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

Hi Lurlene, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business during the Pandemic while working from home. The idea was to give me something to do with the extra time I had since no daily commute was required. It was also an outlet for me to be able to interact with people while being required not to visit with family and friends. I also wanted a way to for God to use my ministry outside of the four walls of the church since we were not able to attend church in person during the shut down period.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My dream when growing up was to become a teacher. Of course during that time I never imagined my teaching would not be within a traditional classroom setting. I have spent the majority of my career in office administration/coordinator positions. These positions, in addition to my ministry, have allowed me to teach in non-conventional settings.

I cannot say that my journey has been easy due to several company downsizings and positions being eliminated, but it has been a journey that has connected me with some awesome folks who have become lifetime friends. There have been times when I worked 3 jobs to make ends meet until I found the position with the salary and compensation needed to maintain my household. However, through it all God has kept me and He receives all praise and glory for the things He has done.

I’ve learned to trust God in all things, and that a closed mouth don’t get fed. God puts people in your life that when, not if, you need help ASK. People don’t have to know what you’re going through to help you, but you have to open your mouth to get it. Don’t be ashamed to let someone know you are faced with a challenge and you need help. You’ll be surprised the blessings that will come when you let go and let God.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being that I am so close to Atlanta we would definitely spend the majority of our time in the city. We would visit The World of Coke, MLK birth home and the King Center, The Georgia Aquarium, The Civil Rights Museum, The Atlanta Botanical Gardens, The Carter Center. I don’t really have a favorite spot for eating, I simply like food! We would visit The Yard Milkshake Bar for a great summer treat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shout out is to my Creator God for giving me the go ahead to move forward with this endeavor. I would also like to thank my Upline Michelle Crawford for her prayers, support, and encouragement that she continuously gives. Michelle provides awesome training, doesn’t mind me asking questions, and helps me understand the business. My family supports me fully on this journey, I thank them for their patience and understanding, and allowing me to do something that I fully enjoy. My jewels, who are my customers, I could not do this without them. I remind them as I close my shows “Guess what! I love you and there is absolutely positively nothing you can do about it.”

Since I have been in the business, I have been blessed to connect with a beautiful soul, Barbara “Lady Hawk” Jackson-Hawkins. The sisterhood that has developed because of our connection to the business is great. I am blessed to truly call her friend.

Website: www.junjewels.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lurlene-sims-5072a0b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lurlene.sims/

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