Turning Passion into a Jewelry Business with Ann Chikahisa

Rooted in Retail

What inspires someone to leave a successful corporate career and dive into the world of entrepreneurship? Today, I’m chatting with Ann Chikahisa, the founder of Chikahisa Studio, who did just that.
After years in corporate sales, Ann took her creative passion and built a thriving jewelry business. With over 15 years of experience as a business owner, metalsmith, and designer, Ann creates pieces that connect with women and their inner power.
In this episode, we cover so much about entrepreneurship. Ann talks about what it really means to follow your passions, build a business, and make meaningful connections—whether it’s with customers or with yourself.
So get ready to be motivated and uplifted. Her story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to pursue your passions, and her jewelry is a beautiful reflection of that. I’m so excited for you to listen!
[04:16] How Ann pivoted from corporate sales to designing jewelry

[11:18] The VIP membership Ann offers with her products

[13:54] What challenge Ann faced while pivoting

[16:19] Next Level Retail: Asana Strategies to Boost Your Business Efficiency

[19:00] How Ann developed a signature style and honed her jewelry collection

[23:18] A few things to remember when you get tough feedback

[26:33] The personal tragedy that sparked a major change in Ann's business

[31:09] What Ann would tell her younger self

[34:58] Ann's resilience round

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1. How Ann Chikahisa Turned Passion into a Jewelry Business (00:00:00)

2. How Ann pivoted from corporate sales to designing jewelry (00:04:15)

3. The VIP membership Ann offers with her products (00:11:16)

4. What challenge Ann faced while pivoting (00:13:53)

5. How Ann developed a signature style and honed her jewelry collection (00:19:00)

6. A few things to remember when you get tough feedback (00:23:19)

7. The personal tragedy that sparked a major change in Ann's business (00:26:33)

8. What Ann would tell her younger self (00:31:10)

9. Ann's resilience round (00:34:58)

10. Best business book (00:35:04)

11. Best retail technology (00:35:11)

12. How do you keep up with the ever changing retail landscape? (00:35:17)

13. What's a product design foundational best practice? (00:35:31)

14. If you had to start your business all over again, what's one thing you'd do differently? (00:36:03)

15. What do you think the future of independent retail looks like? (00:36:25)