Industry

How She’s Managing: Just Jules’ Julie Romanenko

Share

Every Thursday during the pandemic, we’re checking in on members of the jewelry trade in an attempt to glean shareable tips and tricks for doing business—and reentering our “normal” lives, both professionally and personally—during the COVID-19 crisis.

Today we hear from designer Julie Romanenko, owner of the Scottsdale, Ariz.–based brand Just Jules.

JCK: Where are you located, and who have you been spending the pandemic with?

Julie Romanenko: I am located in beautiful Scottsdale, Ariz. I have spent the pandemic with my husband, dog, and our pod of two other couples who live nearby.

Have you picked up any new hobbies in quarantine? 

I have always been an avid baker, but at the beginning of quarantine, I took it a bit too far and had to back off—I was one of those banana bread bakers!

Just Jules earrings
A pair of earrings featuring Colombian emeralds by Just Jules on display

How has the pandemic impacted your business—do you feel it had an overall positive or negative effect? 

I have relied less on selling through my retail partners, as they were all closed for so long, and instead focused on social media platforms. I worked harder but was really surprised by the positive results and the feedback. Overall, I think there were both positive and negative effects, which we will see for quite some time.

Mountain view
A splendid view on the way to a trunk show in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

You mentioned you did some car travel during the pandemic for some trunk shows. Tell us a little bit about that.

We drove from Phoenix to Jackson Hole [Wyo.] twice and once to Aspen [Colo.]. They were incredibly long but gorgeous scenic drives. During the summer drives, we were able to stop by the side of the road and get fresh fruit from farm stands, and once a melon from the back of a truck! I’m such a sucker for that kind of stuff. We drove through Palisade, Colo., during the peak of its peach season, which only lasts a few weeks in the summer. We also hit a snow/hailstorm in August and I was wearing flip-flops! I drove my husband mad singing to every song on Sirius[XM] radio.

What are customers currently clamoring for? 

Jewelry with meaning. Birthstone charms of those they love, as well as jewelry that can be seen on Zoom calls! Statement earrings and necklaces.

Is there anything from the past year that you hope sticks around?

Buying from artisans like myself. And, generally, being a bit more kind and considerate of others.

Julie and friend
Julie pictured with Jen, one of the salespeople she works with in Aspen, Colo.

How are you feeling about the upcoming JCK Las Vegas show—what are you most looking forward to?

I am somewhat optimistic about the upcoming show—I have heard mixed reactions from the retailers I have reached out to and many are not making it to the show. I am looking forward to meeting new partners and, most of all, seeing my jewelry family! I also know that there is nothing like being able to show my collections in person. Jewelry is such a tangible purchase, and nothing compares to one-on-one at a trade show. I am really not great at Zoom sales calls.

Tell us about your favorite entertainment sources during quarantine—movies, good reads, etc.

Netflix, novels, and the Food Network!

Top: Julie Romanenko of Just Jules (all photos courtesy of Julie Romanenko)

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine

By: Brittany Siminitz

Log Out

Are you sure you want to log out?

CancelLog out