We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Richichi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was in my final semester, going to school for graphic design at Syracuse University. I was taking a jewelry class and made my first rings out of keys from my late-grandmothers’ house. They were special keys to me because she lived next door to me my whole life. I realized later, that everyone has a special connection to keys— whether it be their first house or first car or a key to a loved ones’ house who has passed. Keys are small, but charged with infinite meaning. I decided to source more recycled keys and give them a new purpose as rings and JoJo Rings was born.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets us apart from other brands is that we want to inspire our customers to love what makes them one-of-a-kind. Just as our rings are essentially one-of-a-kind (because each key cut is different), we want everyone to embrace their individuality. Individuality is one of our 3 core principles along with sustainability + social good. Every business owner will tell you it’s definitely not easy, and there are still challenges & lessons that I have yet to experience. Positivity has gotten me to where I am today as well as connections. I love the fact that we change our charity partner every other month. From the beginning I knew I wouldn’t be able to pick just one organization to help and that they would forever be our beneficiary. I love getting the chance to connect with and meet so many new and different people. Learning about how we can make a difference and letting them share their stories is what makes me a better person and makes the brand better. Our customers know that their purchase is helping make a difference and I even get to hear stories from customers who have a special connection with the nonprofit we are working with and feel the need to tell us how grateful they are. It comes full circle when it comes to story-telling & our brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Charleston, SC Eat: Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek Drink: Coffee from Harken Cafe Favorite place for a Stroll: Downtown Charleston— the side streets around the Battery Experience: Oyster Roasts Rooftop: The Watch at the Restoration Hotel Best Art: Check out my talented friend, Sam Rueter, at the Grand Bohemian Gallery Best view: Walk the Ravenel Bridge and the view from the halfway point Favorite beach: The Washout, Folly Beach at sunset

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband (we’ve been together since highschool). He encouraged me to start the brand and has always supported me over the past 6 years that JoJo Rings has been in business. He also owns his own business and we always talk about how we’ve each had times in our careers where we had to pull back the reigns on our own business to help the other persons’ grow & flourish. the sacrifices have contributed to our success. Since he knows exactly how hard it is to run your own business I’ve always had someone to talk to and we’ve learned from eachothers’ experiences. My late-grandmother is also a huge part in my story. She was the inspiration behind the brand— her keys were the start, but she always had a giving heart. This inspired me to include the giveback aspect of the brand. With every purchase, $5 is donated to charity.

Website: www.jojorings.com
Instagram: @jojo_rings
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-richichi-786b4670/
Facebook: facebook.com/jojo.rings

Image Credits
Photos by: Caitynn Driggs Photography

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