Jessica Strikowski, Founder of JS Jewelry Buyers
Name: Jessica Strikowski
Founder: JS Jewelry Buyers
In one sentence, what problem do you solve and for who?
I buy people’s unworn jewelry for cash (check, technically!).
What's your story?
I started buying jewelry in 2007 - back when we all thought gold had “hit its peak.” I was hosting Gold Parties from South Florida all the way up the East Coast, and it was an absolute blast.
Over the years, my business has evolved into a true luxury concierge service. I now meet clients right in their homes, where they can relax, share their stories, and show me the pieces they’re finally ready to part with. And honestly? The stories are my favorite part: every ring, bracelet, and pendant comes with a little history and a whole lot of heart.
With gold prices now more than five times what they were when I started, helping people turn their unworn jewelry into something exciting feels better than ever. I love what I do, and I love making someone’s day even more.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
I am beyond excited to meet other female entrepreneurs looking to make a difference. I am known as a “connector” and am excited to finally be doing it for myself!
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I always love supporting small business, especially female founded businesses!
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
Bethany Frankel. She created a great, unique brand on her Skinny Girl drinks. It was right around when I started my first company, and seeing a woman start a great company made me drawn to her. I now follow her on TikTok and think she’s super savvy and f’ing hilarious and relatable.
What are the first three things that you did when you were starting your business?
Created a website and customer database
Scaled it by training others in other markets
Grew quickly because time was money (if they didn’t sell to me, they’d sell to someone else!)
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
I hired a marketing consultant who did a great job with my rebrand earlier this year. I had been doing my old social posts and they looked terrible. I knew I needed to invest to get myself seen more.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
I worked for someone who was dishonest and didn’t treat his employees or others well. Honesty and integrity are the forefront of what I do. If people don’t trust me, they won’t do business with me. I would rather sleep at night than make an extra X percent.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
Outsourced solution. They’ve been great, but haven’t been super timely lately. I feel like I need to be on top of them.
How did you land your first client?
I was the customer and became the business very quickly. My friends started as my first clients and it grew from there!
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
I go to peoples homes to buy their jewelry. They like the privacy and convenience of me coming to them. I also have a residency at some independent living residences. My fundraising arm is an easy way for charities to raise money. They have me come to an event and a percentage of what I buy goes back to the organization. No one else does that in my area.
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today?
I wasn’t happy with my social media and knew I couldn’t get the word out past my immediate circle if I didn’t have someone help.
What are three actionable tips you would give with other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
Ask for help from other successful business people. Business is about widgets, and if someone succeeded in another type of business, they probably can help you more than you know!
Make a plan! Don’t just start and try to figure it out as you go.
Make goals and deadlines for yourself.
Put yourself out there!
Ask friends to help you get the word out.
Follow us on Instagram @dearfoundher and join our Facebook community for more conversation.
Make sure you tune in to Dear FoundHer… for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
