Some of Love, Willow’s jewelry. Courtesy | Facebook
A new jewelry store in downtown Hillsdale, which offers a variety of vintage and handmade pieces, opened in mid-October.
Love, Willow operates by appointment and sells jewelry at an affordable price, according to store owner Kristen Holmes.
Holmes said she tries to make sure her customers find exactly what they are looking for when they schedule an appointment to shop, because jewelry is more than accessorizing; it’s an experience.
Holmes said she hopes customers take away a spirit of positivity from the store.
“I hope customers find it to be a positive place, where they can appreciate beauty and themselves.”
Holmes said she found solace and a creative outlet in jewelry after being diagnosed with epilepsy. She stumbled across TikTok’s “jewelry jar” trend, where thrifting influencers buy mystery jewelry jars and sift through them on camera.
“I decided to get my own and had so much fun with it,” Holmes said. “It started with me tearing apart and crafting old, broken jewelry and making my own.”
Now, Holmes said she plans to form a display of her crafted jewelry among the many original pieces her store carries. Love, Willow features more than 600 pieces, including vintage Avon and Monet, artisan pieces, and fine jewelry.
Sophomore Savana Greb, who owns a small business called Honeycomb Jewelry Co., said she looks forward to supporting Love, Willow.
“I love jewelry and owning a jewelry business because it’s such a simple and timeless way to express yourself and feel more put together or beautiful each day,” Greb said.
Holmes said she made purposeful design choices that add brightness to her work office.
“The store is also a way to battle my seasonal depression,” Holmes said.
She said she has filled the store with flowers, plants, and a message board, where she encourages customers to take a note and leave a note of love and inspiration.
Holmes said she hopes the store can be a positive place where anyone can celebrate beauty and themselves for affordable prices. The pricing system features many pieces between $1-5, which is affordable when compared to specialised vintage and handmade jewelry retailers. Holmes also has the average resale price attached to each piece.
Junior Caesar Gombajov said he is thrilled about this new addition to the Hillsdale community.
“I think the new store will add more variety to this small town,” Gombojav said. “It’s also cool that it’s opening around Christmas time, so it’ll be perfect for gifts.”
Holmes said she currently runs the business out of her work office but has plans to open a storefront soon. Until then, customers can make an appointment through her Facebook page.
“Love, Willow is truly tied to the adventure I’m on, with a variety of pieces I hope to help each customer find a special place and unique jewelry piece for yourself and your loved ones,” Holmes said.
