We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Roy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Courtney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I really wanted to have the independence to grow without any limits to my earning potential. I have a really strong work ethic, so as an employee I was always getting small bonuses and employee-of-the-month perks. These “perks” really just amounted to a pat on the back and I realized that no matter how hard I worked my income would always be capped by the boss’s bottom line. Entrepreneurship was really a path for me to take the brakes off and create my own destiny.
What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
In jewelry you get what you pay for. Diamonds and precious metals are commodities and the price is set by market forces that are outside the control of individual jewelers. While there is always some wiggle room for negotiation, if someone is offering you diamond jewelry at 70% off it was probably overpriced to begin with or you’ll be getting quality that is far inferior to what you’ve been quoted.
Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
Every step in my career has involved calculating risks and then taking a leap with the potential for big losses. Overall I’ve won more than I’ve lost but it’s a scary process. I sacrificed a lot to open up my LA store and I didn’t have any guarantees. After a lot of hard work it’s paid off and once again I’m taking a big risk to open another location here in Atlanta. As the old saying goes: No risk, no reward; and at this point I’m addicted to the rewards.
What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?
When I first opened Clarity Custom Jewelry I was one of the few black jewelers in LA’s famous Jewelry District. The jewelry community there is notoriously insular and when I first came on the scene a lot of doors were closed to me. It took years to develop the relationships that allow me to create pieces at the highest levels of artistry and craftsmanship. But that was just practice…In 20 years I want the Clarity name to be synonymous with the best quality jewelry in the world.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I would like the world to know that clarity custom is a black owned jewelry company that Specialize in fine custom Jewelry. We work in detail with our clients from original design to hand-picked diamonds.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would to take them to Ponce City Market, Atlanta Belt line and Piedmont Park three of my favorite places in the city.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Designed By Masis helped me a lot in the early days. He was an excellent mentor.
Website: www.claritycustomjewelry@gmail.com
Instagram: @claritycustomjewelry
Image Credits
Rut Photography