Meet Bobbi French of G. Thomas Jewelers/Paige-2 Jewelry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi French

Hi Bobbi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had to drop out of college when I was 20 because I got pregnant with my daughter. My parents didn’t allow me to move back home, so I needed to get a full-time job and figure it out. I worked four stores away from the jewelry store in downtown Manhattan and ended up selling some dress shirts to the owner of the jewelry store. He suggested I apply for a job at his jewelry store, so I did….. for 2 years before I got hired.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not a smooth road. My boss was difficult to work for and very traditional; women had to wear pantyhose five days a week, and dress pants were allowed on Fridays. My job description was to “look pretty and wrap packages.” My manager, who was male and started four months before me, was vetted to purchase the store when he retired, and he decided at the last minute he didn’t want to be a business owner.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about G. Thomas Jewelers/Paige-2 Jewelry ?
I purchased the business in 2009, knowing nothing about owning/operating a jewelry store. It has taken many years of seeking out education in the industry; I enrolled myself in jewelry school at New Approach to learn to communicate with my jewelers and better understand what can and cannot be done to precious metals and gems. I wish I could find more time on the bench, but I have a fantastic master jeweler who can make all of my creations come together (in less than half the time). I found a natural talent in “up-cycling” jewelry (taking an existing piece and reworking it to be something more current or something you’d prefer to wear). I have two brick-and-mortar locations, one in Manhattan, KS, and one in Junction City, Ks. I have recently re-branded my Paige-2 Jewelry (all custom designs) to the Greater Kansas City area. My daughter (the same one I dropped out of college to have) moved to Kansas City last August, and to create a way to see her more often, we have partnered to bring an exceptional service to KC. We will be offering a ring concierge service. My oldest daughter, Alexis Paige Forge (hence the Paige-2 Jewelry), followed her husband, Lane, a veterinarian in DeSoto, KS. Alexis worked through high school and college in my jewelry store to graduate in elementary education. Together, we plan to start a service where clients can meet us at a local coffee shop and learn everything it takes to design a custom engagement ring. With 26 years in the industry and hundreds of connections, custom bridal has become the primary way to shop for an engagement ring. We plan to bring our small-town customer service and pricing to the big city.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
www.gthomasjewelers.com and www.paige-2.com. We are also on Facebook and Instagram

Pricing:

• Free Consultations

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gthomasjewelers.com and www.paige-2.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gthomasjewelers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paige2mhk and https://www.facebook.com/gthomasjewelers/