*Editorial featured in MOST magazine.
As a little girl, Toni Lynch dreamed of one day becoming a famous fashion designer. Since elementary school, the Hamilton-based woman scribbled on sketch pads, created designs for her ‘one-day’ fashion line and never stopped sewing or studying the industry.
While she thought a career in fashion would be a dream come true, her parents Claudia and John envisioned her having a more ‘practical’ education.
She compromised — specializing in business management with an entrepreneurial program specialty — but never giving up her side interest in fashion.
“I think having a strong background in business was actually a really good thing in the long run”, says Toni.
She ended up combining her eye for all things creative with her marketing background to start a successful business in graphic and web design”.
While her career path led her into the corporate world, Toni started making jewelry as a sideline. Her mom Claudia, a former realtor, was retired and joined her – the two started hosting home parties … slowly gaining a reputation and eventually launched The Jewel Box.
As a team, the mother and daughter complement each other perfectly. Toni brings a young, hip and trendy style to the table, while Claudia’s own unique taste caters more to their large target audience of mature women looking for the quality they can afford.
“Mom has always been into doing crafts and loves creating things. She also has a keen business sense. We’re a good team,” says Toni.
The pair has marketed its products everywhere with exclusive shows and in-home parties. Always searching for ways to improve, both Toni and Claudia have attended seminars on how to grow and market their business as well as keeping on top of the latest trends in the fashion industry.
The Jewel Box is similar to their competition in that the pieces offered have a Hollywood appeal but what sets them apart is that these ‘Hollywood pieces’ are designed for the everyday woman.
“It’s empowering. You don’t have to be on the runway to wear any of our pieces, but you will certainly look like you could be if you wanted to!”
From young girls to business-minded women to boys and men and everyone in between – The Jewel Box has a diverse offering of goods. Most of the pieces have been designed and priced as a “full set”, which means it includes the necklace and matching earring. As well all the bracelets are complimented with the matching earring available. Any piece can be worn through each season, which also means more for your dollar.
“Our ultimate goal is to cater to our clients by providing our own unique niche market pieces. It’s all about helping people to look and feel great…without breaking the bank.”
In October of 2010, Claudia was diagnosed with cancer. She never gave up and kept fighting her battle with the most amazing spirit and positive energy. Creating jewelry gave her mind an escape from the pain she was dealing with. She just loved making these pieces for women and always enjoyed the compliments we were receiving. Sadly Claudia passed on November 18, 2012, from her battle with cancer.
Toni dedicates this website to Claudia who was her business partner, mother, and best friend. Together they created all the pieces that are displayed and Claudia spent countless hours creating new items so women of all ages could wear something made with passion and love.
Mom, may you rest in peace XO