Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Melrae.
Hi Gina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started VioletBox Jewelry in 2016 as a creative outlet – just me, a handful of tools, and a love for making beautiful things. At first, it was just for fun, but in 2020 everything changed. I was working in the medical field during COVID, wearing head-to-toe protective gear every day, and jewelry became my escape. Creating pieces at night helped me find calm in a very stressful time.
As friends and coworkers started asking for custom pieces, my little hobby quickly grew into something more. Today, VioletBox Jewelry is all about handmade, meaningful jewelry that brings a little sparkle to everyday life. What started at my kitchen table has now grown into having my pieces carried in local shops – and we’re still growing!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road! Starting and growing VioletBox Jewelry has been a mix of excitement, late nights, and plenty of trial and error. One of the biggest challenges was balancing everything – working in the medical field full-time, while trying to build a small business on the side.
There were moments when sourcing materials was tough, when shows or markets didn’t go as planned, or when I doubted if I could keep up with demand. Learning how to price my work, market online, and turn my passion into a real business was a huge learning curve.
But every challenge taught me something – whether it was patience, better systems, or creative problem-solving – and those lessons shaped VioletBox into what it is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At VioletBox Jewelry, I create handmade jewelry that’s meant to be worn and loved every day. I specialize in sterling silver and gemstone pieces – from rings and pendants to custom designs that hold special meaning for my customers. My work is known for its clean, timeless style with just the right amount of personality – pieces that feel both modern and a little bit sentimental.
I’m most proud of how personal VioletBox has become. Many of my customers come to me for jewelry to mark big life moments – weddings, anniversaries, memorials – and being trusted to make something that meaningful is such an honor.
What sets VioletBox apart is that every piece is made with intention. I’m not just mass-producing jewelry; I’m crafting something that tells a story. I take time to work with clients one-on-one, so they end up with jewelry that feels like them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely – VioletBox Jewelry wouldn’t be where it is today without so many incredible people cheering me on. My family has been my biggest support system from day one – encouraging me to keep going even when things felt overwhelming.
My friends and coworkers were some of my very first customers, proudly wearing my pieces and telling everyone about them. That early word-of-mouth is what really helped VioletBox grow.
I’m also so grateful for my repeat customers and the local makers’ community – they’ve shared advice, invited me to pop-up events, and celebrated every little milestone with me.
Building this business has been a team effort, even if I’m the only one at the bench – and I’m so thankful for every person who’s helped me get here. Especially my partner. They brainstorm events and budgets with me and even come to pop up shops to help me set up. I have an amazing super system.
Pricing:
- Gold filled jewelry : $35 +
- Sterling Silver jewelry $25+
- Studs: $15+
- Natural stone Bracelets: $35+
- Earrings: $15+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.violetboxjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/violetboxjewelry
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/VioletBoxJewelry
Image Credits
Moe Hollis
