Jewelry Organizations and the Role They Play ft. RJO
Jewelry organizations are an important part of the jewelry ecosystem, providing a valuable mediation between vendors and retailers, and hosting annual trade shows where retailer members can experience valuable face time with the vendors they wish to carry in their store. Michael spoke with three board members of one of the biggest jewelry organizations in the world, RJO. RJO is unique in that it's member owned, and with the combined weight of 1200+ retailers and vendors, they feel they are only just getting started!

I Went to RJO San Antonio and All I Got Was This Podcast Episode
The first ever In the Loupe "audio-blog," Mike takes you, the listener, to RJO San Antonio with him to experience a jewelry show. Jewelry shows are a unique and interesting place, where business, socializing, good food, and a heck of a lot of jewelry mix to create an environment that can't exist elsewhere. We know not every listener was able to make it to this show, so we hope that this episode will help you feel like you were there right beside us!

Exclusive First Interview with AGS President, Alexis Padis
What does it take to lead one of the most respected organizations in the jewelry industry? Mike sits down with Alexis Padis, the newly appointed President of the American Gem Society (AGS) and a driving force behind Padis Jewelry in San Francisco.
Alexis opens up about her unexpected journey from avoiding the family business to finding her passion when she sold her first engagement ring. Her story is one of transformation and innovation, and she's here to share how she plans to steer AGS into a future filled with growth and collaboration.

Exclusive First Interview with IJO's New President, Stephen Barnes
In his first interview as acting President of IJO, Stephen Barnes opens up about his vision for IJO and what being president means to him. Michael was honored to sit down for an in-depth conversation with Stephen and ask all of the burning questions related to his new position, including what he will prioritize in the short term, how he plans to foster deeper relationships between retailers and vendors, his vision for activating the next generation of jewelers, and the course he plans to set for IJO for the next 50 years. You may recognize Stephen’s voice from past In the Loupe episodes including S3E44 “Putting the ‘Success’ in Succession & Retirement Planning ft. Stephen Barnes” or S4E21 “I Interviewed Jewelry Industry Leaders”, and we discuss in-depth how Stephen’s history of running a retail jewelry store, and later as a mentor for the Edge Retail Academy, has prepared him for this new challenge as President of the Independent Jewelers Organization.

From President to Owner: an Interview with Stephen Barnes of IJO
For an exclusive first interview, Michael interviews Stephen Barnes, newly announced Owner and President of IJO about what the changes mean for him, IJO, and the retailers & vendors included in the group.
Stephen Barnes shares his journey from longtime IJO member to President and now Owner, discusses his vision for the future of the Independent Jewelers Organization and what this transition means for retailers and vendors.

What You Need To Know When Opening Your First Jewelry Store ft. The Hills Jewelry
Most jewelry stores have been around for ten, if not a hundred, years. Amy Baird is an outlier, having opened The Hills Jewelry, in Worthington, OH, in 2018 with her husband. With almost no prior jewelry experience, Amy has learned an immense amount about running a business and the world of jewelry. Michael spoke with Amy about the successes, pitfalls, key decisions, and strategy that has led to opening a successful jewelry business in the late 2010s!

Running a Jewelry Store ft. Stambaugh Jewelers
If you're listening to this, chances are you already know that there's a lot more to running a jewelry store than just buying jewelry to sell to customers. The B2B2C model holds an incredible amount of nuance and space for exploration and trend-setting. In this episode, we interview Scott Stambaugh from Stambaugh Jewelers in Defiance, OH, about hiring a bench jeweler, upgrading your in-store branding, hiring employees, where e-commerce fits into the equation, and how the space has changed over the years.

Next Generation Jewelers & Nerd Jewelry ft. Arezzo Jewelers
It's no secret that retail jewelry owners tend to skew towards the older generations, which can feel intimidating for the few owners that are on the younger side. Vincent Spilotro, 2nd generation owner of Arezzo Jewelers is only 38 but has fast tracked his success by attending training sessions, finding mentors at jewelry shows, and continuing to ask questions and staying curious. Michael speaks with him to learn what he wished he had discovered earlier, what his holiday plans are, and how he stays abreast of current trends.

With Love from Antwerp, Why Every Jeweler Needs to Visit Belgium
Antwerp, Belgium, is the Diamond Capital of the World. Antwerp's intriguing lore, intoxicating mix of vibrant diamond markets, and the impressive security within the diamond district make it a trip to remember. Michael speaks with Scott Stambaugh, of Stambaugh Jewelers, who has traveled to Antwerp over 30 times with IJO, as well as Erika Godfrey the organizer of the RJO Rock Tour. And that's not all. Mike speaks Ross Cockerham, CEO of Punchmark, who tells the story of Punchmark's original 'Sweeter Than Chocolate' campaign, as well as announces Punchmark's exciting new campaign slated for this year, designed especially to help retailers connect with their VIP clients in unique, meaningful ways.

Holiday Retailer Roundtable ft. Sundance Jewelers & Arezzo Jewelers
It's the busy time of the year, but that's not stopping us from talking with jewelers in the middle of making their holiday sales. We compare Black Friday performances, early December Sales, and if they open the days between Christmas and New Years. This is the penultimate episode for Season 4, so sit back and enjoy!

Retailer Roundtable: Navigating the Jewelry Year
Mike is joined by a panel of retail jewelers to talk about how they navigate the Jewelry Year. From when they schedule in their annual vacations, which jewelry shows they attend, and what jewelry styles are doing well at their respective stores.

Let's Talk With: INOX Men's Jewelry
This week Mike interviews Sebastian Velasquez from INOX Men's Jewelry. INOX is best known as THE men's jewelry line, creating iconic bangles, bracelets, and rings for over fifteen years. Sebastian shared his view on men's fashion and where he thinks the industry is heading, information he is uniquely privy. Additionally, the pair discuss the unique trust and dynamic between vendors and retailers, something that is rarely spoken about but is extremely important for the continued success of the jewelry industry. You wont want to miss this one!

Sustainable Practices & Sibling Business Partnerships ft. Brevani
Brevani, an offshoot jewelry brand of Color Merchants, owners Jordan & Allison Peck share their innovative journey in the jewelry industry, focusing on modern trends while maintaining a legacy of responsible sourcing. They discuss their dynamic collaboration as brother and sister, successful marketing strategies, what they stand to learn and gain as members of The Plumb Club, and how they keep appearing on The Bachelorette every season!

102 Years of Excellence, Meet Ostbye ft. Craig MacBean
A business doesn't stick around for over 100 years if they aren't doing things the right way. Craig MacBean is the 4th generation President of Ostbye, and shares some of the key differentiating factors when it comes to standing out in the crowd of bridal vendors, his views on lab-grown diamonds, and teases some new products that are going to be coming to a jewelry retailer near you!

An Inside Look at Ostbye’s Acquisition of Victor Corporation with Craig MacBean
Mike sits down with Craig MacBean, President and fourth generation owner of jewelry powerhouse Ostbye to learn more their recent acquisition of Victor Corporation, a jewelry vendor that has been making jewelry since 1946. He discusses the timeline for the acquisition, why they made the move, and what it means for Ostbye customers.

Exploring Custom Jewelry Design and Technology ft. Matthew Ego from Guild and Facet
Our guest this week is Matthew Ego, CEO & Founder of the forward-thinking Guild and Facet, a renowned white label jewelry manufacturing company. He delves into the world of jewelry customization where Guild and Facet is making a mark, not necessarily through brand name, but through their commitment to exceptional customer service, incredible design, and commitment to leaning into burgeoning technologies. Matthew also recounts some of the most unforgettable custom jewelry projects that Guild and Facet has undertaken, including a breathtaking 14.5 carat lab-grown heart-shaped diamond that was worked with recently. We round up the discussion by exploring the growing trend of customization in the manufacturing industry, providing a glimpse of how this trend impacts our everyday lives.

It's Time to Talk About TikTok Marketing
The fastest growing social media platform is made to feel authentic, unpolished, and fun. However, all of these adjectives contrast starkly with how many business owners try to portray themselves online. Most business owners want to be seen as professional, trust worthy, and intelligent, and it can be intimidating to let go and embrace the fun of making a TikTok! But don't worry, The Smithee Group team are here to give you some tips on how to start marketing in a different way!

Why Everyone Needs to Be a LinkedIn Expert ft. Megan Crabtree
The misfit of the social media sphere, LinkedIn has long served as the primary place for humble brags about promotions. However, Megan Crabtree believes there more to the platform than Help Wanted ads and Bragging. LinkedIn allows users to have an authentic professional voice, something rare when compared to other social platforms, and Megan explains exactly how to amplify what you have to say. B2B or B2C, your voice deserves to be heard.

I Tried Every Vertical Video Platform So You Don't Have To (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels)
Are you ready to unlock the world of vertical video content? Join me as we delve into the intricacies of Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, the leading platforms that have revolutionized the era of vertical video content. You'll take away valuable insights as we dissect the strengths, weaknesses, and my personal experiences with each platform. I'll guide you through their unique content limits, diverse audio options, and the specific audience they attract, and you'll understand why one claims a special place in my heart. We won't just stop at platform comparisons; we'll venture into the vast realm of editing tools and best practices that can optimize your content creation process. I'll take you through the hurdles of multi-publishing and the significance of tailoring content to satisfy the unique requirements of each platform. Hope you enjoy!

The Keys to Good Copy ft. Stephanie Momot
Good copywriting doesn't stand out: it blends in. The copy on your website should act as a brand ambassador and point of connection with your customers. In this episode, we talk with professional writer Stephanie Momot Rhodes. She shares her perspective on the value of good copy and how it functions on your site to encourage specific user behavior. She also gives her top tips for those tasked with writing web copy, and some insights on the In the Loupe brand voice that she crafted.

5 Things That Are Working Right Now In E-Commerce
We spend a lot of time measuring results of a wide variety of different digital marketing techniques, and it shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that not everything is effective. Not only that, but digital marketing changes yearly, if not monthly, based on the small algorithm tweaks enacted on the various platforms available to retailers. Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing, outlines 5 things that are working (and 5 things that are NOT) in the digital marketing space.

A Masterclass on Email Marketing with Stuart Blessman
Ready to amp up your email marketing game? We've got Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark, sharing the nitty-gritty of email marketing and how it's evolved in recent years. From the right amount of emails to leveraging sequences, Stuart guides us through the digital marketing labyrinth. We take an in-depth tour of email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact, Active Campaign, Campaign Monitor, Mailchimp, and Klaviyo. Stuart reveals how these platforms, with their unique features and integration options, serve as powerful engines to boost your store's revenue.

Diamond Diaries, Becoming a Jewelry Retail Influencer ft. Alex Schlindwein
Alex Schlindwein is the Marketing Director and former General Manager of Kiefer Jewelers, but you might know her as @_diamond_diaries, her Instagram influencer alias she creates engaging and eye-catching content under. Mike spoke with Alex about what drove her to create content, what her goals are with the platform, and what easy content ideas she believes are winners.

What Goes Into Starting Your Own Jewelry Line ft. Birthright Foundry
Join me as I sit down with the inspiring Constance Palamalu, the creative genius behind the high-end jewelry brand, Birthright Foundry. Drawing from her rich Samoan heritage, Constance has successfully carved out a unique space for herself in the world of fine jewelry. We chat about her innovative design process, the fascinating journey of selling her most high-profile piece to date, and the special experience of working with celebrities. Constance's story of embracing her authenticity and staying true to her roots will leave you inspired.

The Jeweler's Ace Up Their Sleeve ft. Jewel-Craft
Meet the unsung heroes of the jewelry world as Mike speaks with Stefanie Wesdorp from Jewel-Craft, a fourth-generation family business that handles service requests for hundreds of retail jewelers around the US.
Stefanie shares how Jewel-Craft has carved out a role as the hidden powerhouse behind so many jewelry stores. Tackling everything from intricate repairs to challenging customizations, Jewel-Craft manages to stay organized while handling hundreds of requests a day.

Clienteling in 2022 ft. Clientbook
The future of clienteling looks a lot different than it has in the past, and expectations have changed. The difference between a customer and a client relies on the follow up skills of the business owner. That's why we decided to speak with Ryan from Clientbook about clienteling in 2022 and how you can convert one-time customers into long term clients.

The Starting of Picup Media's Empire ft. Picup Media
You know them as brilliant minds behind one of the most transformative pieces of technology in jewelry e-commerce, the GemLightbox, but do you know their story? Their team is full of talented individuals, brilliant minds, and a 30 under 30 member. Michael sat down with Kevin Saw, Director of Finance and Operations at Picup Media, about their impact on the industry, making a splash with the GemLightbox, and what their next product will be.

Fraud Protection Around the Holidays ft. ClearSale
A majority of retailers make upwards of 70% of their online sales in November and December, which means the probability to encounter fraud around the holidays is the highest. It's not all faulty cards, or shady orders too! Some fraudsters have put as much time into attempting to scam you as you have trying to prevent them. Mike speaks with Faye from ClearSale to discuss how you can prevent your business this holiday season.

Digital Accessibility and Your Website ft. AccessiBe
If you have a website, it's important for you to understand what the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) means for you. Delve into the world ADA compliance for websites, joined by the experts from AccessiBe, Punchmark's new ADA compliance partners. From understanding the legal landscape to practical implementation, our conversation sheds light on the importance of web accessibility and how AccessiBe's innovative Accessibility Widget can empower businesses to create truly inclusive online experiences. Tune in to discover how ADA compliance isn't just a requirement, but a step towards a more accessible and equitable digital world.