It's often asked, "What are the key ingredients in the recipe for success?" If you were to ask a group of entrepreneurs their answers, more than likely, could be summed up in three words: patience, perseverance, and passion.
And for most entrepreneurs "success", however it is defined, comes on the heels of a "failure" or a rather setback, emotional or actual. It is a fork in the road challenging one to turn back or move forward even into what might seem to be the pitch black darkness of uncertainty. A decision has to made. The entreprenuer chooses to more forward for he/she knows that what lies ahead will be greater than what lies behind.
Robyn Robinson, owner/designer of ROX Minneapolis, exotic jewelry created from semi-precious stones and sold internationally, possess those aforementioned ingredients in just the right portions. And after the former news anchor's gallery Flatland closed, she continued to move forward devoting her time and resources into making ROX a success.
While in traveling in Greece, Robinson took time out of her schedule to talk about transitions, "doing the job" versus "doing business" and some sage advice from her mother.
So many people, so it seems, are making some kind of transition. What was it like transitioning from full time news anchor/journalist to full time jewelry designer?
Everyone and everything is in transition -- and it’s what's going on around the planet!
I was already working my jewelry line for the past seven years, after closing my award-winning gallery, Flatland. ROX took off over the last year and a half, with more than 16 jewelers and boutiques in the US, Europe and the Caribbean carrying it...Then the shopping networks starting inquiring and I got mass manufacturing through a company in Edina called Reeves Park. So I had to make a choice. The leap was scary, but worth it.
How far is journalism from jewelry design? Or are they surprisingly similar?
They're light years apart! But journalism taught me how to assert myself, and how to network and research my new profession.
Complete this sentence. In the beginning…
..there was Robyne. And God said she was good.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere -- especially traveling. I love watching stylistas in different countries, seeing what's trending, how jewelry's styled. Sometimes just looking at stones can give you ideas. Sometimes nature.
You’ve traveled to Greece. How fabulous? This is this for business or pleasure, or both?
I love Greece. It's my second home. I've had a flat here in Athens (where I am right now) for about 7 years. My ex is Greek and I wanted to be close to him and experience life here. But it's also business. Greece is the entry port in Europe for semi-precious stones because Greece is the world leader in shipping. Just a lucky circumstance and very convenient. I get to buy stones here you'll never see in the US.
I read that your mother was a schoolteacher. What are some important lessons she taught you?
Always wear clean underwear. Stand up straight. Be independent. Dream big. And if they didn't like Jesus, don't expect everyone to like you.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be…
... a nurse, until I was six, then a journalist at 12, a model at 16 and a broadcaster at 17.
And now a bit of randomness...My favorite schoolyard game was...
...DODGEBALL!
Favorite muppets
Miss Piggy. Elmo. The old hecklers in the balcony on the Muppet Show.
Favorite indulgence
Strawberry Haagen Daas.
Your favorite piece of art
Hard to choose. Maybe the first real piece of art I bought: a photo diptych by Dawoud Bey entitled "Kerry and Cheryl".
Hard or soft?
Soft.
Black or White?
Black, of course.
What is an atypical day like?
Sleeping.
Someone once told me, “The question is not, 'Can you do the job?', the question is, 'Can you do business?’ Is there a difference between doing the job and doing business? What is that difference?
Big difference. “Doing the job” is an everyday thing -- no growth. “Doing business” means networking, excitement, and continuing to grow professionally.
Your jewelry is well traveled in retail outlets and at least one museum, all over the world. What were some of the challenges, if any, you faced when you decided to have your jewelry sold far and wide?
None, besides language. When you hustle, you make it happen. I've never taken 'no' for a final answer. You keep pushing on. Every trip is a business opportunity.
Earlier this year, you hosted the U of MN Senior Fashion Show. (I attended. It was a fun event. Great talent.) Did anyone ask you for advice? If so, what advice did you give? And if not, what advice would you have given had someone asked?
No, no one asked for advice. But we all passed around business cards! If asked, I'd say, ‘Believe in yourself and work hard. Ignore the haters. Never give up.”
Complete this sentence: “This time next year, I hope…”
...ROX is so successful, I'll never look back -- only forward.
To visit the ROX Minnepolis website, click here.
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