Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Brooks.
Hi Joy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my handmade jewelry line in 2014. The name of that company is Lemonade. Lemonade because when life hands you lemons you make Lemonade. In simple I was in and out of the system growing up, suffered every form of abuse and still managed to make something beautiful out of a messy start! From 2014-2023 I made jewelry while working full time jobs, caring for sick family members and finishing raising my children. At one time during those 9 years, I had my jewelry in 7 locations stretching from Mountain Brook to Auburn and points in between. I always wanted to have my own store front, but I had to wait until the time was right. All the stars lined up for me in 2023 and I was able to open Anchor. I had a lot of people ask me why Anchor when I was known for “making Lemonade”? My answer was this….I knew I wanted to have a variety of items in my store including things for men. I couldn’t see a man wanting to brag about a hat or shirt he purchased at Lemonade. Living in a lake town I wanted something that had a nautical sound without being another Lake Wedowee something. The name also has faith based meaning for me, but that’s an even longer story! Let’s just say the song The Anchor Holds has really special meaning to me!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I mean yes and no! I knew the time was right for me to do this, but I had so much to learn. There’s so much more to owning your own business than even I imagined. And I have a big imagination! I’ve had to learn about all the bookwork that goes into it, marketing my products and myself, learning to merchandise well and balancing all of it. I would say balancing has been the biggest struggle for me! Trying to make sure that I don’t lose sight of all that I have been blessed with, trying to make sure I don’t allow “work” to consume me so much that I put it ahead of my family, and trying to balance the whole “you gotta spend money to make money!”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make handmade jewelry, mostly earrings! I got started making leather earrings before they were even a thing. I literally rode that train for almost 10 years! Who knew that trend would last as long as it did. When I felt the leather trend begin to shift I started dabbling in making wire jewelry, resin jewelry and have since added clay to my resume. I would definitely say that even though I own a variety gift shop that I am most known for making Lemonade earrings. I would say I am most proud (even though it’s hard for me to brag on myself!!) of the fact that I am able to make something beautiful with my hands. I have no formal training. Everything I have learned to do I have taught myself. I have no formal education beyond high school. I am just an ordinary person! I’m proud that I can share my story with others to simply say that regardless of the beginning you can choose to make Lemonade out of your lemons and still make an impact, a positive impact!!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Not sure how to answer that one. I’m a one woman team for the most part. As far as collaboration, I’m always open to that if it’s the right fit. Now support is a whole different thing. I guess I would say SHOP and share!!! Share what you purchased that you love and I hope you walked away feeling encouraged. I’m a big believer that a happy customer is the best and most inexpensive form of advertisement!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Lemonade Boutique
- Facebook: Lemonade, Anchor on Main
