Emmaus Jewelry Store Owner Lives 'Shop Local' Mantra

Special to Emmaus Patch By Chrissy Cilento, Emmaus High School Senior

Emmaus Jewel Shop
338 Main St., Emmaus
610-965-2174
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Owner: Donna Marks
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
 
What you sell?
I’m not your normal jewelry store. I do still carry fine goods and I have an excellent repair service, but I’ve switched things around a little bit. A lot of newer merchandise is now coming from India. I have nothing against India, but I don’t feel like supporting India. So now I’m using local artists. I have eight artists who are just totally awesome. I’d rather be supporting them than anybody. I like calling this the one-stop-shop because, especially during the holidays, guys don’t like to shop. I've extended our line of gift items, so they can buy a pin or a necklace here, a scarf, a card, candy, everything! They’re out of here and they’re happy. 

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What is the most rewarding part of this business?
The most rewarding part is definitely the friendships. I’m in now my third generation of families, and that’s one of the best parts. They’re not clients. We’ve shared so much together over the 33 years I’ve been here. We’ve been through thick, thin, and everywhere in between.  

The worst part? 
The worst is juggling. Unfortunately it’s not in the budget yet to really hire help, so I’m a one-man-band.

Where do you see this business in the future?
I’d like to employ, but mainly I’d just like to stick it out. I only have 18 more years until retirement. I can say I’ve only ever had one job in my life, and it’s here. This has always been my life, and I hope it will continue to be. 33 years went fast...what’s another 18?  

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received? 
To listen. Sometimes you listen but don’t really listen. A lot of people only hear what they want to hear, with very selective hearing. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. I’ve found that out -- I’m not the proud person I used to be. I’m tired of making mistakes, so I do ask. Not only do I ask for help, but I ask questions. You’re never to old to ask for help or to learn.  

What do you think makes this business different from the competition?
Price point. This used to be the type of store where a woman would come in and say “Oh, that’s really beautiful, but I have to wait for an occasion.” No woman should have to wait for an occasion. I wanted this so any woman could come in and buy themselves something. I have price points starting at $20 to thousands of dollars. I just don’t want a woman to ever feel she has to wait for her husband to buy her something. Also, most chain stores have “the norm” but they don’t have variety. We definitely have very unique pieces you won't see in other stores. 

What do you do in your spare time?
Three years ago I became a board member on the Emmaus Main Street partners. I’m in charge of the retail division, so we are constantly planning things. I also became a foster mom for Adopt-a-Boxer. I lost my boxer in December, and I’ve recently taken on my first rescue. It’s been challenging. That’s basically what I do! Any time in between is sleep! 

What do you want the community to know about your business? 
Shop local, shop Emmaus. It’s perfect. It says it all. Without that, a lot of the small stores wouldn’t be here.

Chrissy Cilento, a senior at Emmaus High School, plans to study journalism in college. She is a periodic contributor to Patch.