Meet Denise Lopez

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Denise with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My single mother is the source of my work ethic. Watching her balance multiple jobs and endless responsibilities taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. She never gave up, showing me that dedication and effort are key to overcoming any challenge. Her example proved that success is earned, not given.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hello! I’m Denise, a proud Latina entrepreneur based in New Jersey, and I have a passion for creating beautiful, permanent jewelry that tells a story. My journey began with a love for art and self-expression, and I discovered that jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s a way to celebrate individuality and connection.

Interacting with my customers brings me immense joy. I believe that every piece of jewelry should reflect the personality and spirit of the wearer. Whether it’s a custom design or a unique piece from my collection, I love helping people find something that resonates with them.

As a Latina business owner, I’m inspired by my culture and community, and I strive to bring that vibrant energy into my work. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with wonderful people and share my passion for craftsmanship and creativity.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

As someone who built this business from the ground up, fighting every single obstacle, here’s what truly mattered:

Relentless Resourcefulness: You’re going to hit walls. You’re going to hear “no.” But a true entrepreneur finds a way. I learned to stretch every dollar, leverage every connection, and learn every skill I needed, even if it meant late nights and early mornings. My advice? Don’t wait for permission. Find the tools, find the answers, find the people who can help, even if you have to go out of your way.

Laser-Sharp Focus: Distractions are everywhere, especially when you’re starting out. Doubt creeps in, and shiny new opportunities pop up. But you have to stay focused on your vision. I learned to prioritize, to say “no” to anything that didn’t directly contribute to my goals. Write down your goals, revisit them daily, and don’t let anyone or anything derail you.

Unwavering Resilience: There were times I wanted to give up. Believe me. Times when I thought, “This is too hard.” But I didn’t. I kept going. I learned that every setback is a lesson, every failure is a stepping stone. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and never, ever let them define you. You are stronger than you think.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My friend, who started her own small business before me, was the most helpful person in overcoming challenges and building my skills. She provided practical advice and shared her own experiences, offering strategies and knowledge that directly addressed the obstacles I faced. Her guidance was instrumental in developing the necessary skills and navigating the realities of entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preciosa.nj/