From FedEx to Beyoncé: The Rise of JLANI Jewels with Lani Nesbit
I sit own with my favorite jewelry designer, Lani Nesbitt, the CEO and Creative Director of JLANI Jewels. Known for her exquisite designs worn by celebrities like Beyoncé, Blake Lively and Tamron Hall and featured in Oprah's Favorite Things, Lani shares her path to building a thriving jewelry business alongside her mom. She discusses the challenges of starting small, navigating the creative industry, brand authenticity, finding balance and creating a brand that resonates with high-profile clients and everyday customers alike.
This conversation is packed with insights about turning ambition into reality, balancing creativity and business, and finding joy in the process.
“Start where you are. Don’t wait until you feel like you’re ready. There’s always going to be a new level for you to reach.”
Lani Nesbit
Key Topics Covered
Starting JLANI Jewels: How Lani started the jewelry line with her mom and how she gained traction in the New York market.
Transition FedEx to Celebrity clients: Lani talks about how she leveraged her time working at FedEx to get her pieces in front of celebrity clients.
Celebrity Exposure: Hear about the celebrity moments with Beyoncé and Blake Lively that helped JLANI become a global brand.
Challenges of Entrepreneurship: Lani explains the ups and downs of bootstrapping her business, learning multiple skills, and how she’s able to manage the day-to-day operations.
Finding Inspiration and Balance: Lani explains why moving to Miami was necessary for her mental health and creative process; allowing her to incorporate nature and vibrant energy into her designs.
Future Plans for Jlani Jewelers: Lani hints at upcoming ventures that will expand the brand beyond jewelry.
