Name of Business: Valeriashop
Type of Business: Handcrafted jewelry and fashion
Hours: Varied
Location: Online at https://www.etsy.com/shop/valeriashop as well as pop-up shops at the Turlock Certified Farmers Market and I Am Yoga
Contact Information: shop@valeriashop.com
Business Specialty: custom, one of a kind jewelry
History of Business:
For the past fifteen years Valeria Jimenez has been creating jewelry, a trade she picked up in high school when she found herself unsatisfied with jewelry options at stores. Jimenez’s newfound habit took off as friends and even teachers would approach her at school to purchase handmaid pieces, a trend that continued into college.
“I was the only person on campus with a credit card machine under her bed,” laughed Jimenez.
While her school days are behind her, Jimenez’s jewelry days are not.
Jimenez can be found downtown on Saturday mornings at the Turlock Certified Farmers Market selling her wares amongst fellow artisan and food vendors. Her pieces are eclectic, many a delicate collaboration of stone and metal accents. While Jimenez is a self-proclaimed lover of amethyst, she also uses turquoise, coral, freshwater pearls, and gold plated details.
“I will use any stone that calls my name. Anything with color and personality to it,” said Jimenez. “That is how jewelry should be. It should evoke emotion.”
Jimenez also has a pop-up shop in the local yoga studio I Am Yoga where her collection is more “peaceful” and “yogi-inspired” with simpler pieces that largely showcases crystals and pearls. However, no matter the piece, two words guide her creativity: effortless glamour.
Locals can also host Valeriashop boutique parties at their home where, unlike companies that require customers to place an order, clients can take home the pieces that night. Plus, they’re one of kind items.
“I rarely make more than a couple pieces that are the same,” said Jimenez.
Along with her jewelry, Jimenez also sells hand-sewn scarves, including her signature Cosmo scarf which can be worn like a scarf, collar, or even looped in an infinity style. Her innovative design includes cutting a slit in the middle of the scarf, so it lays flush against the back of the neck without ruffling the hair. The scarf, which is sold in various patterns, has been a success which Jimenez intends to launch into a full-blown clothing brand in the next year.
