We’re back with our latest Member To Meet introduction. Throughout the year we are taking you behind the scenes of our featured members, sharing their story, how they overcome fear and persevere. Our next feature is with Jordyn DiOrio, Founder of MEND Jewelry / The Pyrite Project. Read on to see how Jordyn chooses courage over fear, as she launches her newest venture in the midst of a global pandemic.
Jordyn DiOrio, photo by Ana Taylor Photography
How long have you been in business and please explain to our audience what you do. : I am a fiery and lively entrepreneur with a passion for helping small businesses. I believe success is a mix of working hard, fighting for equality, empowering those around myself, and cracking jokes along the way.
My love for simplistically designed jewelry paired with my entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of MEND in 2017. MEND Jewelry connects natural gemstones and crystals to women through simplistically designed jewelry. Since the launch of my brand, I've caught the attention of venture capitalists (receiving enough to quit my job in tech), sold online at Nordstrom.com, launched a holiday store at the Mall of America and won three awards (Twin Cities Startup Award, Rising Young Professionals and NY Now’s Best New Product).
When I'm not designing and selling jewelry, I am working as a consultant under the Pyrite Project. Here I use my experiences and mistakes as a business owner with MEND to help other companies with branding, email strategy, analytics, and website design.
I am currently based out of downtown Minneapolis. When I am not running two companies, I can be found mentoring women through Women Venture and the University of Minnesota. I am also passionate about reading (right now I've read 14 books this year!), and listening to crime podcasts.
How long have you been a member of the BWC and how has this helped you with your business growth and development? : I've been a BWC member since April of 2018. The BWC helped me get my goals clarified, organized, and planned for completion. The framework helped with growing and scaling my business in the most effective manner. Also, I've made life long friendship with other business owners who I can lean on for support, perspective, and laughs.
What are 1-2 goals you have for 2020?: 1. Our goals in 2020 have changed due to the pandemic. Right now MEND's focus is making an impact the community, focusing efforts online (testing online tradeshows etc.), and designing two limited-edition collections.
2. With the Pyrite Project, continue to bring on women-owned businesses as clients (5-7 projects a quarter)
What motivates you to reach these goals, also, what holds you back?: My motivation is that I have no ceiling as a business owner. Knowing that I am in charge of how far I can go and how successful I can be is what drives me. Also, blazing the trail for other women wanting to take the leap in their own lives.
What holds me back is the occasional self-doubt and fear I'm not enough. In those times, I lean on those who can lift me up and talk some sense into me :)
Can you describe a time you were faced with fear as it pertains to your business and how did you persevere? If you’re currently facing fear, what is causing this? : RIGHT NOW! I am no longer taking a salary (via my venture capital) from MEND Jewelry which means I need a source of income that doesn't mean a 9-5. With my freelance company, I am working with no safety net during a global pandemic and a historical time of change amongst our communities of color. It is a time where fear is constant. But I know that I will always figure out a solution if things change. As a business owner, I am adaptable to change and pause before reacting.
Do you have any best practices to share on how to overcome fear?: Understand the risks if you can. How big is your appetite for risk? What are you willing to deal with? What is the worst-case scenario? What is the best-case scenario? I always look at the different options and make a decision on if it is worth working through.
It's all about asking "can my business / myself handle if this doesn't pan out?" If the answer is yes, then GET GOING! It's not about being fearless, it's about having the courage to try.
Who is a current role model for you, and why?: My business partner, Katherine is my role model. She is whip-smart, kind and so loyal to those she cares about. She believes without any question in me and my abilities. That is someone everyone needs. She challenges me to do better and shares her perspective that most things can be figured out with the right attitude. I am lucky to have her support and friendship.
What are 2-3 things you always take with you when you leave the house? : Bright color backpack, coffee, and lipstick!
Favorite book, podcast or THING from 2019?:
The podcast: Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, the interview with Martin Short. I go back and listen to this when I need a good belly laugh. Not only do I consider Martin Short comedic royalty, but I also love his relatability and his relentless pursuit of teasing (lovingly) his family/friends and himself.
The interview is hilarious and a good reminder for all of us to STOP TAKING IT ALL SO SERIOUSLY.
How can we stay in touch with you?
@mendjewelry
@thepyriteproject
Jordyn, you know how much we adore you, your creative talents, energy and overall enthusiasm for getting s**t done. We are honored to know you, and be alongside you ding your entrepreneurial journey.
The BWC Team