As the last month of the fall season rolls in, we huddle close together with loved ones as we bear the cold and let the holiday festivities begin. If there is one thing we want to take the time to celebrate, it’s thankfulness. The past few years have been difficult for us all, but with the power of loyalty, friendship, and love, the Fort Collins community has grown closer than ever. Supporting small businesses is what gives Fort Collins it's beautiful selection of unique shops, each with something special inside. We had a chance to sit with Susan Harrison, owner of Jewelry Emporium, and ask her how the community has supported her and her business since 1990.
Sometimes we forget to be thankful for what we have. But Harrison has never failed to love her store and everyone who steps inside of it. Her loyal customers have shown their support over the years by referring Jewelry Emporium to their friends and family, as well as coming back to see her whenever the need for a jeweler arises. She says it’s common for the sons and daughters of previous customers to come in, looking for an engagement ring or anniversary present. Even during the trying times of COVID, her customers showed support by sending money to help wherever it was needed.
“I didn’t have a dry eye that day, it really touched my heart,” Harrison says.
When it comes to having a positive impact on the community, giving back is everything! Harrison likes to contribute to the residents of Fort Collins by offering the highest quality jewelry products to her customers. She also has a big heart when it comes to donating time and money to those truly in need. Organizations like the Humane Society, SAVA, Realities for Children, Animal Friends Alliance, and more are places she likes to support in any way she can.
While there are many stores in Fort Collins to buy jewelry, no place makes their customers their priority like Jewelry Emporium! With a passion for her beautiful products, employees, and customers, Harrison believes that giving jewelry lovers the best customer service in the city is what keeps people coming back for more. She loves her loyal customers and says she’s blessed to have so many of them become good friends.
A positive mindset is the most important thing when it comes to being a good boss and managing bad days. Harrison’s daily inspiration comes from God and recognizing all the little things in life to be grateful for, using her commute to the store to pray and set positive intentions before starting her day. Her management style is all about educating her employees so that they can operate and help to run the business as efficiently as she can even when she’s not there! While this may sound like a lot of pressure, Harrison takes on everyday tasks with a positive attitude.
“I’m a real believer that our path - there’s just things thrown in there that make us better people, better working with the general public, understanding it’s not a perfect world,” Harrison says of her outlook. This also falls into her philosophy of always treating people like you want to be treated, wanting them to feel listened to and individually special.
From the moment you walk into the store, you know you’re in good hands with passionate jewelry enthusiasts. Every one of Harrison’s employees and friends are blessed with a lifelong passion for jewelry, gems, and precious metals. Many of which are one of a kind and received from various jewelers and designers around the world. With the extensive collection of diamonds, gemstones, and pearls, you're guaranteed to find the perfect piece for that special someone.
The Fort Collins community is classy and timeless, just like Jewelry Emporium! Some of Harrison’s favorite things about being in this city are its beauty, welcoming feeling, fun, and being so close to the mountains.
“Friendships I've made over the years couldn’t be better,” she says.
Don’t be fooled by their most expensive pieces, there’s a little something for everyone there with a wide range of prices from the twenties to the thousands. If there is one thing Harrison could say to all of her supporters, it would be that she appreciates and loves them and “can’t thank them enough.”
With love, romance, and celebration being the three words Harrison would use to describe her business, what better way to show someone you care than with a beautiful piece of jewelry? This holiday season, let’s all celebrate and be thankful for one another with friendship, memories, and gifts.
