Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Young.
Hi Robin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My passion for rocks, crystals, and gemstones started in 1998 when I was 16 years old. One of the first jobs I had was at JCPenney. They offered me a position in their jewelry department, which I hesitantly accepted since I initially applied for the “juniors” section. I decided to take the position in jewelry, and little did I know, that would be what shaped my career today.
Customers of mine would ask what the .925 stamp meant on silver jewelry, why their Napier brand necklace turned their skin green, and why their ruby developed hairline cracks after they removed it from the jewelry cleaner. The issue was no one in the jewelry department knew the answers! JCPenney didn’t have the best training at the time, so I was left to my own devices to figure out the answers.
I was determined to learn everything I could about jewelry and gemstones. After reading many books and researching the internet, I learned why some metals turn your skin green, what the silver and gold stampings represent, and why some gemstones cannot go in certain jewelry cleaners. During this research, my curiosity was piqued once I discovered gemstones had metaphysical properties. All of this fascinated me and I wanted to know more!
I graduated from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) as a gemologist in 2004. I worked in many levels of jewelry stores; from the typical mall chains such as Zales, Kay’s, to the prestigious Americus Diamond here in San Antonio. I became so infatuated with gemstones, that I created mini-training documents for some of the chain stores I worked in. I was never satisfied with the gemstone training these stores had to offer, as they lacked a ton of crucial information. I knew that if I had a business one day, I’d make sure my customers knew as much as possible about the stones and or metals they were buying. If they needed help identifying any stones from their personal collection, I’d be able to do that too.
In 2006, I started making my own jewelry and finally got the courage to register my business “True Identity.” I vended to all kinds of events including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, private luncheons, festivals, arts and craft shows, and dance club nights. I started carrying other brands of jewelry in addition to my own. I eventually opened my own store in Ingram Park Mall. I added clothing, accessories, body jewelry and offered consignment to other business owners within the community. We held many in-store events which included “meet and greets” with bands, artists, authors, etc. However, I had to close the store in 2010 due to a high increase in rent.
Around 2011-2012, I decided to step back and clear my mind with a different approach. I had my own personal experiences with gemstones involving their metaphysical properties, so I decided to write a book geared around that. The title would be, “Awakened,” which not only touches on the use of gemstones in a metaphysical way, but also includes recurring dreams, past lives, and the occult. I was immersed in writing the story. Once I finished, I reached out to a few local author friends for guidance in regards to publishing it. “Kody Boye Publishing Services,” helped with editing, formatting, and more!
By November 2019, “Awakened” was published, and by April 2020, I re-opened True Identity as an online rock and crystal shop with free delivery in the San Antonio area.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been smooth. The main struggle was 2020 since I was unable to do any indoor events due to Covid. Vending outdoors is nice, but I’d say one of the main challenges was the weather. It would be too hot, too cold, the wind blew my displays off the table, causing a necklace or a crystal tower to break.
Vending outdoors in the country poses all of the above in addition to uneven grounds for your table, ants, spiders, etc., and if it was windy, dirt would collect in my gemstone holders.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a gemologist and I specialize in identifying gemstones and appraising jewelry. I’m known to go the extra mile in finding the perfect crystal or gemstone for my customers. I enjoy building relationships and getting to know them.
What I’m most proud of is that I didn’t give up the dream of having my own business. I stayed in touch with many customers since day one. I continued to work in and out of jewelry stores just to stay up to date with the latest information within the gem and jewelry industry. As far as setting me apart from others – I’m the only gemologist in San Antonio with a web-based crystal business that offers free delivery in the San Antonio area.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice is to connect with as many people as you can that are within the same field as you. What worked well for me, was LinkedIn. I reached out to other gemologists and crystal shop owners that reside in various cities. I asked questions such as what their best-selling crystals were, to what company they use to run their website.
It’s those little conversations that are priceless and yet have so much impact on shaping your business.
Pricing:
- Tumbled Stones $1.00 – $8.00
- Towers $10.00 – $30.00
- Palm Stones $10.00 – $30.00
- Mineral Specimens $3.00 – $40.00
- Jewelry $8.00 – $30.00
Contact Info:
- Email: RobinY@trueidentityllc.com
- Website: www.trueidentityllc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/trueidentity11
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/trueidentity11
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8efV1gc/
