Downey teen starts own stainless steel and silver jewelry business

Diana Garzon started her own business, Gardia Jewelry. (Courtesy photo)

DOWNEY — Like many her age, Diana Garzon wanted to put a little extra cash in her pocket.

There was just one small problem.

“I’ve been wanting to work for a while now, and I applied to many places,” said Garzon. “I wouldn’t get accepted; I wouldn’t get called back.”

Determined to “make her own money,” the 17-year-old Downey High School senior started Gardia Jewelry, selling stainless steel and silver necklaces, rings, bracelets, and the like.

Garzon says that she wanted her business to be different than what some of her peers were doing, such as baking or selling clothes. Her love natural love of jewelry made it the perfect fit for her business.

She got significant help from her parents – who helped start her financially – and her grandfather, who introduced her to her first few vital suppliers.

“My grandpa has a jewelry store in Mexico,” said Garzon. “He told his providers. They talked to me and wanted to see if I was interested, if I really wanted to put my mind to this.

“I had to do a lot to prove to them that I want to make this big.”

She gets many of her materials from providers in New York and Italy.

Garzon’s jewelry is priced right around $15 on average and comes with a promise that it will not easily break or tarnish over time.

Because of her age, she says that she has had to work hard to earn her client’s trust and prove the quality of her merchandise.

“Some people get nervous because I’m young, so they don’t know if it’s going to be good quality,” said Garzon.

“Usually, many adults question me if it’s true what I’m saying, that it’s not going to change color, if it’s real. I have to show them my confidence, and that I know that what I’m selling is true. I tell them, ‘wear it, do whatever is your regular routine, you’re gonna see that’s it not going to happen.’ They text me and DM and say, ‘You’re right, it’s true. It’s very good quality.’”

Most of Garzon’s advertising comes by way of social media and pop-up events. Gardia is still in its humble beginning stage, with around 35 regular customers.

She says eventually she would like to grow and expand Gardia.

“I want to have a lot of jewelry stores,” said Garzon.

Gardia Jewelry can be found on Instagram at @gardia._jewelry.