Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Ludwig
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been passionate about jewelry and the confidence it can bring to others. Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and perseverance required to build a successful business. Their journey inspired me to pursue my own path in entrepreneurship. I thrive on the challenge of managing all aspects of my business while knowing I have a strong support system to rely on when needed.
As a full-time teacher, I have developed strong organizational and planning skills, managing daily lesson planning, scheduling, and adapting to the needs of my students. My flexible schedule, including summers and weekends off, has allowed me to bring my vision to life. With this in mind, I founded Glisten Permanent Jewelry—a brand dedicated to creating meaningful connections and making people feel valued.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is any road ever truly smooth? I love what I do, and I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. I consider myself a lifelong learner, always looking for ways to improve and adapt.
One of the biggest challenges in launching Glisten Permanent Jewelry was navigating the initial stages—specifically, determining how much chain to order and which styles would be most popular. Predicting customer preferences without prior experience was difficult, but over time, direct feedback has been invaluable in shaping my offerings.
For example, the addition of charms to Glisten was inspired by a customer’s request. When a client asked if they could add a charm to their piece, I immediately researched high-quality options that were both small enough to avoid snagging and durable enough to stand the test of time. This decision became one of the best additions to Glisten, allowing for even more personalization and meaningful connections with customers.
Listening to my customers has been a top priority, and their feedback continues to play a crucial role in the evolution of Glisten Permanent Jewelry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Glisten Permanent Jewelry LLC?
I am often asked, “How did you come up with the name Glisten?”—and it’s a story I love to share. Growing up near the Chain of Lakes, I was always captivated by the way light glistens off the water. When brainstorming names, I had a long list of possibilities, but I kept coming back to “Glisten.” Not only does jewelry glisten in the light, but the confidence and joy a new piece brings to someone also creates a radiant, glistening feeling.
At Glisten Permanent Jewelry, I specialize in offering a fully customizable experience with over 40 chain options and 70 charms to choose from. I take great pride in sourcing high-quality, durable materials to ensure each piece is both beautiful and long-lasting. What sets Glisten apart is not only the variety of options available but also the emphasis on creating meaningful connections—whether it’s a mother and daughter bonding over matching bracelets or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion.
Glisten is custom-fit and hand-welded jewelry. We offer sterling silver, rose gold, and gold-filled options. The process is simple—customers select their preferred chain and optional charms, and any chain can be made into a bracelet, necklace, anklet, or even a ring. I then adjust the size to their preference before welding the chain securely. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes. If the jewelry ever needs to be removed, the jump ring can be cut, and the chain can be rewelded when the customer is ready to wear it again.
Glisten is a pop-up shop, bringing the experience directly to customers. Whether it’s partnering with local businesses, hosting in-home parties, or celebrating special occasions, we love making every event meaningful and memorable.
Glisten is more than just jewelry; it’s about capturing moments, celebrating individuality, and making each customer feel special.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is more than just growing a business—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and making people feel special. With Glisten Permanent Jewelry, success is seeing the joy and confidence that a new piece of jewelry brings to someone. It’s about building connections, whether it’s through a mother and daughter bonding over matching bracelets, a group of friends celebrating a milestone, or a customer feeling radiant in their personalized piece.
Success also means continuously learning and evolving. From the early challenges of predicting inventory to expanding offerings based on customer feedback, every step has been an opportunity for growth. I take pride in sourcing high-quality materials, ensuring that each piece is not only beautiful but also lasting.
Ultimately, success is about passion, purpose, and the ability to bring my vision to life while making an impact. If my jewelry can make someone feel confident, cherished, and connected, then I consider that a true success.
Pricing:
- Bracelets: $65
- Anklets: $75
- Necklaces: $95
- Rings: $35
- Charm are an additional $15
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @glisten.permanentjewelry
- Facebook: Glisten Permanent Jewelry
- Other: email: glistenjewelrymn@gmail.com
