Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Rittenhouse.
Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into permanent jewelry started rather unexpectedly. A friend reached out to ask if I thought she should start a permanent jewelry business. At the time, I had no idea what it was—but I encouraged her to go for it. Once I saw her process in action, I was instantly intrigued and couldn’t wait to get a bracelet for myself. I loved the concept—an effortless, polished look with minimal maintenance.
Although I never had the chance to see her in person to get a bracelet, I quickly realized there was a growing demand for permanent jewelry in my area of North Carolina. That same friend later created an online course on how to start a permanent jewelry business, and I had the opportunity to help by proofreading and testing the course. Just three months later, I officially launched my own permanent jewelry business.
Knowing that my husband’s career would require us to relocate periodically, I saw this as a unique opportunity to build a mobile business I could take with me—allowing me to grow and connect with new communities along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, the journey has been smooth, aside from the typical challenges that come with running a small business. In early 2023, I made the decision to expand by bringing on a second welder, which required me to learn how to hire, train, and manage a team—skills that were entirely new to me at the time.
Today, my business operates in both North Carolina and Minnesota. I oversee the Minnesota location while my assistant manages operations in North Carolina. Relocating and rebuilding my business in a new market—especially one that already had several established permanent jewelry businesses—was no small feat. However, the warm welcome and overwhelming support I’ve received from the Minnesota community has far exceeded my expectations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most proud of not only building my business from the ground up but also expanding it across two states and evolving to offer additional services that elevate the customer experience. In addition to permanent jewelry, we now offer boutique-style ear piercing at select events—a unique pairing that our clients love.
What truly sets us apart is the level of customization we provide. We offer over 40 chain options, along with connectors and charms, allowing each piece to be tailored to individual styles. For those who prefer a non-permanent option, we also provide clasps that can be added to any chain, giving customers a custom fit without the commitment. To further complement our core offerings, we’ve introduced beaded bracelets and rings that pair beautifully with our permanent jewelry.
We also specialize in private parties, bringing our services directly to clients for unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a bachelorette party, girls’ night, morning-of-the-wedding (a personal favorite), birthday celebration, or corporate event, we love being part of these special occasions and creating a meaningful, customized experience.
Our goal is to make every customer feel effortlessly put together with high-quality, minimalistic pieces that reflect their personal style.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe permanent jewelry and ear piercing are here to stay. While the initial surge for permanent jewelry created a buzz with long lines and high demand—particularly in 2022 and 2023—the industry has since stabilized. At that time, there were fewer artists offering the service, which contributed to its exclusivity and rapid growth.
Today, the permanent jewelry community has expanded significantly, and while the excitement remains, the market has become more accessible. Customers no longer need to travel long distances or wait in long lines at pop-up events to experience the service. I anticipate continued steady demand, with a focus on quality, customization, and the overall customer experience. As the industry continues to evolve, I anticipate more artists will diversify their offerings by incorporating complementary services that enhance the overall customer experience and set their businesses apart.
Pricing:
- Permanent Bracelet – $55
- Permanent Anklet – $65
- Permanent Necklace – $95
- Ear Piercing (1) – $35
- Ear Piercing (2) – $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nexuspermanentjewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexuspermanentjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nexus-Permanent-Jewelry/100087935344733/
- Other: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1x8Cl8PdeQuqvtRxFz7Z5Lsxz5m4rbKRCDGbI-1_XAeg/prefill
