previously overlooked. The creativity I had hoped to bring to teaching could be channeled into other pursuits. My desire to make a positive impact, though not fulfilled in the classroom, could be expressed in different ways.

This period of reflection and exploration led me to rediscover my entrepreneurial spirit, which had been dormant since childhood. I realized that my true passion lay in creating and building something of my own, rather than working within the constraints of an established system. Through this journey of self-discovery, I found that my purpose wasn’t tied to a specific job title or industry. Instead, it was about leveraging my creativity, problem-solving skills, and desire to make a difference in a way that felt authentic to me. This opened up a world of possibilities and set me on a path to pursue ventures that truly resonated with my passions and values. The injury I sustained at work actually paved the way for my current career. Confined to my parents’ couch for nearly eight months, I found myself browsing the internet out of boredom. One night, while reading about Leonardo DiCaprio, I discovered that his best friend’s wife was a self-taught jewelry designer. Further research revealed that many renowned designers lacked formal training; instead, they learned through experimentation. That was when I recalled how much I loved going through my grandmother’s jewelry box when I was younger. I always wondered how jewelry was made.

To gain some foundational knowledge, I took a brief course at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This was my only formal training in jewelry design. Once my foot healed and I could job hunt, I was unsure where to begin. I ended up working one-on-one with special needs children for about a decade, viewing it as a temporary position until I could pursue my true passion. My dream was to be a jewelry designer, not have a job, but have a business. The necessary equipment and materials, especially metals, were costly. I started with sterling silver, though I aspired to work with gold and precious gems. Silver felt limiting, partly due to what I call the “Walmart mentality” – consumers’ expectations of what silver should cost based on constantly seeing low-priced silver-toned jewelry in such stores. Many designers, particularly those working with silver, struggle to price their work appropriately, inadvertently undervaluing themselves and the industry. They are completely unaware of this. Silver’s limitations became apparent as I realized that clients would end up paying multiple times the piece’s worth just to have me make it. They were paying for my time, not the piece itself in most cases. Setting precious stones in silver has always seemed contradictory to me, creating a ceiling for creativity and value. Gold, on the other hand, offered limitless possibilities.

This fueled my determination to transition to working with gold and precious stones. I recognized that to cater to luxury shoppers, I needed to elevate my materials and designs. The journey from silver to gold symbolized not just a change in medium, but a shift in my business approach and target market. As I developed my skills and refined my designs, I began to see how my unique path – from teacher to special needs worker to jewelry designer – had shaped my perspective and creativity. Each experience, even the setbacks, contributed to my understanding of value, both in materials and in personal growth. This journey of discovery helped me find my true purpose: creating exquisite, high-end jewelry that resonates with discerning clients. By embracing gold and precious stones, I’ve found what allows me to fully express my artistic vision while meeting the expectations of luxury shoppers. My journey to finding my purpose in jewelry design was far from straightforward. For years, I had put my business dreams on hold, waiting for the right moment. When I unexpectedly received a small inheritance from my great aunt and grandmother, I saw it as a sign to take action. This windfall allowed me to create much of what you see on my website today. Without their generosity, I wouldn’t have had the means to start.

Just as I was ready to showcase my work at artisan shows, Covid struck. The pandemic’s impact on the economy and businesses was severe, and my venture never truly got off the ground. Post-Covid, the clientele at shows had changed. They weren’t my dream clients, and looking back, I realize they never were before Covid. Having said that, there have been a number of changes within the last year or so. The future looks bright since I have been given the opportunity to come face-to-face with my dream clients at celebrity events.

My creative spark largely comes from my mom, who has always enjoyed artistic projects. But for me, designing jewelry is more than just creativity—it’s about giving. This is why I named my brand Sincerely Ginger Jewelry. I’ve always loved seeing people’s faces light up when receiving a gift from me. Each piece I create is intended to bring joy and beauty into someone’s life. When I see my jewelry worn, I feel a deep connection that goes beyond the physical object. It’s as if I’ve woven a part of myself into their world. This act of giving through my art has taught me the profound impact of thoughtful generosity. It’s not just about the jewelry itself, but about creating moments of delight and lasting memories. In our often disconnected world, these small tokens of affection serve as tangible reminders of our shared humanity.

As I continue to design and give, I’m constantly amazed by how a simple piece of jewelry can become a cherished part of someone’s story. Each one of my experiences has shaped my perspective and creativity. These have deepened my understanding of value, both in materials and in personal growth. Now, as I create pieces for luxury shoppers, I bring this rich tapestry of experiences to every design, infusing each piece with meaning and purpose.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

When I shared my journey of finding purpose with you earlier, I hinted at a bright future for my business. Last year, an unexpected call from a seasoned entertainment industry veteran changed everything. She discovered my work through an artisan show’s website. This led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: an invitation to sponsor The Retreat, benefiting Project Green. Project Green, a nonprofit, offers summer camp experiences to children of diverse backgrounds, including those in foster care. While teaching isn’t my calling, I cherish chances to help kids. My time teaching in Philadelphia showed me the experiences city children often miss. The Retreat is an exclusive, invitation-only event that brands can’t attend unless they’re hand-selected. It is a private event for celebrities and stylists in the entertainment industry. This partnership with Project Green allows me to showcase my designs to these A-listers, who can buy or borrow pieces for high-profile events. I was invited to the Emmys pre-party and the Sundance Film Festival, where The Retreat happens.

I’m hopeful The Retreat will elevate my brand to the level I’ve long dreamed of. I never expected a strike, for those in the entertainment world, to make an impact on my life. I invested a lot in the events in various ways, but then the SAG strike postponed our attendance in 2023 and 2024, hitting the industry hard. However, events will happen again in the future, and I’ll be there. They’re just on hold for now until the aftermath of the strike settles.

As I said, the Sundance Film Festival was one of these events. I was encouraged to design a Sundance-inspired necklace. Knowing celebrities would see my work, I pulled out all the stops. The design process was challenging, as my initial ideas were too common. After considerable effort, I created the Dancing Diamond Sun Necklace. It is crafted out of 14-karat gold and features a sun motif of red, orange, and canary yellow diamonds set against a white diamond backdrop. At just under 3 carats, it’s priced at $45,000. This is a significant jump from my website’s average price of about $4,000, truly showcasing my brand’s potential. As the visionary behind my brand, I brought to life this necklace that captures the interplay of light on snow – a jewelry equivalent of the festival’s radiant energy. The sun’s rays dancing across the mountains inspired a design that sparkles from every angle, much like the stars on the silver screen. Originally meant to be showcased and sold during the festival, it’s now available on my website. Some industry insiders believe it belongs on the red carpet, and this could happen. I believe the necklace showcases the validity of my brand and what I’m able to do. I need to note that Sundance and the Sundance Film Festival are trademarks that have been used by permission. The necklace is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Institute, or any other official festival organization.

For luxury jewelry shoppers, the holiday special is now online. Every order includes a complimentary piece of jewelry, with its value tied to the overall purchase price. This offer runs until November 30th. To ensure holiday delivery, I recommend shopping early.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

As a forward-thinking brand creator, I always look to the future. It’s crucial to see beyond the present moment. My wisest choice was to connect with jewelry industry mentors, providing me with invaluable knowledge. Learning about this field has significantly shaped my journey. One mentor’s pieces were once in over 350 stores when wholesale was the norm. She learned through experience and now passionately teaches us to avoid her past mistakes. Michael Gerber’s book, “The E Myth – Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It,” offers lessons applicable to jewelry design. Many turn to entrepreneurship for freedom and travel opportunities. However, some end up resenting their businesses, feeling constantly tied down. They lack systems for smooth operations in their absence. In jewelry design, it’s vital to understand future demands as your business expands. The goal is to work on your business, not in it. Eventually, you’ll reach the limits of what you can do alone. My strength lies in designing, and while I have some help, I look forward to focusing solely on design and business development.

Jewelry is a form of storytelling and self-expression. As a good listener, I enjoy learning about others. This quality enhances my ability to represent individuals through my designs. I’m now concentrating on one-of-a-kind pieces, finding joy in creating unique items for clients. When designing, I always envision the wearer, especially for these special pieces. If I spot a captivating stone, I buy it immediately, often storing it away. It might take years to conceive the perfect design. When inspiration strikes, I imagine the wearer and create a design around the stone that embodies their essence.

For those starting their own journey, my best advice is to seek out and connect with the right people. There’s always more to learn. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals who can share knowledge and support each other is the best way to launch your career and set yourself on the path to success.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client values quality over quantity, seeking pieces that not only adorn but also tell a story. She desires pieces that encapsulate her spirit, self-expression, and individuality. Her appreciation for elegant, one-of-a-kind, and bespoke creations reflects a desire for exclusivity and personal connection to her purchases. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for luxury designers to curate experiences that resonate deeply with their clientele. By recognizing the emotional and aesthetic drivers behind high-end jewelry acquisitions, my brand can forge lasting relationships with its customers. Ultimately, the beauty of luxury jewelry lies not just in its sparkle, but in its ability to capture the essence of its wearer’s sophistication and uniqueness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sincerelygingerjewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerelygingerjewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sincerelygingerjewelry
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sincerelygingerjewelry

Image Credits

John Ryan, J&J Studios LLC

Theresa Regan Photography