I Run This: Leah Singer and Jessica Abu, LeahJessica Jewelry

Name: Leah Singer and Jessica Abu

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Location: San Diego, CA

What is the name of your business and what do you do?

LeahJessica Jewelry—we are jewelry designers.

Describe yourself in three words.

Leah: Creative, Mom Boss, Determined

Jessica: Assertive, Go Getter, Unstoppable, Familia

Why did you decide to start your own business? How did you get started? 

Jessica and I were interested in creating something for ourselves. We wanted to design timeless jewelry that was accessible to everyone and could be passed down through generations.

What was the biggest lesson you learned in the first year? 

That everyone wants a discount! (jajajaja)

How does running your own business make you feel? 

Strong, proud, accomplished, and sometimes tired.

What are some of the hurdles or roadblocks you’ve faced? 

Increasing our presence beyond our local community. Finding reliable people to collaborate with. Realizing when we needed help with billing and marketing.

What are some challenges that Hispanic/Latinx small business owners face that others may not? 

Language barriers. Learning how to navigate different cultural expectations and styles in business settings.

What unique perspectives do you bring to the small business economy as a Hispanic/Latinx business owner? 

Being two Hispanic female business owners who were raised in the United States, with family still in Mexico, we have unique access to both worlds. We speak multiple languages and know what styles are popular in various communities.

What are some of your major wins or accomplishments? What are your proudest moments?

I believe some of our proudest moments are when we go out somewhere and unexpectedly see someone wearing one of our pieces. Another major accomplishment is making a deal to have our pieces sold at Saks Fifth Avenue in Mexico City.

What are the next big plans you have for your business? 

LeahJessica will reach a broader clientele online and increase our presence in brick and mortar stores.

When you’re having a tough day, who or what inspires you to keep going? 

Leah: Mi mama (en paz descanse). She was the one that turned me on to jewelry. She had a creative soul and taught me everything she knew about jewelry. La extraño muchisimo. Y también mis 3 hijos! I want them to know that whatever you put your mind to, you can do.

Jessica: Mis hijos son mi inspiración para salir adelante con ideas creativas.

How can Hispanic/Latinx small businesses give back to their community? 

Jessica and I truly believe that giving back is personally gratifying and empowers other Hispanic/Latinx. Reaching out to our community through financial and mentorship.

What advice would you give other Hispanic/Latinx entrepreneurs just starting out? 

Just go for it and don’t look back! Look for others who are in your field and reach out to them for questions and guidance.

What’s your “power song” and why? 

A few songs that came to us: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “Como la Flor” by Selena, and “All the Single Ladies” by Beyonce.