My cousin Ryan Morley is so much more to me than family – he’s one of the best people I know! Currently, this go-getter is building a business from the ground up. In early June, he opened Monocle Jewelers, a hip and unique jewelry store in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. You may be wondering how a young man ends up in the jewelry business. Ryan was literally born into it. His mother, Erika, was sole owner of Ryan’s Jewelry. His namesake store, Ryan grew up inside those walls, gaining appreciation, knowledge, and passion for the business. Even though having a store named after you is pretty dang cool, Ryan seized the opportunity to re-brand the business.
Erika’s love for jewelry began when she was 14. She rode her bike down to Jean’s Jewelry, the original store in the future Ryan’s Jewelers location.
“I locked my bike to the railing on the side of the building and went in to buy my first good piece of jewelry. After buying a few pieces here and there, life takes over and you find yourself married with a child…although a little sparkle mixed in always makes a girl smile.”
In November 1999, Ron, the owner of Jean’s Jewelry, announced he would be closing the store. At that time there was no one to take over the family business. “During a conversation on that fateful day in ’99, Ron laughed and said ‘Do you want to buy a jewelry store?’” Erika remembers.
Making sure to incorporate the history of his mother’s store, Ryan, who is GIA-Diamond certified, worked to set his business apart. In order to expand the store’s reach to the younger demographic, he created a hip and eclectic atmosphere.
I’m happy to be providing impeccable service to the Eastern Upper Peninsula as a second generation owner and jeweler, leading a reputable independent jewelry store. I love making special moments, like purchasing an engagement ring, as personable and seamless as possible. – Ryan Morley, Owner, Monocle Jewelers
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