Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Welch.
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 grew up in the cities and am proud to call Minnesota my home. I’ve always been “facet-nated” with gems and jewelry since I was young. In all the video games I played (big nerd here) I always wanted to be a goldsmith or gem cutter. When I turned 15 my father decided to purchase a Facetron (gem faceting machine) and we learned how to use it together. As the years go on I continue to improve my skills and fall in love with the idea that I am creating something that will outlive me and be treasured by others.
In 2013 I decided to chase my jewelry dream and began introducing myself to all the local goldsmiths in town seeking an apprenticeship. After knocking on a lot of doors and people literally laughing in me face Amanda Gephart decided to give me a chance. She taught and supported my career as a goldsmith even when I knew nothing of the craft.
I began live streaming my gem cutting on Twitch. To my surprise people from around the world began commissioning custom cut gemstones and jewelry from me. It is an incredible feeling that my art is all around the world. I would invite the commissioners to watch me live while cutting their stones. This is what helped build the revenue to start our business.
Fast forward to 2021 where I met Tou Yang, my business partner. Together we started Ryan56k LLC and began creating and repairing jewelry together in a garage. In 2024 we purchased Jewelers Service Company and are continuing our passion of creating and repairing things that have so much meaning to others and will outlive us.
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?
Live streaming was fun but required a lot of energy on top of a consistent schedule. This was challenging considering I still had my full time goldsmith position. This became even more difficult when my wife and I were having a baby and a contract that would catapult us into our jewelry business came up.
We quit our jobs and took the leap. Within 3 months I was a father and running a new business. It was very overwhelming for my family and Tou’s. Things eventually leveled out and it was smooth sailing. Then we met Tim Jaworski at Jewelers Service. He was retiring and liked us so he made us an offer that would push our business 10 years into the future, our dream.
I never want to merge two companies ever again in my life. Bringing our business of 3.5 years into a business that has been around since 1939 was a challenge. Many upgrades were needed, restructuring for efficiency, and doubling our clientele was jaw dropping. We still work every night and weekends but now a year later things are starting to smooth out again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jeweler Services?
We are a jewelry trade shop. We don’t sell jewelry we make it and repair it. In our shop the goldsmiths are sitting right there and can help explain a repair or help design a piece that is both durable and beautiful. One of the more lesser known things when it comes to the public is that no one knows what is possible when it comes to colored stones. We design and facet gemstones all in house. We create a truly one of a kind experience where the client gets to choose the rough gemstone that will be hand cut by me and become the centerpiece of their jewelry.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is when a promotional VHS tape arrived at my house in the mail randomly. I popped it in and there was Pokemon for the first time ever on my TV screen. It talked about what was coming to America. the cards, mini figures, and the cartoon. Watching that over and over I was mesmerized by the world. I then proceeded to bike to all my friends houses and watch it with them.
Pricing:
- Gold sizing- $80
- Chain repair- $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JewelerServices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan56k.ig
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jeweler-services-minneapolis
